Numark Nv Ii Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Numark's Nv Ii 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.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Numark Nv Ii with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Nv Ii.

Article Contents

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

In a nutshell, the Numark Nv Ii is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Nv Ii to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Nv Ii is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Nv Ii.

Does the Numark Nv Ii come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Nv Ii, so this 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.

Ableton Live Suite includes many more Audio and MIDI effects compared to Standard, so if you want to ensure you have everything, we recommend going with Ableton Live Suite.

How to connect the Nv Ii to ableton

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

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

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Nv Ii, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Nv Ii 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 control on your Nv Ii can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Nv Ii, 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 Nv Ii's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Nv Ii,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Nv Ii, 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 Nv Ii in Ableton Live?

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