Deconstructing an Ableton Live Performance Set
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Once upon a time I took a bunch of my tracks and turned them into a "playable" Ableton Live set. This video goes over how that works, what I did, and what I would do differently.
Patrons can download the entire set here: / 48580009
The album I made with this set, In Control, is here: soundvision.ba...
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Thank you for watching. My name is Jeremy, and this is Red Means Recording. I've been making music for a few decades now, and this channel is a place to make music and to talk about the tools and techniques to make music with. We'll use synths, drum machines, modular gear, and software.
If you'd like to support the channel, I have a Patreon: bit.ly/rmrpatreon
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Finally a video that properly explains a good way to lay out a set!
this is freaking unreal. of all the "dj live in ableton how to videos" this is imo the best method of doing it and the best explained on how to do this method. this just makes so much more sense compared to how alot of others have explained it
I've spent like a decade in Ableton and I so rarely jump into the live view. I need to change that. Thank you for this breakdown!
I'm always starting in clip mode and when track evolve enough i'm switching to arranger 😎
the song using Thom's vocals from Nude is GOLD !
This has always been a bit of mystery for me. If you were to show a ‘how to convert your songs to an Ableton clip/DJ set’, that would be next level.
2:40 You can just flatten or resample particular tracks and put them in live view
just export and select - Render Track - All Individual tracks, then add to session view on a new project, then select all and loop inside a clip (all clips will loop) after start looping to complete your track layout
@@diegopalomarelectronicmusic when doing this, wouldn't you now risk messing up any compressors that are sidechained to other tracks? Maybe I am unique in relying on these as a common component of mastering my songs, but i've wondered if/where/how compression would be handled when swapping to a live setup
@@drwhalemusic sound should be on audio so sidechained and compression wont be affected
There are sooo many people that teach and have natural talent for playing and have a great ear and a great way to communicate but never all in one particular person at the same time.
You do! AND you have that “it” factor for making REALLY good music.
I’m taking your course (if you’re still giving them) thanks for all these years of videos u op1 are my faves
❤️
Holy ish you dropped a lot of gems here. A lot of what you said appears to be fundamental and transfers across anything that has clip triggering functionality. Thank you so much for the education. Also, life exists where it can- no real meaning other than what we give and make of it. Yes, lots more please😁.
Yes!!! Please more ableton stuff!
This video rocks. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to adapt some of my more pop structured work to a live set that won’t kill me but also won’t feel like hitting play on an iPod. This has given me a lot of ideas - thank you!
Who knew one could chop the lyrics of Nude into a banger? Love it!
Ableton live sets are arcane wizard magic to me but the sounds and flashing lights are pretty
“Maybe we’ll learn something, idk, what do you want from me?” -RMR
So inspiring. I feel like for years I've been wanting to use my Push for live performance but never was able to get it in a spot that worked well for me. Really cool seeing how you've done it and it's given me some new ideas.
Finally. I feel that most of the people explains in a way that they assume everything is "common knowledge" when it is not. Thank you, this gave me great insight and ideas on how to live perform!
I have a hardware setup and a use ableton but I’ve been struggling to find use for my push. This video showed me how I can organize my song parts and perform with them to creat the full track I really want. Great video as always. Thanks for posting.
This whole set is sick! Especially liked how you have bass notes on each cell during the Nude remix so you can improv a bassline during the set!
This is invaluable! Just started dipping my toes into the software world, and got a Push 2 a couple days ago. Thanks so much, Jeremy!
this is insanely useful! thank you for all of the great content (and circuit packs) cheers from austin.
Consider Novation Launch Control XL for a midi assignable controller similar to the Behringer one. It has three rows of knobs and one row of decent faders. It also has track select and mute/solo features. It has paired well with the Push 2 for me.
^^^ THIS
was going to rec this too, I too looked forever for a BCR2000 and settled for a launch control. Its great
Love seeing a breakdown like this. It's super fascinating.
What a great lesson! Thanks for the knowledge. Cheers from Brazil
Thanks for sharing your setup. I want to start performing after the pandemic and this is a good video to see the possible way of doing it!
Really inspiring, liked the way how you use the effects rack to have some real live performance. I'm a live keyboard player and I used to have an arranger connected to my live setup to change the harmonization. Great experience for playing on stage.
Dude, “Bees” is so lit bro! When the pandemic is over please do a concert in LA or something, that track was crazzzzyyyyy!!!
I’ve performed in a similar way. It’s fun. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to or can do on stage. There is only one of you. For me, I did some clip launching - mixing and matching, and some longer tracks that I’d jam to on keys. I’ve definitely found that longer clips - like 8,16, or even 32 bars allow you to build in tension and release - even into a repetitive phrase. If you can step away for a bit and the music still breathes, it helps a lot. Also, if it is a piece that is already in song form , I.e. intro , verse, chorus, etc then there is no reason to launch clips. Just make them long clips and let them play. Focus on dynamics and efx.
