Dj Tech Dif 1m Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Dj Tech's Dif 1m 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 Dj Tech Dif 1m with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Dif 1m.

Article Contents

Does the Dj Tech Dif 1m work with Ableton Live?
Does the Dj Tech Dif 1m come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Dif 1m to ableton
How to midi map the Dj Tech Dif 1m in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Dif 1m
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Dj Tech Dif 1m work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Dj Tech Dif 1m is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Dif 1m can still be midi mapped to many functions within 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 Dif 1m is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Dif 1m.

Does the Dj Tech Dif 1m come with ableton Live included?

The Dif 1m does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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.

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 Dif 1m to ableton

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

The Dif 1m is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Dj Tech Dif 1m to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Dif 1m, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Dif 1m.
5. Moving the physical control on your Dif 1m 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 Dif 1m

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Dif 1m, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Dif 1m 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 Dif 1m 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 Dif 1m, 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 Dif 1m's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Dif 1m,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Dif 1m, 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 Dif 1m in Ableton Live?

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