Ableton Live is, as you may know, an extremely powerful piece of music software. You can produce, mix, master, and even DJ inside of it with ease.

With Live’s Audio Warping engine and friendly “Session” layout, DJing is a very real possibility. Whether you’re sidegrading from turntables/CDJs to an all digital setup or are an existing Live user looking to use it for all aspects of your musical work, chances are you’re going to need to build a type of live performance/DJ rig.

Intro

Like I said above, you can use Live for just about anything. In this article, I’ll be focusing on the live performance and DJ-centered world.

There are several things that I think you’ll need for a live performance with Live:

1. An interface with at least two outputs (this should be a piece of cake) or four outputs for a DJ set
2. A laptop running Live 8, 7, or what have you
3. Some type of MIDI controller – for either scenario
4. A mixer – two-channel or larger (not really necessary, but I like having a mixer)
5. Proper cabling (a no brainer)

Interfaces

The goal for this section is to provide you with an interface that will allow you to use Ableton Live as a replacement for CD players or turntables. To effectively do this, you’ll need an interface with at least four line outputs. If you have a four channel mixer and and prefer to do four “deck” mixes, then find an interface with eight line outputs. For now, let’s just stick with basic two deck mixing.

The interface I like the most for this job is the one you see to right left: the Native Instruments Audio 4 DJ. It’s $199, small, has four line outputs, and sounds about as good as you could hope it to. Alternatively, if you already have the Traktor Scratch Pro package, you’ll be more than at home with the Audio 8 DJ, the big brother to the Audio 4.

The other solid option is the Focusrite Saffire 6 – four line outputs at -10dBv, two 1/4″ line outputs at +4dBu. Two XLR combo inputs (for instrument or mic level), phantom power, and headphone output makes this slightly more than your typical DJ interface.

Conclusion: If you already own a solid recording interface that lacks the line outputs for a DJ set, go with the Audio 4 DJ. If you’re looking at grabbing an interface that will do equally as well in the studio and at clubs, get the Saffire 6.

MIDI Controllers

Oh boy. There’s a lot of options and lot of good choices. As a performer using Live for live PA style sets or for straight DJ sets, your controller can be something to set you apart from the rest of the crowd using CDJs and 1200s.

Obviously there are two major choices: the Novation Launchpad and the Akai APC40 (the APC20 will soon be an option as well). Both have their pros and cons, but I suggest reading my Launchpad review to see if maybe that controller is for you.

There’s a couple of new controllers that you should be on the look out for if you’re looking to grab a new piece of gear: the Livid Instruments Ohm64 and Block. While I’ve yet to have any hands-on time with these units, I don’t see how they WOULDN’T be able to fit comfortably into your Live setup.

Conclusion: There’s a lot of options as far as MIDI controllers go. I didn’t even touch on the scenario of using an MPD in your setup, but that’s an option to. Here’s how I break down the choices of controllers for Live:

• The Launchpad is cheap, built to be moved around, and so much fun to use. That being said, it takes a little time with it to really get used to all the page/mode shuffling. The User Modes are a godsend and Automap just makes everything a bit easier to setup.
• The APC40 has a slightly smaller grid than the Launchpad, but also has faders (including a crossfader) and encoders. It’s slightly less cryptic and a little easier to use. It’s also bulkier, more expensive, and therefore a little less “travel friendly.” In my opinion, while the APC40 is completely usable live, it’s much more of a studio utility.
• The Ohm64 and Block are amazing pieces of gear. If you want to distance yourself from the more cookie cutter/mass produced looks that are apparent in the Launchpad/APC, then the Livid Instruments controllers might be your way to go. I’m sure they map to Live just fine, but they do carry a more “boutique” price tag. Summary: If you want to stand out, be prepared to shell out some more cash.

Mixers

Mixers are another field that can get kind of crazy. There’s a lot of options, but for what I’m doing, I typically will choose from three brands: Allen & Heath, Pioneer, or Denon.

It should also be known that a mixer may not be entirely necessary. You could easily take your four line outputs (or two for that matter) and run them into the Front of House console. If you are using Live as a CD/turntable replacement, however, then an external mixer is absolutely necessary.

Let’s take a look at a few mixers, then. We’ll look at a couple of two and four channel mixers from each of the three above brands.

• Allen & Heath Xone:22 – In my opinion, you just can’t beat the A&H sound quality when it comes to DJ mixers. For $399, you get a beast of a two channel mixer that even includes a proper FX loop. The filters, EQs…the Xone series is legendary.
• Allen & Heath Xone:42 – Obviously the next step up from the Xone:22 and at around the same price as the soon-to-be-discussed DJM800 (around $1,300). The Xone:42 also boasts a USB port and the popular A&H filters and EQs.
• Pioneer DJM400 – For $599, you get a two channel mixer that sounds good and has a little more flash than the Xone:22. It has some pretty cool onboard FX (thus the lack of any aux sends/returns), and two 1/4″ mix inputs. Not much more expensive than the Xone:22, so if you really want/need some FX for your sets, maybe look the way of the DJM400.
• Pioneer DJM800 – Four channels, tons of FX, and the fact that this thing is found in just about every major club in the world make it the most popular option. It doesn’t have the USB connectivity of the Xone:42, but it does sport four digital (SPIDF) inputs as well as a digital out. Add to that an aux send/return and a ton of different I/Os and you’ve got one hell of a club mixer. At $1,699 it is slightly more expensive than the Xone:42, but it might be worth it.
• Denon DN-X120 – Denon don’t really have a lot of two channel options as far as DJ mixers. The DN-X120 is a two channel scratch mixer that definitely doesn’t look as club friendly as the Xone:22 or the DJM400. It will, however, do the job. At $199, it may be the best option if you’re on a budget.
• Denon DN-X1700 – Wow. What a club mixer. Two separate FX processors, bright LCD screens, and just about everything else the DJM800 has and a little more. Two different USB slots on the back are available. One for your flashdrive and the other to plug it into your computer. It’s got four digital inputs, one digital output, and the “world’s first” 32-bit DAC. It’s also got two different layers: MIDI and audio. It’s $1,799, but the extra money (versus the DJM800) seems to make it worth the money.

Conclusion

Whether its performing your original material live or strictly playing other people’s music, Live is up for it. The setup discussed here is just the tip of the iceberg – there’s a lot more innovation to be had and a lot of tweaks you can do to set yourself apart from the rest of the flock.

Obviously, if you’re looking for next level stuff, check out controllers like the Monome, JazzMutant Lemur, and even the Apple iPad when it comes out. Also, don’t be afraid to leave your mark on your DJ sets: get a mixer with an aux send/return so you can use some outboard FX gear (Kaosspad, etc). Don’t forget that you can easily create your own loops, sounds and FX inside Live to lay over an otherwise dry DJ set.

Next I’ll be discussing how to actually set up Live 8 to work for your live set. Stay tuned!

5 Responses to “Building An Ableton Live DJ Rig”