One of the other things that I forgot to mention is to create a drum kit with hits/fills/percussion/and risers for each song. Grouping those kits into a rack, and then automating a clip to change the chain selector means that you have up to 64 pads of samples at the ready to perform. (Those sounds can be samples from existing piece, but chopped and processed). I've been trying over the pandemic to try to get this type of performance feel without using a DAW.......with varying degrees of success...but that's a different story.....;)
The only reason you may still want to launch clips in a defined arrangement is that it’ll be easier to recover if you make a mistake that throws off the arrangement.
@@fierywatery Fair point, but follow actions can do it for you as well. I just found that if the piece already had a structure that was not going to be varied....it was better for me to focus on something else..... but different strokes for different folks..... cheers ;)
@@HIFI1965 Long sections and follow actions that lead to an improv section with loops is a great compromise.
Took a second to notice where that bass in the "jam" section came from. Neat choice!
Awesome Jermey! Thank you for sharing. I recommend a Midi Fighter 3-D twister for plenty of knobs. It's classic and portable. Looks like you put a lot of work into this particular set. Music is the elixir of life!
Thanks for the walkthrough! Btw, for stopping clips (when the whole column is filled up), you can hit "Stop Clip" and the corresponding track button (right below the LED screen).
Or set the clips to toggle vs trigger
Just subscribed to Patreon and got all the fx and racks he uses at this video + all the samples to play it live. Subscription is worth it and this man is needed.
I am working on a live set and this video is pure gold for me right now. Thanks!
So good, especially that vocal drop at 20:45
Next level! Thank you mr recording!
Hi! I checked out your album on your website. Absolute class! Incredible!
This is amazing, i already downloaded it, Please do more!!!
Thanks again for the helpful and sympathetic explanations :-) Would love to dance to this killer set all night long!
man, you're killin' it! I accidentally stumbled across your channel and clicked at 23:22, and I can't stop listening to that part haha, what a vibe!
As a Renoise user for the last decade, I’m not sure if I can ever give up the tracker workflow. Never tried Ableton seriously but gonna download the trial now.
You wont regret it, the new update is amazing
@@cursedsound I like it a lot actually, very tidy!
This was fun, thanks!
Man, your music is dope. Old good house
This is GOLD!!
The meaning of being alive is that since there is no great mystery beyond the veil, one must enjoy themselves here and now.
Amazing mindset behind this.
Thanks for making this video. I’m a hobbyist Serato DJ just getting into Ableton exactly for this setup. I’d love to see you perform this. I like David August’s Boiler Room set as inspiration. The Akai MIDI Mix has been quite nice, although it’s only 3 knobs per channel.
Man. Im already yor Patreon: Thanks for this beatiful resource!
This is super useful. I've been thinking about setting a set like this with my launchpad. Still need to get my hands on the Midi Fighter Twister.
This video will be super helpful to learn from. Funky tracks aswell.
looks like an average size song I make in Live :) Gems and action packed, real cool project, Jeremy! Just a look of it a music to me :)
Hi Jeremy ! Great live set and thanks for your video. That's funny because i've set up a live set very similar to yours. 8 tracks, almost the same labels ! And FX controlled by knobs.
BTW a controller suggestion : Faderfox PC12.
The only main difference is that i'm mostly midi with synths but since you had the tracks in the first place it makes sense doing audio chops the way you did. Keep up the good vibes bro
Thanks for this knowledge
amazing... more live set like this. i am trying to make them on my own song but it take a lot of practise as u point out.
i tried doing this a decade ago and did not quite have the same success. You've re-inspired me to try again, and this might actually get me on the patreon. The first go around was inspired by M4SONIC and Robert Delong, played off of 2 launch pads and a keyboard. on the outsides of the launchpads I had live samples, on the inside I ran clips, then the keyboard I had split into like 3 different sections. I didn't have a lot of physical knobs to work with so I ended up automating it on LFO's and bouncing it out. This is definitely about where I should have ended up but just didnt have the expertise at the time. Really cool stuff man, this is always what I personally envisioned as the fullest form of electronic music performance, just a man and gear jamming for an hour
This is awesome
Amazing work
I would love to see you do a performance with this
Been looking for something like this for a while. Great video!!!!
Like that thom yorke remix xD
I learned a lot by picking through this Ableton project and learning how you set things up in here, which was fantastic. Since you originally built this Ableton project about a decade ago, I am very curious to hear how you would approach this Ableton interactive live set building using 2024's technology gizmos, and what you might design differently from the beginning based on what you know now, and how you would change your MIDI hardware setup while still keeping it reasonable without too many hardware components (perhaps still keeping a lot of functionality in the laptop inside Ableton). So basically, how would you bring this clip launching project forward by 10 years using the latest 2023/2024 technology (eg. MIDI Fighter Twister to map to effects knobs, Novation Launch Control to get volume sliders and sends, or something exotic like the Yaeltex Live 15, etc.)?
Love this a lot! I feel like I'm getting a glance at a wizard's spellbook
Pleeeeeeease perform this thing! I’d live to hear that!
