Ableton Live 10 Reference Manual
Ableton Reference Manual Version 10
for Windows and Mac
Reference Manual by Dennis DeSantis, Michelle Hughes, Ian Gallagher, Kevin Haywood, Rose
Knudsen, Gerhard Behles, Jakob Rang, Robert Henke, Torsten Slama.
1
Schönhauser Allee 6-7 | 10119 Berlin, Germany
Contact Support: www.ableton.com/support/contact
Copyright 2018 Ableton AG. All rights reserved. Made in Germany.
This manual, as well as the software described in it, is furnished under license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. The content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change
without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Ableton. Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information in this manual is accurate. Ableton assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in this book.
Except as permitted by such license, no part of this publication may be reproduced, edited, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Ableton.
Ableton, the Ableton Logo, the Live logo are trademarks of Ableton AG. Apple, Finder, GarageBand, Mac, Macintosh,
macOS, OS X and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. SONiVOX is the brand name trademark of Sonic
Network, Inc. VST and ASIO are trademarks and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. ReWire, Recycle and
REX2 are trademarks of Propellerhead Software AB. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
Content provided by:
2
SONiVOX — www.sonivoxrocks.com
Chocolate Audio — www.chocolateaudio.com
Puremagnetik — www.puremagnetik.com
Cycling ‘74 — www.cycling74.com
SonArte — www.sonarte.ca
e-instruments — www.e-instruments.com
Zero-G — w ww.zero-g.co.uk
Goldbaby — www.goldbaby.co.nz
Sample Magic — www.samplemagic.com
Soniccouture — www.soniccouture.com
Loopmasters — www.loopmasters.com
Uppercussion — www.uppercussion.com
Physical Modeling technology provided by:
Applied Acoustics Systems — www.applied-acoustics.com
Contents
Welcome to Live 21
1.1 The Ableton Team Says: Thank You ……………………………………………………………………21
1.2 What’s New in Live 10? …………………………………………………………………………………21
1.2.1 Device Additions and Improvements ........................................................................21
1.2.2 Capture ...................................................................................................................... 22
1.2.3 Multi-Clip Editing ...................................................................................................... 22
1.2.4 Nested Group Tracks ................................................................................................ 23
1.2.5 Arrangement Editing Improvements ......................................................................... 23
1.2.6 Automation Improvements ........................................................................................ 24
1.2.7 Navigation Improvements ........................................................................................ 24
1.2.8 Mixing Improvements ............................................................................................... 25
1.2.9 Browser Improvements .............................................................................................. 25
1.2.10 Setup Improvements .................................................................................................. 26
1.2.11 Interface Improvements ............................................................................................ 26
1.2.12 File Handling Improvements ..................................................................................... 27
1.2.13 Max for Live Updates ............................................................................................... 28
1.2.14 Push Device Visualizations ....................................................................................... 28
1.2.15 Push Note Layouts ..................................................................................................... 28
1.2.16 Push MIDI Clip Mode ............................................................................................... 29
1.2.17 Additional Push Improvements ................................................................................. 29
3
First Steps 31
2.1 Learn About Live ……………………………………………………………………………………………31
2.1.1 Using the Info View and Index ..................................................................................31
2.2 Setting up Preferences ………………………………………………………………………………… 32
2.3 The Main Live Screen …………………………………………………………………………………… 33
Authorizing Live 37
3.1 Copy Protection FAQs ………………………………………………………………………………… 37
3.1.1 Can I Use Live or Other Ableton Products Without a Serial Number? ................. 37
3.1.2 What if I Change My Computer’s Components? ................................................... 38
3.1.3 Can I Authorize Live More than Once?...................................................................38
3.1.4 Can I Play my Set from a Computer That Is Not Authorized?................................ 38
3.1.5 What Do I Do About Problems or Questions Regarding Copy Protection? ......... 39
Live Concepts 41
4.1 The Browser …………………………………………………………………………………………………41
4.2 Live Sets …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 42
4.3 Arrangement and Session …………………………………………………………………………… 42
4.4 Tracks ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43
4.5 Audio and MIDI ………………………………………………………………………………………… 46
4.6 Audio Clips and Samples ……………………………………………………………………………… 46
4.7 MIDI Clips and MIDI Files …………………………………………………………………………… 48
4.8 Devices and the Mixer ………………………………………………………………………………… 49
4.9 Presets and Racks ………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
4.10 Routing ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
4.11 Recording New Clips …………………………………………………………………………………… 53
4.12 Automation Envelopes ………………………………………………………………………………… 54
4.13 Clip Envelopes …………………………………………………………………………………………… 55
4.14 MIDI and Key Remote ………………………………………………………………………………… 56
4.15 Saving and Exporting ………………………………………………………………………………… 57
4
Managing Files and Sets 59
5.1 Working with the Browser …………………………………………………………………………… 59
5.1.1 Understanding the Browser’s Hierarchy .................................................................. 60
5.1.2 Downloading and Installing Packs in the Browser ..................................................64
5.1.3 User Folders ............................................................................................................... 67
5.1.4 Searching for Files .....................................................................................................68
5.2 Sample Files ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 72
5.2.1 The Decoding Cache .................................................................................................73
5.2.2 Analysis Files (.asd) ....................................................................................................73
5.2.3 Exporting Audio and Video ....................................................................................... 74
5.3 MIDI Files ……………………………………………………………………………………………………81
5.3.1 Exporting MIDI Files ................................................................................................. 82
5.4 Live Clips …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 82
5.5 Live Sets …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 83
5.5.1 Creating, Opening and Saving Sets .......................................................................83
5.5.2 Merging Sets ............................................................................................................. 84
5.5.3 Exporting Session Clips as New Sets ...................................................................... 86
5.5.4 Template Sets ............................................................................................................. 86
5.5.5 Viewing and Changing a Live Set’s File References ............................................... 87
5.6 Live Projects ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 88
5.6.1 Projects and Live Sets ................................................................................................ 89
5.6.2 Projects and Presets ................................................................................................... 92
5.6.3 Managing Files in a Project ...................................................................................... 92
5.7 Locating Missing Files ………………………………………………………………………………… 92
5.7.1 Manual Repair .......................................................................................................... 93
5.7.2 Automatic Repair ....................................................................................................... 93
5.8 Collecting External Files ……………………………………………………………………………… 95
5.8.1 Collect Files on Export .............................................................................................. 96
5.9 Aggregated Locating and Collecting ……………………………………………………………… 97
5.10 Finding Unused Files …………………………………………………………………………………… 97
5.11 Packing Projects into Packs …………………………………………………………………………… 98
5.12 File Management FAQs ……………………………………………………………………………… 98
5.12.1 How Do I Create a Project? .....................................................................................98
5.12.2 How Can I Save Presets Into My Current Project? ................................................. 99
5.12.3 Can I Work On Multiple Versions of a Set? ............................................................ 99
5.12.4 Where Should I Save My Live Sets? ........................................................................ 99
5.12.5 Can I Use My Own Folder Structure Within a Project Folder? .............................. 99
Arrangement View 101
6.1 Navigation ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 101
6.2 Transport …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 103
6.3 Launching the Arrangement with Locators ………………………………………………………105
6.4 Time Signature Changes ………………………………………………………………………………106
6.5 The Arrangement Loop …………………………………………………………………………………108
6.6 Moving and Resizing Clips …………………………………………………………………………… 11 0
6.7 Audio Clip Fades and Crossfades ………………………………………………………………… 11 0
6.8 Selecting Clips and Time ……………………………………………………………………………… 113
6.9 Using the Editing Grid ………………………………………………………………………………… 11 4
6.10 Using the ...Time Commands ………………………………………………………………………… 11 5
6.11 Splitting Clips ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 116
