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

Numark's Mixtrack Pro Fx is an exceptionally flexible midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Numark Mixtrack Pro Fx work with Ableton Live?

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

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Mixtrack Pro Fx 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 Pro Fx is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Pro Fx.

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

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Mixtrack Pro Fx, so this must be bought separately.

Ableton Live has 3 main versions, Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are very capable pieces of software, the Suite version packs more in, such as over 70GB of library sounds compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mixtrack Pro Fx to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Mixtrack Pro Fx with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

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

The Mixtrack Pro Fx 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 Pro Fx 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 Pro 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 Pro Fx.
5. Moving the physical control on your Mixtrack Pro 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 Pro Fx

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

Saving your Mixtrack Pro Fx Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Mixtrack Pro Fx 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 Pro 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 Pro Fx's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mixtrack Pro Fx,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mixtrack Pro 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 Pro Fx in Ableton Live?

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