Pioneer Ddj Sz2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Pioneer Ddj Sz2 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 tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Ddj Sz2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Ddj Sz2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Ddj Sz2
    1. Saving your Ddj Sz2 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 Ddj Sz2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 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 Ddj Sz2 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 Ddj Sz2 will be usable with Ableton Live.

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 Sz2.

Does the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn’t included with the Ddj Sz2, so this must be bought 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.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Ddj Sz2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Pioneer Ddj Sz2 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 Ddj Sz2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ddj Sz2 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 Sz2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ddj Sz2 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 Sz2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Ddj Sz2 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 Pioneer Ddj Sz2 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 Ddj Sz2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ddj Sz2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ddj Sz2 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 Sz2

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Ddj Sz2, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Ddj Sz2 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 control on your Ddj Sz2 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Sz2, 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 Sz2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ddj Sz2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ddj Sz2, 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 Sz2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ddj Sz2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ddj Sz2 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 Sz2.
4. Make sure that the Ddj Sz2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.