Pioneer Xdj 1000 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Pioneer Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Xdj 1000.

Article Contents

Does the Pioneer Xdj 1000 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Pioneer Xdj 1000 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Xdj 1000 to ableton
How to midi map the Pioneer Xdj 1000 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Xdj 1000
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Pioneer Xdj 1000 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Pioneer Xdj 1000 is usable with Ableton Live.

Despite the lack of a default MIDI remote script existing within Ableton Live, it is still possible to midi map the Xdj 1000 to a variety of functions.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Xdj 1000 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Xdj 1000.

Does the Pioneer Xdj 1000 come with ableton Live included?

The Xdj 1000 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.

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 Xdj 1000 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Pioneer Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Xdj 1000.
5. Moving the physical control on your Xdj 1000 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 Xdj 1000

Ableton’s midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Xdj 1000, however, you must take into account some potential limitations…

Saving your Xdj 1000 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

With a one-to-one MIDI mapping, each control on your Xdj 1000 can only be assigned to a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Xdj 1000, 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 Xdj 1000’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Xdj 1000,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Xdj 1000, 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 Xdj 1000 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Xdj 1000 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Xdj 1000 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Xdj 1000.
4. Make sure that the Xdj 1000 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.