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

The Mixtrack Platinum from Numark is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Numark Mixtrack Platinum with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Mixtrack Platinum.

Article Contents

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

Does the Numark Mixtrack Platinum work with Ableton Live?

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

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Mixtrack Platinum to multiple functions inside the program.

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 Mixtrack Platinum will be usable 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 Mixtrack Platinum.

Does the Numark Mixtrack Platinum come with ableton Live included?

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

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Platinum to ableton

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

The Mixtrack Platinum will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Numark Mixtrack Platinum to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within Ableton Live by doing the following:

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

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

Saving your Mixtrack Platinum 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 means that each button or knob on your Mixtrack Platinum can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren't possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all 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 Platinum, 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 Platinum's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mixtrack Platinum,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mixtrack Platinum, 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 Platinum in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Mixtrack Platinum is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Mixtrack Platinum 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 Platinum.
4. Make sure that the Mixtrack Platinum is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.