Numark Mixtrack Ii Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Numark Mixtrack Ii 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Numark Mixtrack Ii with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mixtrack Ii.

Article Contents

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

Does the Numark Mixtrack Ii work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Numark Mixtrack Ii is usable with Ableton Live.

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

All editions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, can be used with any device that sends out MIDI data. This is the case for all versions of Live, 9, 10, or 11. Seeing as the Mixtrack Ii is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Mixtrack Ii.

Does the Numark Mixtrack Ii come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Mixtrack Ii, 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.

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 Mixtrack Ii to ableton

Linking the Numark Mixtrack Ii to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

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

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

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Mixtrack Ii, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your Mixtrack Ii 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

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Mixtrack Ii is capable of controlling only one 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 Mixtrack Ii, 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 Mixtrack Ii's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mixtrack Ii,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mixtrack Ii, 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 Mixtrack Ii in Ableton Live?

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