6.12 Consolidating Clips ……………………………………………………………………………………… 117
5
Session View 119
7.1 Session View Clips ……………………………………………………………………………………… 11 9
7.2 Tracks and Scenes ……………………………………………………………………………………… 121
7.3 The Track Status Fields ………………………………………………………………………………… 123
7.4 Setting Up the Session View Grid …………………………………………………………………… 12 4
7.4.1 Select on Launch ......................................................................................................125
7.4.2 Removing Clip Stop Buttons ....................................................................................126
7.4.3 Editing Scenes ..........................................................................................................126
7.5 Recording Sessions into the Arrangement ………………………………………………………… 126
Clip View 131
8.1 The Clip Box ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 134
8.1.1 Clip Activator Switch ................................................................................................134
8.1.2 Clip Name and Color ............................................................................................. 13 5
8.1.3 Clip Signature .......................................................................................................... 135
8.1.4 Clip Groove Chooser ............................................................................................. 135
8.1.5 Clip Offset and Nudging ........................................................................................ 13 6
8.2 The Sample Box ………………………………………………………………………………………… 137
8.2.1 Warp Controls ..........................................................................................................137
8.2.2 Sample Loop/Region and Display ........................................................................ 138
8.2.3 Clip Pitch and Gain ................................................................................................. 144
8.2.4 Destructive Sample Editing ..................................................................................... 14 4
8.2.5 Saving Default Clip Settings with the Sample ....................................................... 145
8.2.6 High Quality Interpolation ..................................................................................... 145
8.2.7 Clip Start and End Fades ........................................................................................ 14 6
8.2.8 Clip RAM Mode ...................................................................................................... 147
8.2.9 Reversing Samples .................................................................................................. 147
8.2.10 Cropping Audio Clips ............................................................................................. 14 8
8.2.11 Replacing and Editing the Sample .........................................................................14 8
8.3 The Notes Box …………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 9
8.3.1 Transform Tools ........................................................................................................ 14 9
8.3.2 Bank and Program Change ....................................................................................15 0
8.3.3 MIDI Loop/Region ..................................................................................................151
8.4 Clip Defaults and Update Rate ……………………………………………………………………… 151
6
Audio Clips, Tempo, and Warping 153
9.1 Tempo ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 3
9.1.1 Setting the Tempo .................................................................................................... 15 3
9.1.2 Tapping the Tempo .................................................................................................. 154
9.1.3 Nudging the Tempo ................................................................................................ 15 5
9.2 Time-Warping Samples ……………………………………………………………………………… 155
9.2.1 Tempo Master/Slave .............................................................................................. 15 6
9.2.2 Warp Markers ......................................................................................................... 157
9.2.3 Using Warp Markers .............................................................................................. 159
9.2.4 Quantizing Audio ....................................................................................................16 5
9.3 Adjusting for Good Stretching Quality …………………………………………………………… 165
9.3.1 Beats Mode ............................................................................................................. 166
9.3.2 Tones Mode ............................................................................................................. 16 7
9.3.3 Texture Mode........................................................................................................... 167
9.3.4 Re-Pitch Mode ......................................................................................................... 167
9.3.5 Complex Mode ....................................................................................................... 167
9.3.6 Complex Pro Mode ................................................................................................16 8
9.3.7 REX Mode ................................................................................................................ 16 8
Editing MIDI Notes and Velocities 171
10.1 Creating an Empty MIDI Clip ………………………………………………………………………… 171
10.2 The MIDI Editor …………………………………………………………………………………………… 172
10.3 MIDI Editor Navigation and Transport …………………………………………………………… 174
10.4 Editing MIDI ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 176
10.4.1 Non-Destructive Editing ...........................................................................................176
10.4.2 Folding and Looping ................................................................................................176
10.4.3 Grid Snapping......................................................................................................... 178
10.4.4 Editing Notes ........................................................................................................... 178
10.4.5 Changing Note Length ........................................................................................... 180
10.4.6 The ...Time Commands in the MIDI Editor ............................................................. 180
10.4.7 Quantizing Notes .................................................................................................... 180
10.4.8 Editing Velocities ......................................................................................................181
10.4.9 MIDI Note Stretch ................................................................................................... 18 4
10.4.10 Cropping MIDI Clips .............................................................................................. 185
10.4.11 Deactivating Notes ................................................................................................. 185
10.4.12 The Transform Tools ................................................................................................. 185
10.5 Multi-Clip Editing ………………………………………………………………………………………… 18 5
10.5.1 Editing in the Session View ..................................................................................... 18 6
10.5.2 Editing in the Arrangement View ............................................................................ 187
7
Converting Audio to MIDI 189
11.1 Slice to New MIDI Track ……………………………………………………………………………… 18 9
11.1.1 Resequencing Slices .................................................................................................191
11.1.2 Using Effects on Slices .............................................................................................191
11.2 Convert Harmony to New MIDI Track …………………………………………………………… 19 2
11.3 Convert Melody to New MIDI Track ……………………………………………………………… 19 2
11.4 Convert Drums to New MIDI Track ………………………………………………………………… 193
11.5 Optimizing for Better Conversion Quality………………………………………………………… 193
Using Grooves 195
12.1 Groove Pool ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 196
12.1.1 Adjusting Groove Parameters ................................................................................ 197
12.1.2 Committing Grooves ............................................................................................... 19 8
12.2 Editing Grooves ………………………………………………………………………………………… 199
12.2.1 Extracting Grooves ..................................................................................................19 9
12.3 Groove Tips ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 199
12.3.1 Grooving a Single Voice ........................................................................................200
12.3.2 Non-Destructive Quantization ...............................................................................200
12.3.3 Creating Texture With Randomization ...................................................................200
Launching Clips 201
13.1 The Launch Box …………………………………………………………………………………………… 201
13.2 Launch Modes ……………………………………………………………………………………………202
13.3 Clip Launch Quantization………………………………………………………………………………203
13.4 Velocity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………203
13.5 Legato Mode ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 204
13.6 Follow Actions ……………………………………………………………………………………………205
13.6.1 Looping Parts of a Clip ...........................................................................................206
13.6.2 Creating Cycles ....................................................................................................... 207
13.6.3 Temporarily Looping Clips ...................................................................................... 207
13.6.4 Adding Variations in Sync ......................................................................................208
13.6.5 Mixing up Melodies and Beats ..............................................................................208
13.6.6 Creating Nonrepetitive Structures ..........................................................................209
Routing and I/O 211
14.1 Monitoring ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 212
14.2 External Audio In/Out ………………………………………………………………………………… 213
14.2.1 Mono/Stereo Conversions .....................................................................................214
