Pioneer Ddj Sx3 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Pioneer Ddj Sx3 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 guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Ddj Sx3.

Article Contents

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Ddj Sx3 to ableton
How to midi map the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Ddj Sx3
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Ddj Sx3 can still be mapped to many of the software’s 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 Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3.

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Ddj Sx3, 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.

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 Ddj Sx3 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Ddj Sx3 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Pioneer Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ddj Sx3.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Ddj Sx3, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your Ddj Sx3 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 means that each button or knob on your Ddj Sx3 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 Ddj Sx3, 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 Ddj Sx3’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ddj Sx3,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ddj Sx3, 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 Ddj Sx3 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ddj Sx3 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ddj Sx3 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Ddj Sx3.
4. Make sure that the Ddj Sx3 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.