So great video man! thanks a lot for all this data !!! Cheers
Your tunes are ace mate. 🙂
Interesting. You can definitely see hints of your more performative style in this setup. It's certainly a good start, if you have the correlating gear. Thanks for this. :3
Love the euro rack stuff but I miss the Ableton workflow vids.
I like the idea of interspersing some jam sections so it's not all just rows and rows of scene launching that was a great idea. Also, have a look for an Evolution UC33e, theres usually loads knocking around second hand with plenty of knobs and faders
Damn shorty okay!!! imma fw it !!
Inspiring!
COOL, MAN!!!
Midi fighter twister is a good one, easy replicatable in your was, but that one is perfect for these things
Have you considered the Midifighter Twister or how about something like the Launchcontrol XL for some added knobs/faders?
The dog barking was perfectly synched. Seriously.
Mind blown 🔊🎶♥️
I remember reading about DJing with Live on DJTT a long time ago. The amount of preparation required and number of ways it can all come crashing down kept me away, and even looking at this set makes me incredibly nervous, but you play it really well! I'm glad you made this work for you, and now I'm wondering about ways to make a Live clip launching-based set more improvisational beyond manipulating effects.
The only commercially-available controller I can think of that might replace the BCR is the Faderfox PC12. The Novation Launch Control XL could also work if you can map some parameters to the faders in a way that makes sense. Maybe two Midi Fighters Twister side by side?
Thank you!
interesting, hem... you probably already know, "Behringer BCR 32" is a remake and then you can play again with your effects.
Great video and thnks for being so open and honest. I have a similar ableton setup but for each song go horizontly and down so it can be difficult to navigate though I use iPad midi controllers to trigger clips. HOWEVER after just getting a Push I'm looking for alternatices :)
ps your musics wicked
"BCR32" from Behringer now soon to appear on the market (2-3 months). Same thing as the BCR2000 just sleaker design (+ sequencer functionality also built-in as standard)(dual functionality: controller/sequencer). About 150 euro's.
Thank you!!
You are amazing bro
awesome job! my approach was very similar using the apc40
Please do a performance on this! Currently in the process of switching from a typical pioneer DJ nexus 2 setup to ableton live performance driven setup for my gigs. The initial challenge for me is being able to perform seemless transitions with the various stems I have loaded into the session. Would be great to see a full set of this and see how you go about it!
Great video Jeremy and LOVE the music and the effects chains you’ve got on there. I realise it’s not as tactile as physical buttons, but have you considered using your iPad as a secondary controller? You could use Touchable, for instance and create your own interface that is mapped to your effects. I tend to design the interface with sliders instead of rotary knobs, as it’s easier to use on an iPad. Physical knobs rule though.
Haven't seen any love for the MIDI Fighter Twister in the comments. Best knob controller I've ever come across.
True!
18:32 party like it's 1999!
Would love to see a full performance video of this set. It sounds AMAZING and it could totally be a Cercle video! What would your dream location be if you could do one?
A castle with traps I have to avoid to stay alive
Thanks
What I wouldn't give to have an ableton push :( I really appreciate you walking through this though, never really understood how to set something like this up
if you write "Vandalism A 124bpm" in the master scene, it'll automatically change abletons global tempo to match the scene bpm !
Brills
There is meaning to being alive!!
TR8S nice drum Maschine and perfect Midicontroller for Ableton 😉thank me later…
3:36 how about the “stop clip” button on the top left on the push? :)
Why do you not using the Novation Launch Control XL as a Midi Controller with a lot of knobs? I like it a lot and use it for my Ableton Live Sets....and yes I am crazy like you to do some crazy big projects with to many Clips and Effects. :-D
Like it. Thanks for this vid...
OMG you'r a true Hero.
I would love to learn how to play a live performance, is here any course from Zero to Hero that can help me reach my target ?
Thanks
I don't know, sorry, but I would be happy to do lessons with you on it
🔥
I know it's a year old video but you can use an old ipad laying around to use as a dedicated fx controller.
This is so beautiful ❤️ How do you feel about xone K2 for knobs and faders? I've seen Ben bohmer performing in a similar way and I believe he was using a few of those connected to each other
Great vid!!! Why they stopped making the BCR is beyond me...kinda like Roland not re-issueing their old synths...ive seen bands like Daft Punk still using these
I think they’re working a new version titled BCR64
Clearly, the novation launch control is the winner for knobs in your hands, but have you considred using VCV Rack to control the effects via midi?
TRACK LIST please?? Great video!
dude i really cant find that track "Vandalism" and its KILLING ME! Im guessing u never release it ? I think its an amazing track and was inspire to do something very similar but wanted de full track to see the arrangment. Maybe if u could do a video assambleing that track and publishing in like spotify (like the hole procces that would be AMAZING) anyways amazing track mate
i will try with PUSH 2 + ALLEN HEATH K2 (3 pieces of K2 = 12 channels, 8 for performing and 4 for fx/transitions/ext instruments)
controller suggestion : DOEPFER POCKET DIAL is the most knoby controller, it is super dope 4 banks of 16 encoders i use it with Ableton and Eurorack too .
and about wanting to see you perform this set, the answer is YES YES and YES
🍻🍻🍻