14.3 External MIDI In/Out ………………………………………………………………………………… 214
14.3.1 The MIDI Ports List in the Preferences ......................................................................214
14.3.2 Playing MIDI With the Computer Keyboard .......................................................... 215
14.3.3 Connecting External Synthesizers ...........................................................................215
14.3.4 MIDI In/Out Indicators ...........................................................................................216
14.4 ReWire Slave Routing ………………………………………………………………………………… 217
14.5 Resampling ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 218
14.6 Internal Routings ………………………………………………………………………………………… 219
14.6.1 Internal Routing Points ............................................................................................. 220
14.6.2 Making Use of Internal Routing .............................................................................222
8
Mixing 231
15.1 The Live Mixer …………………………………………………………………………………………… 231
15.1.1 Session Mixer Features ...........................................................................................234
15.2 Audio and MIDI Tracks ………………………………………………………………………………… 235
15.3 Group Tracks ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 236
15.4 Return Tracks and the Master Track …………………………………………………………………238
15.5 Using Live’s Crossfader …………………………………………………………………………………239
15.6 Soloing and Cueing …………………………………………………………………………………… 242
15.7 Track Delays ………………………………………………………………………………………………244
Recording New Clips 245
16.1 Choosing an Input ………………………………………………………………………………………245
16.2 Arming (Record-Enabling) Tracks …………………………………………………………………… 246
16.3 Recording ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 247
16.3.1 Recording Into the Arrangement ............................................................................ 247
16.3.2 Recording Into Session Slots ...................................................................................248
16.3.3 Overdub Recording MIDI Patterns ........................................................................250
16.3.4 MIDI Step Recording .............................................................................................. 251
16.4 Recording in Sync ………………………………………………………………………………………252
16.4.1 Metronome Settings ................................................................................................ 253
16.5 Recording Quantized MIDI Notes …………………………………………………………………254
16.6 Recording with Count-in ………………………………………………………………………………254
16.7 Setting up File Types ……………………………………………………………………………………255
16.8 Where are the Recorded Samples? ………………………………………………………………… 255
16.9 Using Remote Control for Recording ……………………………………………………………… 255
16.10 Capturing MIDI …………………………………………………………………………………………… 257
16.10.1 Starting a New Live Set .......................................................................................... 257
16.10.2 Adding Material to an Existing Live Set ................................................................258
9
Working with Instruments and Effects 259
17.1 Using the Live Devices ………………………………………………………………………………… 2 61
17.1.1 Live Device Presets ..................................................................................................264
17.2 Using Plug-Ins …………………………………………………………………………………………… 270
17.2.1 Plug-Ins in the Device View .....................................................................................271
17.3 VST Plug-Ins ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 275
17.3.1 The VST Plug-In Folder ............................................................................................ 275
17.3.2 VST Presets and Banks ............................................................................................277
17.4 Audio Units Plug-Ins …………………………………………………………………………………… 278
17.5 Device Delay Compensation ………………………………………………………………………… 279
Instrument, Drum and Effect Racks 281
18.1 An Overview of Racks ………………………………………………………………………………… 282
18.1.1 Signal Flow and Parallel Device Chains ...............................................................282
18.1.2 Macro Controls .......................................................................................................283
18.2 Creating Racks ……………………………………………………………………………………………283
18.3 Looking at Racks ………………………………………………………………………………………… 284
18.4 Chain List ……………………………………………………………………………………………………286
18.4.1 Auto Select ...............................................................................................................287
18.5 Zones ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 288
18.5.1 Signal Flow through Zones .....................................................................................288
18.5.2 Key Zones ................................................................................................................289
18.5.3 Velocity Zones .........................................................................................................290
18.5.4 Chain Select Zones .................................................................................................290
18.6 Drum Racks ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 292
18.6.1 Pad View .................................................................................................................. 294
18.7 Using the Macro Controls ……………………………………………………………………………296
18.8 Mixing With Racks ……………………………………………………………………………………… 297
18.8.1 Extracting Chains ....................................................................................................298
Automation and Editing Envelopes 301
19.1 Recording Automation in Arrangement View …………………………………………………… 301
19.2 Recording Automation in Session View ……………………………………………………………302
19.2.1 Session Automation Recording Modes .................................................................304
19.3 Deleting Automation ……………………………………………………………………………………304
19.4 Overriding Automation …………………………………………………………………………………304
19.5 Drawing and Editing Automation ……………………………………………………………………305
19.5.1 Drawing Envelopes .................................................................................................307
19.5.2 Editing Breakpoints ..................................................................................................308
19.5.3 Locking Envelopes ....................................................................................................310
19.5.4 Edit Menu Commands .............................................................................................310
19.5.5 Editing the Tempo Automation................................................................................. 311
10
Clip Envelopes 313
20.1 The Clip Envelope Editor ……………………………………………………………………………… 313
20.2 Audio Clip Envelopes …………………………………………………………………………………… 315
20.2.1 Clip Envelopes are Non-Destructive ......................................................................315
20.2.2 Changing Pitch and Tuning per Note ..................................................................... 315
20.2.3 Muting or Attenuating Notes in a Sample .............................................................316
20.2.4 Scrambling Beats .....................................................................................................317
20.2.5 Using Clips as Templates ......................................................................................... 318
20.3 Mixer and Device Clip Envelopes ………………………………………………………………… 318
20.3.1 Modulating Mixer Volumes and Sends ..................................................................319
20.3.2 Modulating Pan ....................................................................................................... 320
20.3.3 Modulating Device Controls ..................................................................................320
20.4 MIDI Controller Clip Envelopes ……………………………………………………………………… 320
20.5 Unlinking Clip Envelopes From Clips ……………………………………………………………… 3 21
20.5.1 Programming a Fade-Out for a Live Set .................................................................3 21
20.5.2 Creating Long Loops from Short Loops .................................................................322
20.5.3 Imposing Rhythm Patterns onto Samples ...............................................................323
20.5.4 Clip Envelopes as LFOs .......................................................................................... 324
20.5.5 Warping Linked Envelopes ..................................................................................... 324
Working with Video 325
21.1 Importing Video ………………………………………………………………………………………… 325
21.2 The Appearance of Video in Live …………………………………………………………………… 326
21.2.1 Video Clips in the Arrangement View ....................................................................326
21.2.2 The Video Window ................................................................................................. 327
21.2.3 Clip View ................................................................................................................. 327
21.3 Matching Sound to Video …………………………………………………………………………… 328
21.4 Video Trimming Tricks …………………………………………………………………………………… 329
Live Audio Effect Reference 333
22.1 Amp ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 333
22.1.1 Amp Tips .................................................................................................................. 335
22.2 Auto Filter ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 336
22.3 Auto Pan …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 339
22.4 Beat Repeat ………………………………………………………………………………………………340
22.5 Cabinet ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 342
22.5.1 Cabinet Tips ............................................................................................................. 343
22.6 Chorus ………………………………………………………………………………………………………344
22.7 Compressor ………………………………………………………………………………………………345
22.7.1 Sidechain Parameters .............................................................................................349
22.7.2 Compression Tips ....................................................................................................350
22.7.3 Upgrading from Legacy Mode .............................................................................. 3 51
22.8 Corpus ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 352
22.9 Drum Buss …………………………………………………………………………………………………356
