Numark Ns7iii Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Numark's Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Ns7iii.

Article Contents

1. Does the Numark Ns7iii work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Numark Ns7iii come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Ns7iii to ableton
4. How to midi map the Numark Ns7iii in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Ns7iii
   1. Saving your Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Numark Ns7iii is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Ns7iii can still be mapped to many of the software's functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Ns7iii is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Ns7iii.

Does the Numark Ns7iii come with ableton Live included?

The Ns7iii doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need 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 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 Ns7iii to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Ns7iii with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Numark Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ns7iii.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii

With Ableton's midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Ns7iii, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions...

Saving your Ns7iii 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 Ns7iii is capable of controlling only one 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 Ns7iii, 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 Ns7iii's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ns7iii,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ns7iii, 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 Ns7iii in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ns7iii is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ns7iii is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Ns7iii.
4. Make sure that the Ns7iii is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.