DJ Tech Tools Mixfader Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The DJ Tech Tools Mixfader is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the DJ Tech Tools Mixfader with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Mixfader.

Article Contents

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

Does the DJ Tech Tools Mixfader work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the DJ Tech Tools Mixfader 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 Mixfader to a variety of functions.

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 Mixfader 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 Mixfader.

Does the DJ Tech Tools Mixfader come with ableton Live included?

The Mixfader does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Mixfader to ableton

Linking and configuring the DJ Tech Tools Mixfader to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software’s settings from your midi DJ controller.

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

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

For the fastest way to map your Mixfader, you can’t go wrong with Ableton’s midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations…

Saving your Mixfader 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 button or knob on your Mixfader can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Mixfader, 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 Mixfader’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Mixfader,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Mixfader, 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 Mixfader in Ableton Live?

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