22.10 Dynamic Tube ……………………………………………………………………………………………358
22.11 Echo …………………………………………………………………………………………………………359
22.11.1 Echo Tab ..................................................................................................................360
22.11.2 Modulation Tab ....................................................................................................... 3 61
22.11.3 Character Tab .......................................................................................................... 362
22.11.4 Global Controls .......................................................................................................363
22.12 EQ Eight ……………………………………………………………………………………………………364
22.13 EQ Three …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 367
22.14 Erosion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………368
22.15 External Audio Effect ……………………………………………………………………………………369
22.16 Filter Delay ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 370
22.17 Flanger ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 372
22.18 Frequency Shifter ………………………………………………………………………………………… 373
22.18.1 Frequency Shifter Tips ............................................................................................. 375
11
22.19 Gate ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 376
22.20 Glue Compressor ………………………………………………………………………………………… 378
22.20.1 Sidechain Parameters .............................................................................................380
22.21 Grain Delay ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 81
22.22 Limiter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………383
22.23 Looper ………………………………………………………………………………………………………384
22.23.1 Feedback Routing ....................................................................................................389
22.24 Multiband Dynamics …………………………………………………………………………………… 389
22.24.1 Dynamics Processing Theory .................................................................................. 390
22.24.2 Interface and Controls ............................................................................................ 392
22.24.3 Sidechain Parameters .............................................................................................394
22.24.4 Multiband Dynamics Tips ....................................................................................... 394
22.25 Overdrive …………………………………………………………………………………………………396
22.26 Pedal ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 397
22.26.1 Pedal Tips and Tricks ...............................................................................................399
22.27 Phaser ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 400
22.28 Ping Pong Delay …………………………………………………………………………………………4 01
22.29 Redux ………………………………………………………………………………………………………403
22.30 Resonators …………………………………………………………………………………………………404
22.31 Reverb ………………………………………………………………………………………………………405
22.31.1 Input Processing .......................................................................................................405
22.31.2 Early Reflections ......................................................................................................406
22.31.3 Global Settings ........................................................................................................406
22.31.4 Diffusion Network ................................................................................................... 407
22.31.5 Output ......................................................................................................................407
22.32 Saturator ……………………………………………………………………………………………………408
22.33 Simple Delay ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 410
22.34 Spectrum …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 11
22.35 Tuner ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 413
22.36 Utility ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 415
22.37 Vinyl Distortion …………………………………………………………………………………………… 417
22.38 Vocoder …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 418
22.38.1 Vocoder Tips ............................................................................................................ 420
12
Live MIDI Effect Reference 423
23.1 Arpeggiator ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 423
23.1.1 Style and Rate Sections .......................................................................................... 424
23.1.2 Transposition and Velocity Sections .......................................................................426
23.2 Chord ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 427
23.3 Note Length ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 428
23.4 Pitch ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 429
23.5 Random ……………………………………………………………………………………………………430
23.6 Scale ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 31
23.7 Velocity ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 432
Live Instrument Reference 435
24.1 Analog ………………………………………………………………………………………………………435
24.1.1 Architecture and Interface ......................................................................................436
24.1.2 Oscillators ................................................................................................................ 437
24.1.3 Noise Generator .....................................................................................................438
24.1.4 Filters ........................................................................................................................439
24.1.5 Amplifiers ................................................................................................................. 440
24.1.6 Envelopes ................................................................................................................. 441
24.1.7 LFOs .........................................................................................................................443
24.1.8 Global Parameters ..................................................................................................444
24.2 Collision ……………………………………………………………………………………………………446
24.2.1 Architecture and Interface ......................................................................................446
24.2.2 Excitator Tab ............................................................................................................ 447
24.2.3 Resonator Tabs ........................................................................................................ 449
24.2.4 LFO Tab .................................................................................................................... 453
24.2.5 MIDI Tab .................................................................................................................. 454
24.2.6 Sound Design Tips ...................................................................................................456
24.3 Electric ………………………………………………………………………………………………………457
24.3.1 Architecture and Interface ......................................................................................458
24.3.2 Mallet Section .........................................................................................................458
24.3.3 Fork Section .............................................................................................................459
24.3.4 Damper Section .......................................................................................................459
24.3.5 Pickup Section .........................................................................................................460
24.3.6 Global Section ........................................................................................................460
24.4 External Instrument ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4 61
24.5 Impulse ………………………………………………………………………………………………………463
24.5.1 Sample Slots ............................................................................................................463
24.5.2 Start, Transpose and Stretch ...................................................................................464
24.5.3 Filter ..........................................................................................................................465
24.5.4 Saturator and Envelope ..........................................................................................465
24.5.5 Pan and Volume ......................................................................................................465
24.5.6 Global Controls .......................................................................................................465
24.5.7 Individual Outputs ...................................................................................................466
24.6 Operator ……………………………………………………………………………………………………466
24.6.1 General Overview ..................................................................................................466
24.6.2 Oscillator Section ....................................................................................................468
24.6.3 LFO Section ............................................................................................................. 471
24.6.4 Envelopes .................................................................................................................472
24.6.5 Filter Section ............................................................................................................ 4 74
13
24.6.6 Global Controls ....................................................................................................... 476
24.6.7 Glide and Spread ...................................................................................................477
24.6.8 Strategies for Saving CPU Power ..........................................................................477
24.6.9 Finally... .................................................................................................................... 478
24.6.10 The Complete Parameter List...................................................................................478
24.7 Sampler ……………………………………………………………………………………………………488
24.7.1 Getting Started with Sampler ................................................................................. 488
24.7.2 Multisampling ..........................................................................................................488
24.7.3 Title Bar Options ......................................................................................................489
