Allen And Heath Xone Db2 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

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The Xone Db2 from Allen And Heath 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 show you the whole process of how to operate the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 with Ableton Live. It will cover the steps of connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Xone Db2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Xone Db2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Xone Db2
    1. Saving your Xone Db2 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 Allen And Heath Xone Db2 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Xone Db2 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 Xone Db2 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work 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 Xone Db2.

Does the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 come with ableton Live included?

The Xone Db2 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison 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 Xone Db2 to ableton

Connecting the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 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 Xone Db2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Xone Db2 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 Xone Db2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Xone Db2 are checked.
4. Ensure that the proper 'Track', 'Remote' and 'Sync' boxes are checked for both input and output.

  • Track: When checked, this allows MIDI notes and CC messages to be sent/received.
  • Sync: This option enables MIDI clock syncing between Ableton live and the external device.
  • Remote: Allows external MIDI controllers to remotely control parameters within Ableton Live.

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In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Xone Db2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Xone Db2 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Allen And Heath Xone Db2 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 Xone Db2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Xone Db2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Xone Db2 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 Xone Db2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Xone Db2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Xone Db2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Saving your mappings can be a problem as mappings are saved with an Ableton session, so if you start a new session you will need to re-map your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Xone Db2 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 Xone Db2, 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 Xone Db2's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Xone Db2,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Xone Db2, 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 Xone Db2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Xone Db2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Xone Db2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Xone Db2.
4. Make sure that the Xone Db2 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.