Numark Scratch Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Numark’s Scratch 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 Scratch with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Scratch.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Numark Scratch work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Numark Scratch come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Scratch to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Numark Scratch in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Scratch
    1. Saving your Scratch Midi Mappings is cumbersome
    2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
    3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
    4. A great solution to these problems
  6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Numark Scratch work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Numark Scratch is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Scratch can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

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 Scratch is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function 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 Scratch.

Does the Numark Scratch come with ableton Live included?

The Scratch 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.

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 Scratch to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Numark Scratch with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they’re connected you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi DJ controller.

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

Set up of the Scratch with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Numark Scratch 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 Scratch, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Scratch.
5. Moving the physical control on your Scratch 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 Scratch

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Scratch, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Scratch 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 means that each button or knob on your Scratch can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Unfortunately, Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode does not include every control options, options such as selected track control and selected device control unfortunately aren’t possible. You can view a comprehensive list of all Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

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

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