The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 teach you everything needed in order to use the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2.
Article Contents
- Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?
- Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 come with ableton Live included?
- How to connect the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 to ableton
- How to midi map the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 in Ableton Live
- The Limitations of midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2
- Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 work with Ableton Live?
In a nutshell, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is able to work fully with Ableton Live.
Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.
All versions of Ableton Live, Intro, Lite, standard and suite can be used in conjunction with pretty much any device which sends MIDI data, and it will work with all versions of Live such as 9, 10 and 11. As the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.
You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2.
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 come with ableton Live included?
The Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.
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 Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 to ableton
Connecting the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 dj controller.
1. Connect the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 S4 Mk2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 S4 Mk2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).
Set up of the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 with Ableton Live is now complete.
How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live
After linking up the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:
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 S4 Mk2, 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 S4 Mk2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 S4 Mk2
Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…
Saving your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 indicates that each control on your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is capable of controlling only one parameter in Ableton Live.
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 Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2, 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 S4 Mk2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2, 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 S4 Mk2 in Ableton Live?
There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 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 S4 Mk2.
4. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.