Introduction
In this video by TAETRO, they showcase their favorite MIDI controller setup for Ableton Live performance. The setup allows for playing synths, drums, triggering effect sounds, sampling live vocals, recording and launching loops, and performing cool effects. One important aspect highlighted in the video is the importance of arming tracks in Ableton Live. By arming a track, you can play it with your keyboard or pad controller. Usually, arming tracks in Ableton Live is set to exclusive, meaning that when you arm a new track, it disarms the previously armed track. However, TAETRO recommends turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks to have multiple tracks armed simultaneously. This will allow you to trigger cool effects and add sounds to your transitions at any point during the performance. The effects kit used in the video is a drum rack containing different one-shot sounds, some of which are in key with the song being performed. Although TAETRO used the off-grid controller by Birdkids in the setup, any pad controller can be used for a similar setup. To arm tracks, adjust volumes, and launch clips or scenes, TAETRO uses the APC Mini controller by Akai. The video concludes with a mention of Skillshare, a sponsor offering classes for those looking to pursue a creative career or sharpen their creative skills. By supporting Skillshare and the channel through affiliate links, liking, and subscribing, viewers can help TAETRO continue creating music production content and offering guidance and mentorship in electronic music production.
II. Overview of the Best Live Looping MIDI Controller Setup
Are you looking to enhance your live performances in Ableton Live? Look no further! In this video by TAETRO, they share their current favorite MIDI controller setup for Ableton Live performance. This setup allows you to play synths, drums, trigger effect sounds, sample live vocals, record and launch loops, and perform cool effects.
The Importance of Arming Tracks in Ableton Live
One crucial aspect of this setup is the ability to arm tracks in Ableton Live. By default, arming a track in Ableton Live is set to exclusive mode, which means arming a new track will disarm the previously armed track. However, in this setup, certain tracks need to remain armed throughout the performance to trigger cool effects and add sounds seamlessly. To achieve this, it is recommended to turn off arm exclusivity for these specific tracks. By doing so, you can ensure that the effects track remains armed at all times, allowing you to trigger effects and create unique transitions on the fly.
The Off-Grid Controller and APC Mini
In the video, TAETRO uses the off-grid controller by Birdkids to control the effects track. However, any pad controller can be used for a similar setup. Additionally, the APC Mini controller by Akai is used to arm tracks, adjust volumes, and launch clips or scenes. This combination of controllers provides a versatile and intuitive live performance experience.
Performance Effects and Skillshare Sponsorship
TAETRO showcases the use of knobs and pads for performance effects, such as beat repeats and filtering, adding depth and creativity to the performance. As a sponsor, Skillshare offers classes for those looking to pursue a creative career or sharpen their creative skills. From creating artwork to animating drawings, Skillshare provides a platform for continuous learning and growth. By taking advantage of the free 30-day trial, you can unlock your creative potential and take your skills to the next level.
This MIDI controller setup offers endless possibilities for live performances in Ableton Live. By understanding the importance of arming tracks and making the most of the available controllers and effects, you can take your performances to new heights. So why wait? Start exploring this setup, unleash your creativity, and mesmerize your audience with unforgettable live performances.
A. Enhancing Performance Flexibility
In the realm of live looping and MIDI controller setups, arming tracks in Ableton Live plays a crucial role in enhancing performance flexibility. By arming a track, you enable the ability to play it with your MIDI keyboard or pad controller. This grants you the freedom to seamlessly transition between playing synths, drums, and triggering effect sounds during your performance. The ability to switch between different tracks without disarming previous ones opens up a world of possibilities for creating dynamic and layered performances.
B. Enabling Real-Time Sound Manipulation
One key aspect of arming tracks is the recommended practice of turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks. This ensures that specific tracks, such as the effects track, remain armed at all times. By doing so, you can freely trigger cool effects, add sounds, and create transitions during your performance without interrupting the armed state of the effects track. This real-time sound manipulation allows for creative experimentation and adds a unique touch to your performance.
C. Facilitating Looping and Sampling
Another advantage of arming tracks is its role in facilitating looping and sampling. By arming tracks and using MIDI controllers like the APC Mini, you can easily record and launch loops on the fly. This enables you to capture live vocals, sample sounds, and create loops that can be triggered and looped in real-time. With arming tracks, you have the power to loop and sample various elements of your performance, adding depth and complexity to your live sets.
Arming tracks in Ableton Live is essential for performance flexibility, real-time sound manipulation, and facilitating looping and sampling. By turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks, you can maintain armed states and access a wide range of creative possibilities during your live performances. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned electronic music producer, understanding the importance of arming tracks can take your Ableton Live performances to the next level.
