M Audio Torq Dj Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

M Audio’s Torq Dj is an exceptionally flexible midi and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi 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 M Audio Torq Dj with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Torq Dj.

Article Contents

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

Does the M Audio Torq Dj work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the M Audio Torq Dj is compatible with Ableton Live.

The lack of a MIDI remote script in Ableton Live does not restrict users from midi mapping the Torq 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 Torq Dj is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Torq Dj.

Does the M Audio Torq Dj come with ableton Live included?

You get a complimentary version of Ableton Live Lite with the Torq Dj, but its worth noting that the features of Ableton Live Lite are not as full as those of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

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.

If you’re looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Torq Dj to ableton

Connecting the M Audio Torq Dj 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 .

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

The Torq Dj is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the M Audio Torq Dj and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Torq Dj, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Torq 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

Through a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Torq Dj can only be assigned to 1 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 Torq 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 Torq Dj’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Torq Dj,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Torq 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 Torq Dj in Ableton Live?

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