DJing with Ableton using MPD26

DJ Software & Apps Ableton
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DJing with Ableton using MPD26

Hello Everyone,

I just started to fuss around with Ableton Live 8 for DJing. I’ve been DJing for about 7 years traditionally but am looking to liven up my sets a little bit.

Basically, I’ve been thinking about purchasing the Akai MPD26. I always loved Akai Products and I actually used to have an APC40 back in 2009, which I mapped to Traktor Pro.

I keep hearing that the APC40 is a perfect choice to use for Ableton if I’m going to be DJing with it, but I really need something that will be a little smaller which is why I am leaning towards the Akai MPD26. Basically I just need to know if I can use the MPD26 in a similar fashion to the APC40 (to launch clips, mix tracks, use effects, etc.)

I honestly haven’t done too much research, nor did I search the board, but I would love some answers!

Thanks!

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i started mixing with an mpd24 and ableton. Use to flip it on it side so the faders where left to right instead of up and down. U have 4 banks of pads to use to trigger scenes and if you take time and install the software you can set the mpd to have 8 banks (128) pads to trigger.

Mapping in ableton is easy so it is only your imagination that holds you back :slight_smile:

The only problem is with no LED feedback it is easy to forget where you are in your scene list so you have to keep checking the screen

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check Ill.Gates DJ templates for ableton. they do cost money but from what i heard they’re worth every penny..

http://illgates.com/2011/07/dj-template-bundle/

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These really are wonderful. I highly recommend them, I used them for quite a while.

If you’re not looking at getting deep into making your own templates and/or doing a true live performance, or want to be able to play great sets while you learn, these are a wonderful starting point.

Besides that, could you give us more info about what you’re looking to do? If you’re mixing internally, for example, I might recommend a larger controller so that you don’t lose all your knobs to things like EQs and filters. I really loved my mpd32 for external, but the couple of times I used it internally, I didn’t feel as flexible.

Also, if you want the “red box” that the apc40 provides on your mpd26, this explains how to do so.Akai MPD-24 / MPD-26 remote script (with red box) - Ableton Forum