Numark Mixdeck Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Numark Mixdeck is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Numark Mixdeck with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Mixdeck.

Article Contents

Does the Numark Mixdeck work with Ableton Live?
Does the Numark Mixdeck come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Mixdeck to ableton
How to midi map the Numark Mixdeck in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Mixdeck
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Numark Mixdeck work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Numark Mixdeck 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 Mixdeck to midi map to numerous functions in 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 Mixdeck 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 Mixdeck.

Does the Numark Mixdeck come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Mixdeck, so this 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.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mixdeck to ableton

Linking and configuring the Numark Mixdeck to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software's settings from your midi DJ controller.

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

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

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Mixdeck, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Mixdeck Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Mixdeck can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

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 Mixdeck, 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 Mixdeck's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mixdeck,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mixdeck, 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 Mixdeck in Ableton Live?

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