Pioneer Djm S9 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Pioneer Djm S9 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 Djm S9 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Djm S9.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Pioneer Djm S9 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Pioneer Djm S9 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Djm S9 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Pioneer Djm S9 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Djm S9
    1. Saving your Djm S9 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 Djm S9 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Pioneer Djm S9 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Djm S9 can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

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 Djm S9 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 Djm S9.

Does the Pioneer Djm S9 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Djm S9, therefore it 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.

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 Djm S9 to ableton

Linking the Pioneer Djm S9 to Ableton Live is a simple process, and when you have them connected you can control the software’s parameters from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Djm S9 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Djm S9 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 Djm S9 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Djm S9 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 Djm S9 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Djm S9 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Pioneer Djm S9 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 Djm S9, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Djm S9.
5. Moving the physical control on your Djm S9 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 Djm S9

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Djm S9, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Djm S9 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 indicates that each control on your Djm S9 is capable of controlling only one 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 Djm S9, 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 Djm S9’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Djm S9,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Djm S9, 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 Djm S9 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Djm S9 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Djm S9 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Djm S9.
4. Make sure that the Djm S9 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.