IV. Recommendation to Turn off Arm Exclusivity for Certain Tracks
When it comes to performing with Ableton Live, arming tracks is a crucial aspect of your setup. Arming a track allows you to play it with your MIDI controller, whether it’s a keyboard or a pad controller. By default, Ableton Live has arm exclusivity turned on, which means that when you arm a new track, it automatically disarms the previously armed track.
Why Turn off Arm Exclusivity for Certain Tracks?
However, in certain cases, you may want to have multiple tracks armed at the same time. This is particularly true when it comes to using an effects kit or triggering specific sounds during your performance. For example, if you have a dedicated effects track that you want to be armed throughout your entire performance, you need to turn off arm exclusivity for that track.
How to Turn off Arm Exclusivity
To turn off arm exclusivity for a track in Ableton Live, simply right-click on the arm button of the track and uncheck the “Arm Exclusivity” option. This allows you to keep that track armed while you arm other tracks without them getting automatically disarmed.
By turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks, you have more control over your performance. You can trigger specific sounds, play effects, and add cool moments without interrupting the flow of your performance. This flexibility enhances your creativity and ensures a smooth and seamless live looping experience.
The Perfect MIDI Controller Setup for Ableton Live Performance
Arming tracks in Ableton Live is a crucial aspect of creating a seamless and dynamic live performance. By default, the arm exclusivity feature in Ableton Live disarms previously armed tracks when a new track is armed. However, in certain cases, you may want multiple tracks to stay armed simultaneously, such as when using a dedicated effects track.
Recommendation to Turn Off Arm Exclusivity
To achieve this, it is recommended to turn off arm exclusivity for certain tracks. By right-clicking on the arm button of a track and disabling arm exclusivity, you can keep the track armed even when arming other tracks. This allows for greater control and flexibility during your live performances.
The Offgrid Controller and Alternative Options
In the featured video, the off-grid controller by Bird kids is used for arming tracks and triggering effects. However, since it is no longer available, you can use any pad controller that can be assigned to a drum rack for a similar setup.
APC Mini Controller for Track Arming and Volume Control
The APC Mini controller by Akai is used in the video for arming tracks, adjusting volumes, and launching clips or scenes. Its compact design and versatile functions make it an excellent choice for live performances in Ableton Live. The bottom row of buttons on the APC Mini can be customized to control different functions, including record arming.
Performance Effects Control with Knobs and Pads
The video also showcases using knobs and pads on the MIDI controller for performance effects, such as beat repeats and filtering. These controls offer real-time manipulation of sounds and add creative elements to your live performances.
Arming tracks in Ableton Live is essential for creating an engaging and dynamic live performance. By turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks and using versatile MIDI controllers like the APC Mini, you can take full control of your performance and deliver unique and captivating musical experiences.
Using the Effects Kit and Drum Rack
Setting Up the Effects Kit
One important aspect of this MIDI controller setup in Ableton Live is the use of an effects kit. The effects kit is created using a drum rack that contains a variety of one-shot sounds, some of which are in key with the song being performed. This allows for the easy triggering of different sounds and effects during the performance.
Arming and Exclusive MIDI Control
To ensure the effects kit is always ready to be played, it is armed 100% of the time. This means that the track is always ready to receive input from the MIDI controller. However, by default, when arming a track, Ableton Live sets it to exclusive mode, which means that arming another track will disarm the previously armed track.
Turning off Arm Exclusivity
To avoid disarming the effects kit whenever another track is armed, it is recommended to turn off arm exclusivity for certain tracks. This can be done by right-clicking on any arm button and deselecting the arm exclusivity option. By doing this, the effects track will remain armed even when arming other tracks, allowing for seamless integration of the effects kit into the performance.
By utilizing the effects kit and adjusting the arm exclusivity settings in Ableton Live, you can enhance your MIDI controller setup and create unique and dynamic performances. Explore the possibilities of different sounds and effects, and let your creativity shine in your live performances.
VII. Choosing the Right MIDI Controller
Choosing the right MIDI controller is crucial for a live performance setup in Ableton Live. The controller you select will determine how easily you can play synths, drums, trigger effect sounds, sample vocals, record and launch loops, and perform cool effects. It is essential to find a controller that suits your preferences and meets your specific needs.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a MIDI controller, there are several factors you should consider. First, think about the type of performance you want to achieve. Do you prefer playing keyboards, triggering pads, or using a combination of both? Next, consider the number of tracks you plan to arm simultaneously. If you need to arm multiple tracks at once, ensure that the controller supports this functionality.
Another important consideration is the controller’s compatibility with Ableton Live. Make sure it integrates seamlessly with the software and offers easy mapping options. Additionally, think about the size and portability of the controller. Will you be performing on the go or in a stationary setup? Choose a controller that fits your performance style and environment.
Recommended Controllers
While the off-grid controller by Birdkids mentioned in the video is no longer available, there are several other options to choose from. One popular choice is the APC Mini controller by Akai, which offers a compact design and versatile functionality. It allows you to arm tracks, adjust volumes, and launch clips or scenes effortlessly.