24.7.4 Sampler’s Tabs......................................................................................................... 491
24.7.5 The Zone Tab ........................................................................................................... 491
24.7.6 The Sample Tab ....................................................................................................... 498
24.7.7 The Pitch/Osc Tab ................................................................................................... 505
24.7.8 The Filter/Global Tab ............................................................................................. 507
24.7.9 The Modulation Tab .................................................................................................51 0
24.7.10 The MIDI Tab ............................................................................................................ 513
24.7.11 Importing Third-Party Multisamples ........................................................................ 514
24.8 Simpler ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 514
24.8.1 Playback Modes ......................................................................................................515
24.8.2 Warp Controls ..........................................................................................................521
24.8.3 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 522
24.8.4 Envelopes .................................................................................................................524
24.8.5 LFO ........................................................................................................................... 525
24.8.6 Global Parameters ..................................................................................................526
24.8.7 Context Menu Options ........................................................................................... 527
24.8.8 Strategies for Saving CPU Power ..........................................................................528
24.9 Tension ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 529
24.9.1 Architecture and Interface ...................................................................................... 529
24.9.2 String Tab ................................................................................................................. 530
24.9.3 Filter/Global Tab .................................................................................................... 537
24.9.4 Sound Design Tips ...................................................................................................540
24.10 Wavetable ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 541
24.10.1 Wavetable Synthesis ............................................................................................... 541
24.10.2 Oscillators ................................................................................................................ 542
24.10.3 Sub Oscillator ..........................................................................................................543
24.10.4 Filters ........................................................................................................................544
24.10.5 Matrix Tab ................................................................................................................545
24.10.6 Mod Sources Tab .................................................................................................... 547
24.10.7 MIDI Tab .................................................................................................................. 550
24.10.8 Global and Unison Controls ..................................................................................550
14
Max for Live 553
25.1 Using Max for Live Devices …………………………………………………………………………… 553
25.2 Editing Max for Live Devices …………………………………………………………………………554
25.3 Max Dependencies ……………………………………………………………………………………555
25.4 Learning Max Programming …………………………………………………………………………556
Max for Live Devices 557
26.1 Max for Live Instruments ………………………………………………………………………………557
26.1.1 DS Clang .................................................................................................................557
26.1.2 DS Clap ...................................................................................................................558
26.1.3 DS Cymbal ..............................................................................................................559
26.1.4 DS FM ......................................................................................................................560
26.1.5 DS HH ...................................................................................................................... 5 61
26.1.6 DS Kick ..................................................................................................................... 562
26.1.7 DS Sampler ..............................................................................................................563
26.1.8 DS Snare ..................................................................................................................564
26.1.9 DS Tom ..................................................................................................................... 565
26.2 Max for Live Audio Effects ……………………………………………………………………………566
26.2.1 Envelope Follower ...................................................................................................566
26.2.2 LFO ...........................................................................................................................567
26.2.3 Shaper ......................................................................................................................568
26.3 Max for Live MIDI Effects ……………………………………………………………………………… 569
26.3.1 Envelope ..................................................................................................................569
26.3.2 Expression Control ................................................................................................. 571
26.3.3 Note Echo ................................................................................................................ 572
15
MIDI and Key Remote Control 573
27.1 MIDI Remote Control …………………………………………………………………………………… 573
27.1.1 Natively Supported Control Surfaces ................................................................... 5 74
27.1.2 Manual Control Surface Setup .............................................................................. 576
27.1.3 Takeover Mode ....................................................................................................... 577
27.2 The Mapping Browser ………………………………………………………………………………… 578
27.2.1 Assigning MIDI Remote Control ............................................................................. 578
27.2.2 Mapping to MIDI Notes .........................................................................................579
27.2.3 Mapping to Absolute MIDI Controllers .................................................................580
27.2.4 Mapping to Relative MIDI Controllers ..................................................................580
27.2.5 Computer Keyboard Remote Control ....................................................................583
Using Push 585
28.1 Setup …………………………………………………………………………………………………………586
28.2 Browsing and Loading Sounds ………………………………………………………………………586
28.3 Playing and Programming Beats ……………………………………………………………………588
28.3.1 Loop Selector ...........................................................................................................588
28.3.2 16 Velocities Mode .................................................................................................590
28.3.3 64-Pad Mode .........................................................................................................590
28.3.4 Loading Individual Drums ....................................................................................... 5 91
28.3.5 Step Sequencing Beats ........................................................................................... 592
28.3.6 Real-time Recording ................................................................................................ 594
28.3.7 Fixed Length Recording ..........................................................................................596
28.4 Additional Recording Options ………………………………………………………………………598
28.4.1 Recording with Repeat ............................................................................................598
28.4.2 Quantizing ...............................................................................................................599
28.5 Playing Melodies and Harmonies …………………………………………………………………600
28.5.1 Playing in Other Keys ..............................................................................................602
28.6 Step Sequencing Melodies and Harmonies ……………………………………………………604
28.6.1 Adjusting the Loop Length.......................................................................................606
28.7 Melodic Sequencer + 32 Notes ……………………………………………………………………608
28.7.1 32 Notes ..................................................................................................................608
28.7.2 Sequencer ................................................................................................................609
28.8 Navigating in Note Mode …………………………………………………………………………… 610
28.9 Controlling Live’s Instruments and Effects ………………………………………………………… 611
28.10 Mixing with Push ………………………………………………………………………………………… 612
28.11 Recording Automation ………………………………………………………………………………… 614
28.12 Step Sequencing Automation ………………………………………………………………………… 615
28.12.1 Note-Specific Parameters .......................................................................................615
28.12.2 Per-Step Automation ................................................................................................616
28.13 Controlling Live’s Session View ……………………………………………………………………… 617
28.13.1 Session Overview ....................................................................................................618
28.14 Setting User Preferences ……………………………………………………………………………… 619
28.15 Push Control Reference ………………………………………………………………………………… 622
16
Using Push 2 635
29.1 Setup …………………………………………………………………………………………………………636
29.2 Browsing and Loading Sounds ………………………………………………………………………636
