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

Pioneer's Ddj Sb 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 Pioneer Ddj Sb with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Ddj Sb.

Article Contents

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

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

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Ddj Sb to a variety of functions.

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 Ddj Sb will be usable 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 Ddj Sb.

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sb come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn't included with the Ddj Sb, so this 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 Sb to ableton

Linking the Pioneer Ddj Sb to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software's parameters from your midi DJ controller.

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

The Ddj Sb has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Pioneer Ddj Sb to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in Ableton Live by doing the following:

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

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

Saving your Ddj Sb Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Ddj Sb 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 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 Sb, 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 Sb's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ddj Sb,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ddj Sb, 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 Sb in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ddj Sb is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ddj Sb 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 Sb.
4. Make sure that the Ddj Sb is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.