Numark Ns7 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Numark Ns7 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 teach you everything needed in order to use the Numark Ns7 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Ns7.

Article Contents

1. Does the Numark Ns7 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Numark Ns7 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Ns7 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Numark Ns7 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Ns7
   1. Saving your Ns7 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 Ns7 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Numark Ns7 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Ns7 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 Ns7 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Ns7.

Does the Numark Ns7 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Ns7, 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.

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 Ns7 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Numark Ns7 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 Ns7 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ns7 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 Ns7 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ns7 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 Ns7 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Ns7 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 Ns7 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 Ns7, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ns7.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ns7 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 Ns7

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Ns7, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Ns7 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 indicates that each control on your Ns7 is capable of controlling only one 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 Ns7, 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 Ns7's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ns7,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ns7, 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 Ns7 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ns7 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ns7 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Ns7.
4. Make sure that the Ns7 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.