Hercules Universal Dj Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Hercules’s Universal Dj is a fantastically adaptable midi DJ controller that is extremely useful when coupled with Ableton Live. This device has a great range of features, making it ideal as an Ableton Live controller.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Hercules Universal Dj with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Universal Dj.

Article Contents

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

In summary, the Hercules Universal Dj is usable with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Universal Dj to multiple functions inside the program.

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 Universal Dj is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Universal Dj.

Does the Hercules Universal Dj come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Universal Dj, so it needs 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.

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 Universal Dj to ableton

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

The Universal Dj will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Hercules Universal Dj to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within 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 Universal Dj, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Universal Dj.
5. Moving the physical control on your Universal Dj 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 Universal Dj

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Universal Dj, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Universal Dj Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

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

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