Pioneer Ddj Xp2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Ddj Xp2 from Pioneer is an incredibly versatile midi DJ controller and is a powerful tool when used in combination with Ableton Live. The Akai MPK Mini has a wealth of features that make it perfect for use with Ableton Live.

This tutorial will teach you everything needed in order to use the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 with Ableton Live, including the processes of linking, setting up and midi mapping the Ddj Xp2.

Article Contents

Does the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Ddj Xp2 to ableton
How to midi map the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Ddj Xp2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Ddj Xp2 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Ddj Xp2 is a MIDI capable device, it is fully suited to function with Ableton Live.

You can easily create midi mappings for Ableton, allowing you to access many functions of Ableton Live with your Ddj Xp2.

Does the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not provided with the Ddj Xp2, so it needs to be purchased 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 Ddj Xp2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 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 Xp2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Ddj Xp2 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 Xp2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Ddj Xp2 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 Xp2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Ddj Xp2 is all set and can now be used with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

Upon making a successful connection between the Pioneer Ddj Xp2 and Ableton Live using the instructions above, you can now use MIDI mapping to allocate the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their respective functions in Ableton Live like this:

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 Xp2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Ddj Xp2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Ddj Xp2 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 Xp2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly customize your Ddj Xp2, though it does have a few limitations to be mindful of…

Saving your Ddj Xp2 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

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Ddj Xp2 can only be assigned to 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 Xp2, 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 Xp2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Ddj Xp2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Ddj Xp2, 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 Xp2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Ddj Xp2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Ddj Xp2 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 Xp2.
4. Make sure that the Ddj Xp2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.