Pioneer Cdj 350 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Pioneer Cdj 350 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Pioneer Cdj 350 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Cdj 350.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Pioneer Cdj 350 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Pioneer Cdj 350 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Cdj 350 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Pioneer Cdj 350 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Cdj 350
    1. Saving your Cdj 350 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 Pioneer Cdj 350 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Pioneer Cdj 350 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Cdj 350 can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Cdj 350 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Cdj 350.

Does the Pioneer Cdj 350 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Cdj 350, therefore it 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 Cdj 350 to ableton

Connecting the Pioneer Cdj 350 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 Cdj 350 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Cdj 350 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 Cdj 350 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Cdj 350 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.

.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Cdj 350 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Cdj 350 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Pioneer Cdj 350 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 Cdj 350, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Cdj 350.
5. Moving the physical control on your Cdj 350 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 Cdj 350

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Cdj 350, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Cdj 350 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 means that each button or knob on your Cdj 350 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 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 Cdj 350, 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 Cdj 350’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Cdj 350,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Cdj 350, 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 Cdj 350 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Cdj 350 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Cdj 350 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Cdj 350.
4. Make sure that the Cdj 350 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.