Numark Nv Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Numark's Nv is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi DJ controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Numark Nv with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Nv.

Article Contents

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

Does the Numark Nv work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Numark Nv is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Nv to a variety of functions.

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 Nv will be usable with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Nv.

Does the Numark Nv come with ableton Live included?

The Nv does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

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 Nv to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Nv 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 Nv to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Nv 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 Nv from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Nv 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 Nv (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Nv has been configured and is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Once you have connected the Numark Nv to Ableton Live by following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to the corresponding functions in 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 Nv, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Nv.
5. Moving the physical control on your Nv 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 Nv

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Nv, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Nv 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Nv can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton's internal midi mapping mode does not provide every control option, so options such as controlling the selected track or selected device aren't possible. A full list of Ableton midi mapping options can be found here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Nv, 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 Nv's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Nv,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Nv, 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 Nv in Ableton Live?

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