Numark N4 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The N4 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 tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Numark N4 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the N4.

Article Contents

1. Does the Numark N4 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Numark N4 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the N4 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Numark N4 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the N4
   1. Saving your N4 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Numark N4 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Numark N4 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the N4 can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 N4 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 N4.

Does the Numark N4 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the N4, therefore it must be bought 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 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 N4 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Numark N4 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 N4 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the N4 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 N4 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the N4 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 N4 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The N4 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Numark N4 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 N4, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the N4.
5. Moving the physical control on your N4 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 N4

Ableton's midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your N4, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of...

Saving your N4 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your N4 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 provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your N4, 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 N4's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your N4,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your N4, 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 N4 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the N4 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the N4 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the N4.
4. Make sure that the N4 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.