Numark Idj3 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Numark's Idj3 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 Idj3 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Idj3.

Article Contents

1. Does the Numark Idj3 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Numark Idj3 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Idj3 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Numark Idj3 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Idj3
   1. Saving your Idj3 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 Idj3 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Numark Idj3 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Idj3 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Idj3 will be usable with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Idj3.

Does the Numark Idj3 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Idj3, therefore it must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard's 10GB.

If you're looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Idj3 to ableton

Connecting the Numark Idj3 with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Idj3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Idj3 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 Idj3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Idj3 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 Idj3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Idj3 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Numark Idj3 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Idj3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Idj3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Idj3 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 Idj3

For the fastest way to map your Idj3, you can't go wrong with Ableton's midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations...

Saving your Idj3 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Idj3 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Idj3, 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 Idj3's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Idj3,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Idj3, 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 Idj3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Idj3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Idj3 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Idj3.
4. Make sure that the Idj3 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.