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

The Pioneer Xdj Rr 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.

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

Article Contents

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

Does the Pioneer Xdj Rr work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Pioneer Xdj Rr is compatible with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Xdj Rr can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

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 Rr 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 Rr.

Does the Pioneer Xdj Rr come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite is not included with the Xdj Rr, therefore it must be bought separately.

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 Rr to ableton

Connecting the Pioneer Xdj Rr with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi DJ controller.

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

The Xdj Rr is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Pioneer Xdj Rr to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

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

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

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

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