Numark Dj2go2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Numark's Dj2go2 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi DJ controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Numark Dj2go2 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Dj2go2.

Article Contents

1. Does the Numark Dj2go2 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Numark Dj2go2 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Dj2go2 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Numark Dj2go2 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj2go2
   1. Saving your Dj2go2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Numark Dj2go2 work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Numark Dj2go2 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Dj2go2 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Dj2go2 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Dj2go2.

Does the Numark Dj2go2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Dj2go2, so it needs to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard's 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Dj2go2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Dj2go2 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Dj2go2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Dj2go2 and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Dj2go2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Dj2go2 are checked.
4. Ensure that the ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are all checked.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Dj2go2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Dj2go2 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Numark Dj2go2 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Dj2go2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dj2go2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dj2go2 will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Dj2go2

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Dj2go2, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Dj2go2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Dj2go2 can only be assigned to 1 parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton's internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren't currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Dj2go2, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool 'Control Surface Studio' is exactly what you need!
With it, you'll be able to:
- save and re-use your Dj2go2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dj2go2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dj2go2, than Live's internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can't I hear my Dj2go2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Dj2go2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Dj2go2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Dj2go2.
4. Make sure that the Dj2go2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.