Pioneer Xdj Rx2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

The Xdj Rx2 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 explain all you need to know on using the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Xdj Rx2.

Article Contents

Does the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 work with Ableton Live?
Does the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Xdj Rx2 to ableton
How to midi map the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Xdj Rx2
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 work with Ableton Live?

In short, yes, the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 is compatible with Ableton Live.

Despite the absence of a built-in MIDI remote script within Ableton Live, users can still use the Xdj Rx2 to midi map to numerous functions in the software.

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 Rx2 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Xdj Rx2.

Does the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 come with ableton Live included?

Ableton Live Lite isn’t included with the Xdj Rx2, so this must be bought separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Xdj Rx2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Pioneer Xdj Rx2 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 Rx2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Xdj Rx2 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 Rx2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Xdj Rx2 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 Rx2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Xdj Rx2 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 Xdj Rx2 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 Xdj Rx2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Xdj Rx2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Xdj Rx2 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 Rx2

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Xdj Rx2, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your Xdj Rx2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Xdj Rx2 can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

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 Rx2, 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 Rx2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Xdj Rx2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Xdj Rx2, 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 Rx2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Xdj Rx2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Xdj Rx2 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 Rx2.
4. Make sure that the Xdj Rx2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.