Pioneer Xdj R1 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Pioneer Xdj R1 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.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Pioneer Xdj R1 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Xdj R1.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Pioneer Xdj R1 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Pioneer Xdj R1 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Xdj R1 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Pioneer Xdj R1 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Xdj R1
    1. Saving your Xdj R1 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 Xdj R1 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Pioneer Xdj R1 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Xdj R1 can still be mapped to many of the software’s 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 Xdj R1 will be usable with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Xdj R1.

Does the Pioneer Xdj R1 come with ableton Live included?

The Xdj R1 doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions with Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Though Intro and Standard are both comprehensive, Suite offers much more, such as 70GB of library sounds, in comparison 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 Xdj R1 to ableton

Linking and configuring the Pioneer Xdj R1 to Ableton Live is not too complicated, and once you have them paired together you can control the software’s settings from your midi DJ controller.

1. Connect the Xdj R1 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Xdj R1 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 R1 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Xdj R1 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 R1 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Xdj R1 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Pioneer Xdj R1 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 Xdj R1, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Xdj R1.
5. Moving the physical control on your Xdj R1 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 R1

For the fastest way to map your Xdj R1, you can’t go wrong with Ableton’s midi mapping system, but make sure you take into account these limitations…

Saving your Xdj R1 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 Xdj R1 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 Xdj R1, 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 R1’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Xdj R1,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Xdj R1, 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 R1 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Xdj R1 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Xdj R1 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 R1.
4. Make sure that the Xdj R1 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.