If you prefer a more extensive range of controls, the Launchpad Pro by Novation or the Push 2 by Ableton are great options. These controllers provide a range of pads, knobs, and faders for comprehensive control over your performance.
VIII. The Role of the APC Mini Controller
The APC Mini controller by Akai plays a crucial role in this live looping MIDI controller setup. It allows you to arm tracks, adjust volumes, and launch clips or scenes with ease. With its compact size and intuitive layout, it is a valuable tool for a seamless performance in Ableton Live.
Arming Tracks
One significant aspect of this setup is the importance of arming tracks in Ableton Live. By default, Ableton Live has arm exclusivity turned on, which means that arming a new track would disarm the previously armed track. However, in this setup, certain tracks like the effects track need to remain armed throughout the performance to enable quick and easy access to cool effects. To achieve this, it is recommended to turn off arm exclusivity for these tracks, allowing multiple tracks to remain armed simultaneously.
Volume Control and Clip Launching
The APC Mini controller features faders that allow you to control the volumes of each track in your project. This is particularly useful for making mix adjustments on the fly during your performance. Additionally, the controller’s grid layout enables you to launch existing clips or record new ones with a simple touch of a pad. This feature provides you with the flexibility to create loops, trigger vocals, and unleash dynamic performance effects.
Performance Effects Control
The knobs and pads on the APC Mini controller give you the power to manipulate and control various performance effects. For example, the pads can be mapped to activate beat repeats or trigger vocal filters. The knobs offer further creative possibilities, allowing you to transform the sound of a track in real-time. With just a turn of a knob, you can change a piano loop into a kalimba or experiment with different instrument sounds using Ableton Live’s instrument rack chain selector.
The APC Mini controller is an essential component of this live looping MIDI controller setup. Its ability to arm tracks, control volumes, launch clips, and manipulate performance effects empowers you to deliver an engaging and dynamic performance in Ableton Live.
Performance Effects Using Knobs and Pads
Beat Repeats
One of the key features of this MIDI controller setup is the ability to create performance effects using knobs and pads. The two pads located on the controller can be used to activate beat repeats. By pressing the pads, you can add rhythmic stutter effects to your tracks, which adds excitement and dynamics to your live performance. Pressing the pads again will deactivate the beat repeats, giving you full control over when to use this effect.
Filtering
In addition to beat repeats, the knobs on the controller offer various other performance effects. For example, you can use the knobs to filter specific tracks or even the entire mix. By adjusting the knobs, you can create sweeping filter effects, emphasizing certain frequencies or removing others. This adds texture and interest to your performance, allowing you to shape the sound in real-time and create unique sonic landscapes.
Other Creative Effects
The MIDI controller setup also allows for other creative effects to enhance your live performance. Using the knobs and pads, you can experiment with different sound manipulations, such as adding random stutters or changing the instrument sound of a track. These effects provide endless possibilities for improvisation and adding your own artistic touch to the music.
With the combination of beat repeats, filtering, and other creative effects, you can elevate your live performance to new heights. These tools allow you to create dynamic and engaging performances that captivate your audience. Explore the possibilities and experiment with different effects to find your unique sound and style.
Remember, the key to mastering these performance effects is practice and experimentation. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the setup and explore the various options available. With time and creativity, you can create stunning live performances that showcase your musicality and leave a lasting impact on your audience.
Keep in mind that the MIDI controller setup discussed in this video is just one example, and you can adapt these performance effects to your own setup using any pad controller. The important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Happy performing!
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating a live looping MIDI controller setup in Ableton Live can greatly enhance your performance capabilities. TAETRO’s recommended setup allows for playing synths, drums, triggering effect sounds, sampling live vocals, recording and launching loops, and performing cool effects.
One important aspect of this setup is arming tracks in Ableton Live. By default, arming a track is set to exclusive mode, meaning that arming a new track will disarm the previously armed track. However, TAETRO recommends turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks, such as the effects track, to ensure it remains armed throughout the performance. This allows for quick and easy triggering of cool effects and adding sounds to transitions.
The effects kit used in this setup is a drum rack containing different one-shot sounds. Some of these sounds are in key with the song being performed, adding musicality to the performance.
While the off-grid controller by Birdkids is mentioned as the small white controller used in the setup, any pad controller can be used to achieve a similar setup. The APC Mini controller by Akai is utilized for arming tracks, adjusting volumes, and launching clips or scenes.
Furthermore, the use of knobs and pads on the controller is explained, showcasing examples such as beat repeats and filtering. These performance effects allow for creative expression and adding unique elements to the performance.
In summary, arming tracks in Ableton Live is crucial for a successful live looping MIDI controller setup. By turning off arm exclusivity for certain tracks and utilizing a suitable pad controller, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities in your live performances.