Pioneer Ddj Rz Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Ddj Rz from Pioneer 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 Pioneer Ddj Rz with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Ddj Rz.

Article Contents

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

Does the Pioneer Ddj Rz work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Pioneer Ddj Rz is compatible with Ableton Live.

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

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 Ddj Rz is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Ddj Rz.

Does the Pioneer Ddj Rz come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Ddj Rz, therefore it 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.

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 Ddj Rz to ableton

Connecting the Pioneer Ddj Rz with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

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

Set up of the Ddj Rz with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

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

Saving your Ddj Rz 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 control on your Ddj Rz can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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

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