29.3 Playing and Programming Beats ……………………………………………………………………640
29.3.1 Loop Selector ..........................................................................................................640
29.3.2 16 Velocities Mode ................................................................................................. 642
29.3.3 64-Pad Mode .........................................................................................................643
29.3.4 Loading Individual Drums .......................................................................................643
29.3.5 Step Sequencing Beats ...........................................................................................647
29.3.6 Real-time Recording ................................................................................................650
29.3.7 Fixed Length Recording ..........................................................................................652
29.4 Additional Recording Options ………………………………………………………………………653
29.4.1 Recording with Repeat ............................................................................................653
29.4.2 Quantizing ...............................................................................................................654
29.4.3 Arrangement Recording ..........................................................................................655
29.5 Playing Melodies and Harmonies …………………………………………………………………656
29.5.1 Playing in Other Keys ..............................................................................................658
29.6 Step Sequencing Melodies and Harmonies ……………………………………………………660
29.6.1 Adjusting the Loop Length....................................................................................... 6 61
29.7 Melodic Sequencer + 32 Notes ……………………………………………………………………663
29.7.1 32 Notes ..................................................................................................................664
29.7.2 Sequencer ................................................................................................................664
29.8 Working with Samples …………………………………………………………………………………666
29.8.1 Classic Playback Mode ..........................................................................................668
29.8.2 One-Shot Mode ...................................................................................................... 670
29.8.3 Slicing Mode ........................................................................................................... 6 71
29.9 Navigating in Note Mode …………………………………………………………………………… 674
29.10 Working With Instruments and Effects …………………………………………………………… 675
29.10.1 Adding, Deleting, and Reordering Devices ..........................................................677
29.10.2 Working with Racks ................................................................................................678
29.11 Track Control And Mixing ……………………………………………………………………………680
29.11.1 Rack and Group Track Mixing ...............................................................................683
29.12 Recording Automation …………………………………………………………………………………685
29.13 Step Sequencing Automation …………………………………………………………………………686
29.14 Clip Mode …………………………………………………………………………………………………686
29.14.1 Using MIDI Tracks in Clip Mode ...........................................................................688
29.14.2 Real-Time Playing Layouts ......................................................................................689
29.14.3 Sequencing Layouts ................................................................................................689
29.14.4 Note-Specific Parameters ...................................................................................... 691
29.15 Controlling Live’s Session View ……………………………………………………………………… 692
29.15.1 Session Overview ...................................................................................................694
29.16 Setup Menu ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 694
29.17 Push 2 Control Reference ………………………………………………………………………………697
17
Link, Synchronization, and ReWire 705
30.1 Setting up Link …………………………………………………………………………………………… 705
30.2 Using Link ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 706
30.3 Synchronizing via MIDI…………………………………………………………………………………708
30.3.1 Synchronizing External MIDI Devices to Live .......................................................708
30.3.2 Synchronizing Live to External MIDI Devices .......................................................709
30.3.3 Sync Delay................................................................................................................710
30.4 Connecting via ReWire ………………………………………………………………………………… 71 0
30.4.1 Running Live in ReWire Master Mode ....................................................................711
30.4.2 Running Live in ReWire Slave Mode ...................................................................... 711
30.4.3 More on ReWire ......................................................................................................712
Computer Audio Resources and Strategies 713
31.1 Managing the CPU Load ……………………………………………………………………………… 713
31.1.1 CPU Load from Multichannel Audio .......................................................................714
31.1.2 CPU Load from Tracks and Devices ........................................................................ 714
31.1.3 Track Freeze ..............................................................................................................715
31.2 Managing the Disk Load ……………………………………………………………………………… 717
Audio Fact Sheet 719
32.1 Testing and Methodology …………………………………………………………………………… 719
32.2 Neutral Operations ……………………………………………………………………………………… 719
32.2.1 Undithered Rendering .............................................................................................720
32.2.2 Matching sample rate/no transposition.................................................................721
32.2.3 Unstretched Beats/Tones/Texture/Re-Pitch Warping ..........................................721
32.2.4 Summing at Single Mix Points .................................................................................721
32.2.5 Recording external signals (bit depth >/= A/D converter) ................................. 722
32.2.6 Recording internal sources at 32 bit ......................................................................722
32.2.7 Freeze, Flatten ......................................................................................................... 722
32.2.8 Bypassed Effects ...................................................................................................... 723
32.2.9 Routing .....................................................................................................................723
32.2.10 Splitting Clips ........................................................................................................... 724
32.3 Non-Neutral Operations ……………………………………………………………………………… 724
32.3.1 Playback in Complex and Complex Pro Mode ....................................................724
32.3.2 Sample rate conversion/transposition ..................................................................725
32.3.3 Volume Automation ................................................................................................. 725
32.3.4 Dithering ...................................................................................................................725
32.3.5 Recording external signals (bit depth < A/D converter)......................................726
32.3.6 Recording internal sources below 32 bit ............................................................... 726
32.3.7 Consolidate .............................................................................................................726
32.3.8 Clip fades .................................................................................................................726
32.3.9 Panning .................................................................................................................... 727
32.3.10 Grooves ................................................................................................................... 727
32.4 Tips for Achieving Optimal Sound Quality in Live ……………………………………………… 727
32.5 Summary and Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………… 728
18
MIDI Fact Sheet 729
33.1 Ideal MIDI Behavior …………………………………………………………………………………… 729
33.2 MIDI Timing Problems ………………………………………………………………………………… 73 0
33.3 Live’s MIDI Solutions ……………………………………………………………………………………730
33.4 Variables Outside of Live’s Control ………………………………………………………………… 731
33.5 Tips for Achieving Optimal MIDI Performance ………………………………………………… 734
33.6 Summary and Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………… 735
Live Keyboard Shortcuts 737
34.1 Showing and Hiding Views …………………………………………………………………………… 737
34.2 Accessing Menus ………………………………………………………………………………………… 738
34.3 Adjusting Values …………………………………………………………………………………………738
34.4 Browsing …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 738
34.5 Transport …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 739
34.6 Editing ………………………………………………………………………………………………………739
34.7 Loop Brace and Start/End Markers ……………………………………………………………… 74 0
34.8 Session View Commands ……………………………………………………………………………… 741
34.9 Arrangement View Commands ……………………………………………………………………… 741
34.10 Commands for Tracks …………………………………………………………………………………… 742
34.11 Commands for Breakpoint Envelopes ……………………………………………………………… 74 3
34.12 Key/MIDI Map Mode and the Computer MIDI Keyboard ………………………………… 743
34.13 Zooming, Display and Selections …………………………………………………………………… 74 3
34.14 Clip View Sample Display …………………………………………………………………………… 74 4
34.15 Clip View MIDI Editor ………………………………………………………………………………… 74 4
34.16 Grid Snapping and Drawing ………………………………………………………………………… 745
34.17 Global Quantization …………………………………………………………………………………… 74 5
34.18 Working with Sets and the Program ……………………………………………………………… 74 6
34.19 Working with Plug-Ins and Devices ………………………………………………………………… 74 6
34.20 Using the Context Menu ……………………………………………………………………………… 746
19
Index 748
20
Chapter 1
Welcome to Live
1.1 The Ableton Team Says: Thank You
Live is the result of musicians wanting a better way to create, produce and perform music using a computer. A great deal of effort has been put into making Live easy and fun to use, yet
at the same time capable of helping you create music with unlimited depth and sophistication.
