Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 is a versatile midi dj controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it’s an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi dj controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol D2.

Article Contents

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Traktor Kontrol D2 to ableton
How to midi map the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol D2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Traktor Kontrol D2 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

All forms of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, Standard and Suite, can work with practically any instrument that sends out MIDI data, and it will be compatible with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. Due to this, the Traktor Kontrol D2 will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Traktor Kontrol D2.

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn’t included with the Traktor Kontrol D2, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Although Intro and Standard are both powerful, Suite offers extra features, such as 70GB of library sounds, in contrast to Standard’s 10GB.

For those who want to guarantee they have access to the largest selection of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest investing in Ableton Live Suite, as it has a much larger selection than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Traktor Kontrol D2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi dj controller.

1. Connect the Traktor Kontrol D2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Traktor Kontrol D2 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 Traktor Kontrol D2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Traktor Kontrol D2 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 Traktor Kontrol D2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Traktor Kontrol D2 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 Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2 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 Traktor Kontrol D2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Traktor Kontrol D2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Traktor Kontrol D2 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 Traktor Kontrol D2

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Traktor Kontrol D2, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Traktor Kontrol D2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Traktor Kontrol D2 is capable of controlling only one 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 Traktor Kontrol D2, 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 Traktor Kontrol D2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Traktor Kontrol D2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Traktor Kontrol D2, 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 Traktor Kontrol D2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol D2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol D2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Traktor Kontrol D2.
4. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol D2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.