Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Z1 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol Z1.

Article Contents

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Traktor Kontrol Z1 to ableton
How to midi map the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Traktor Kontrol Z1
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Traktor Kontrol Z1 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Z1 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 Z1.

Does the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Traktor Kontrol Z1, therefore it must be bought 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.

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 Traktor Kontrol Z1 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Traktor Kontrol Z1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Z1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Z1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Traktor Kontrol Z1 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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 Z1, 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 Z1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Z1

For the fastest way to map your Traktor Kontrol Z1, you can’t go wrong with Ableton’s midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations…

Saving your Traktor Kontrol Z1 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping indicates that each control on your Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Z1, 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 Z1’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Traktor Kontrol Z1,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Traktor Kontrol Z1, 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 Z1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol Z1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol Z1 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 Z1.
4. Make sure that the Traktor Kontrol Z1 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.