This effort continues even as you read these lines... in fact, a new, improved Live version might
already be available for download! Please check on our website now1, or choose the Check for
Updates command from the Help menu.
21 Welcome to Live
We hope you enjoy using Live and that it enhances your creative process.
Your Ableton Team.
1.2 What’s New in Live 10?
1.2.1 Device Additions and Improvements
•Wavetable (page 541) is a new dual-oscillator wavetable synthesizer that’s both easy to
program and deeply powerful.
•Echo (page 359) is a new and highly-flexible delay effect with lots of modulation possibilities. It’s capable of a wide range of sounds from classic analog-style delays to modern,
digital approaches.
1 http://www.ableton.com/downloads
•Drum Buss (page 356) is a new effect that brings analog-style character, body, and glue
to drum tracks. Drum Buss combines a range of commonly used drum processing tools into
a single device:
•Pedal (page 397) is a new effect, inspired by three classic guitar distortion pedals. Pedal
is capable of a range of distortion sounds from warm overdrive to aggressive distortion to
heavy and broken fuzz tones.
•Ut i lit y’s (page 415) Gain control can now be adjusted from -infinity dB to +35 dB. The
Left/Right Phase buttons now invert the signal at Utility’s input rather than at its output. A
Bass Mono section allows you to convert frequencies below an adjustable point to mono,
with an adjustable crossover control.
•EQ Eight (page 364) can now boost or cut frequencies down to 10 Hz.
1.2.2 Capture
Capture (page 257) introduces a new way of (not) thinking about MIDI recording.
22 Welcome to Live
Now, Live is always listening to MIDI input on armed or input-monitored tracks. Press the Capture button after you’ve played to create a clip containing your music. Live will automatically try
to find the tempo and set appropriate loop boundaries.
With Capture, you never have to worry about losing your experiments and improvisations
because you forgot to start recording. You can always capture what you’ve just played, after
you’ve played it.
1.2.3 Multi-Clip Editing
Up to eight MIDI clips can be viewed simultaneously in the Detail View.
Within the multi-clip view (page 185), clicking a clip’s notes or its loop bar selects this clip for
editing.
If multiple clips of different lengths are selected, the editor will show as many loop iterations as
are necessary for the clips to realign.
1.2.4 Nested Group Tracks
Group Tracks (page 236) can now be created or moved within other Group Tracks. There is
no limit to the number of nested Group Tracks.
1.2.5 Arrangement Editing Improvements
•Holding [CTRL](PC) / [CMD](Mac) while scrolling will zoom to the mouse pointer’s position. Holding [ALT] while scrolling will zoom the amplitude or pitch of the selected tracks.
•All Arrangement clips within a time selection can be moved using the left and right arrow
keys. Hold [ALT](PC) / [CMD](Mac) while scrolling to temporarily toggle the grid on or off.
•[CTRL][Shift](PC) / [ALT][Shift](Mac)-dragging within an Arrangement clip will slide the
material within the clip without moving the clip itself. Hold [ALT](PC) / [CMD](Mac) while
dragging to temporarily toggle the grid on or off.
•Holding [Shift] while dragging the edge of a warped audio clip in the Arrangement will
stretch the audio.
23 Welcome to Live
•Arrangement clips can be moved by dragging the upper half of the clip. Dragging in the
lower half will select time.
•It’s now possible to activate, deactivate, or reverse a selected range of time. If the time
selection includes only a portion of a clip or multiple clips, Live will split the clips as necessary, then perform the action on the split clips.
•Live now plays back MIDI notes in the Arrangement even if playback is started at a position after the beginning of the notes. This behavior can be toggled off or on via the Chase
MIDI Notes command in the Options menu.
•Double-clicking in a MIDI track in the Arrangement will create a new clip. The clip will be
the length of the Arrangement’s grid resolution.
•When editing in the Arrangement or Detail View, Follow is now paused rather than disabled. Follow will resume when scrubbing or restarting playback.
•[CTRL][L](PC) / [CMD][L](Mac) will now toggle the Arrangement loop on or off.
•Audio or MIDI files can be imported via an “Import...” command in the Create menu. The
file will be inserted at the Insert Marker position in the Arrangement View or in the selected
clip slot in the Session View.
•The Lock Envelopes switch (page 310) can be MIDI or key mapped.
1.2.6 Automation Improvements
•Clip fades are now always available directly on the clip if the track is tall enough.
•In the Arrangement, all automation lanes are shown or hidden via the Automation Mode
button or the [A] key. When automation lanes are visible, the content lanes are minimized
to the height of the clip headers.
•It is possible to Split or Consolidate clips in a time selection within an automation lane.
•Introduced fade edge handles in the Arrangement View, which allow users to change the
duration of a fade in (via the Fade In Start Handle) and fade out (via the Fade Out End
Handle) without affecting the fade peaks. However, a fade edge cannot move beyond the
fade peak. To do this, the clip start/end must be used to increase the size of the clip.
24 Welcome to Live
•Breakpoints now snap to the grid (or to existing breakpoints) when moved horizontally.
•Breakpoint values can now be adjusted vertically without moving the breakpoints in time.
•Automation segments can be moved horizontally.
•It is now possible to create an automation breakpoint by double-clicking anywhere in an
envelope view/automation lane. In the Arrangement View, this means that MIDI clips can
only be created by double-clicking in the content lane.
•Automation values are now displayed when hovering over or dragging breakpoints or
automation segments.
•The [Shift] modifier is no longer required for moving automation segments past existing
breakpoints.
1.2.7 Navigation Improvements
•In Arrangement View, Detail View, Simpler and Sampler, holding [CTRL](PC) / [CMD]
(Mac) while scrolling will zoom to the mouse pointer’s position.
•The Detail View now zooms to show the selected time within an Arrangement clip.
•Pressing [Z] will zoom to the time selection in the Arrangement and Detail Views. Press
[Shift][Z] to zoom back out.
•On U.S. keyboards, it is now possible to zoom by pressing [+] without holding [Shift].
•Audio effects can now be dragged to the Master track’s Scene Launch area.
•Dragging clips from existing tracks to the clip/device drop area creates a new track with
those clips, and also the devices from the original tracks.
•Dragging frozen clips and tails to the clip/device drop area in the Arrangement View creates new frozen tracks (which also contain the devices from the original track).
•Holding [Shift] while scrolling will scroll horizontally on both Mac and Windows (this previously only worked on Macs).
25 Welcome to Live
•The Show All Tracks command in the View and context menus in the Arrangement View
minimizes all tracks, allowing you to see as many as possible on your screen.
