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

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum Fx is a versatile midi DJ controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi DJ controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Numark Mixtrack Platinum Fx work with Ableton Live?

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

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Mixtrack Platinum Fx can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

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 Fx 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 Mixtrack Platinum Fx.

Does the Numark Mixtrack Platinum Fx come with ableton Live included?

The Mixtrack Platinum Fx doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need 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.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mixtrack Platinum Fx to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Mixtrack Platinum Fx with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi DJ controller.

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

Set up of the Mixtrack Platinum Fx with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Numark Mixtrack Platinum Fx to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

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 Fx, 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 Fx.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mixtrack Platinum Fx 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 Fx

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Mixtrack Platinum Fx, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Mixtrack Platinum Fx 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 button or knob on your Mixtrack Platinum Fx 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 Mixtrack Platinum Fx, 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 Fx's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mixtrack Platinum Fx,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mixtrack Platinum Fx, 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 Fx in Ableton Live?

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