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

The Pioneer Ddj Sz is a highly versatile midi controller and is a powerful instrument when used in combination with Ableton Live. This midi DJ controller has a great selection of features that make it perfect for your Ableton Live setup.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Pioneer Ddj Sz with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Ddj Sz.

Article Contents

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

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sz work with Ableton Live?

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

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Ddj Sz 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 Ddj Sz is a MIDI enabled device it will be fully compatible with Ableton.

You can create your own Ableton midi mappings with ease, giving you the power to control many of the features of Ableton Live with your Ddj Sz.

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sz come with ableton Live included?

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

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison to Standard’s 10GB.

For those seeking the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we highly suggest purchasing Ableton Live Suite, as it offers significantly more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Ddj Sz to ableton

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

The Ddj Sz is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

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

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

Saving your Ddj Sz Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Ddj Sz can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available 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 Sz, 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 Sz’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ddj Sz,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ddj Sz, 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 Sz in Ableton Live?

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