1.2.8 Mixing Improvements
A number of small improvements make mixing easier:
•A [right-click](PC) / [CTRL-click](Mac) command can switch each track’s Pan control to a
Split Stereo Pan control. In Split Stereo mode, you can adjust the stereo position of the left
and right channels independently.
•Double-clicking on a knob or slider will reset it to its default value.
•Individual Drum Rack pads can now be routed to one of the Drum Rack’s internal return
chains.
1.2.9 Browser Improvements
•A new Collections section (page 60) of the browser allows you to tag browser items
with up to seven colors. Each color can also be given a custom name. Searching or browsing within a Collection will then show only items with that tag applied.
•Uninstalled Packs or Packs with available updates can be installed directly from the browser.
•Group Tracks (including nested Group Tracks) now appear when unfolding Sets in the
browser, and can be dragged into the current Set.
1.2.10 Setup Improvements
•It is now possible to provide custom names for input and output channels via the Input/
Output Config buttons in the Audio preferences. These names then appear in all Input/
Output choosers.
•It is now possible to choose between different metronome sounds via the Metronome’s
pull-down and context menus.
26 Welcome to Live
•The Metronome can be set to click at various note divisions via its pull-down and context
menus. The default Auto setting follows the time signature’s denominator. Note divisions
that don’t fit into one bar of the current time signature will be disabled.
•When Enable Only While Recording is enabled in the Metronome’s pull-down and context
menus, the Metronome will only be audible while recording. The Enable Only While Recording setting is not saved and must be enabled every time Live is started.
•The Computer MIDI Keyboard is now off by default, and can be toggled on and off with
the [M] key.
•Context menu items now react when the mouse is released, instead of after the initial
mouse click. This makes it possible to drag away from a selection to cancel triggering an
item, while keeping the context menu open. When hovering over disabled context menu
items, they are no longer highlighted.
1.2.11 Interface Improvements
•Updated the appearance of clips.
•Enabled sample dots on waveforms. When zooming in, it’s easier to see where samples
are on the Beat Time Ruler.
•MIDI notes are now drawn in their clip’s color in the Note Editor.
•Added an Assign Track Color to Clips menu item to the context menu of track headers. The
command applies the track color only to clips in the currently active view (Session or Arrangement).
•Incorporated a new font throughout the interface.
•Live’s dials and sliders now look sharp at any zoom level.
•Introduced a set of five new Themes (page 32) in place of the previously available Live
“Skins”.
•The clip/device drop area is now always displayed in Session View to enable dragging.
•Added Pen Tablet Mode to Live’s Look/Feel Preferences. Pen Tablet Mode allows graphic
tablets and touch screens to control Live. This replaces the “AbsoluteMouseMode” options.
txt entry.
27 Welcome to Live
•Live now supports HiDPI monitors on Windows 10.
1.2.12 File Handling Improvements
•The Undo history is no longer cleared when saving a Live Set.
•The Export Audio/Video dialog now shows toggles for Encode PCM and Encode MP3.
When Encode PCM is on, a lossless audio file is created. In addition to WAV and AIFF,
FLAC formats are available for PCM export. When Encode MP3 is on, a CBR 320 kbps
MP3 file is created. It is possible to export PCM and MP3 simultaneously. If neither toggle
is enabled, the Export button will be disabled.
•Saving a Set creates a Backup folder within the Project. This folder contains the 10 most
recently saved versions of the Set.
•Recorded audio files now include a timestamp in the filename.
•Live Sets now load samples faster, which may reducing the loading time of some Sets.
•Large Live Sets can now be closed 5-10 times faster.
Numerous changes for Windows 10:
•Live now supports the Jump List.
•When using Live 9 and 10 in parallel, they no longer ask for admin rights if you start them
interchangeably.
•Owners of both Live 9 and 10 can choose which version of Live to open a Live Set with, by
using the [right-click](PC) / [CTRL-click](Mac) command on that Set and selecting “Open
Wit h”.
•It is now possible to associate .als files with a specific Live version, via “Control Panel” “Apps” - “Default Apps”.
1.2.13 Max for Live Updates
28 Welcome to Live
•Max for Live is now bundled with the Live installation and is loaded whenever Live is
started.
•Max for Live devices can now support multiple audio inputs and outputs, and routing is
available via the Live API.
1.2.14 Push Device Visualizations
•Compressor’s Gain Reduction view and Sidechain controls are now available on Push 2.
•EQ Eight’s filters and spectrum are now visible on Push 2’s display.
•Operator’s envelopes are now displayed graphically on Push 2’s display.
1.2.15 Push Note Layouts
•Melodic Sequencer + 32 Notes is a new note layout on Push 1 (page 608) and Push 2
(page 663) that uses the bottom 32 pads for notes and the top 32 as a step sequencer.
Pressing notes selects them for sequencing. This mode allows for real-time playing and step
sequencing at the same time. Holding Note (Push 1) or Layout (Push 2) temporarily shows
the loop length controls in the fifth row of pads.
•When using the Loop Selector layout in Drum Racks and Simpler’s Slicing Mode, holding
Note (Push 1) or Layout (Push 2) momentarily toggles the 16 Velocities layout.
•When using the 64-pad layout, holding Note (Push 1) or Layout (Push 2) momentarily
shows the loop length controls in the top row of pads.
•Holding Shift while pressing Note (Push 1) or holding Shift while pressing Layout (Push 2)
now locks the alternate layout on. Pressing Note (Push 1) or Layout (Push 2) again returns
to the original layout.
•Layouts are now remembered per track.
•Holding Duplicate and tapping a loop length pad copies the contents of that page and
allows you to paste it to another page by tapping the corresponding loop length pad.
•Holding Delete and tapping a loop length pad deletes the content of that page.
29 Welcome to Live
1.2.16 Push MIDI Clip Mode
•When using MIDI tracks in Clip Mode (page 688), Push 2’s display shows the notes
within the selected MIDI clip.
•MIDI clips can be cropped from Push 2.
1.2.17 Additional Push Improvements
•Control Surfaces, including Push 1 and 2, are now available when Live runs as a ReWire
slave.
•The Repeat button’s state is now remembered for each track.
•Added Split Stereo Pan Mode to Push 1 and 2. When Split Stereo Pan Mode is active
while in Global Mix Mode, the current pan value is displayed but the pan dial is inactive.
In Track Mix Mode, either the pan dial or stereo pan sliders are shown, depending on the
active pan mode.
•It is now possible to convert audio to MIDI from Push 2, via the Convert button.
•The Collections folder for color labels is now a root level entry in the Push 2 browser.
•Nested chains can now be displayed, folded, and unfolded on Push 2.
•On Push 2, holding a track’s selection button arms the track.
30 Welcome to Live
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