Now that you’re all cabled up, open up the MIDI/Sync tab of Live’s Preferences window on the Master computer. In the list of MIDI Ports, locate the Output that the MIDI cable is connected to, and turn on the Sync switch. If you’re using the MIDI output port on a control surface or keyboard, you […]
MIDI SYNC: THE HARDWARE
One of the most common questions I get asked is how to set up two computers to sync to each other. There’s a very short answer I often give to this question, but we’ll get into that later. For now, I’m gonna take you through the steps for setting up sync. The first thing to […]
THE OTHER KICK-BASS SIDECHAIN
Every now and then, I get nice results from sidechaining the bassline to the kick drum using a high pass filter instead of a compressor. There are other ways to get this same sort of thing done, but this approach can yield a really interesting sound. What’s nifty about this approach is that you’re filtering […]
BEATING THE SIDECHAIN CLICK
You may have noticed that Live’s Compressor sometimes produces an audible clicking sound in the signal when the sidechain is activated. There are two easy ways around this. Turn up the Knee: This applies the compression more gradually and often stops the clicking. Or, switch Mode to FF1: FF1 tends to be the most lo-fi […]
THE SIDECHAIN FREEZE: THE CATCH
When you render\export a track with a sidechain effect, you need to bear in mind that it becomes possible for the rendered effect to become out of sync with the sidechain source. That’s the problem with rendering sidechain effects, and the very problem that was mentioned in the first tip on this topic. Therefore, when […]
THE SIDECHAIN FREEZE: STUCK IN THE MIDDLE
The prior tips for freezing a track containing a sidechain device assume that you’re fine with the device being at the very end of the effect chain. For example, what if you’ve got a sidechained Compressor sitting before EQ and distortion? If you move the compressor out of the track, then add it back after […]
THE SIDECHAIN FREEZE, pt. 2
Once you’ve frozen a track that requires a sidechained effect, you’re faced with a decision. Do you need to keep the track frozen, or can it be flattened? If you’re prepared to flatten the track, it’s very simple. Flatten the track, then drag the sidechain device from the track you temporarily parked it in back […]
THE SIDECHAIN FREEZE
Special thanks to Francis Preve for suggesting this tip many months ago…if you’re not familiar with Francis, make sure to check him out. He makes great music and is a terrific educator – he’s the author of the Remixer’s Bible and countless articles for Keyboard magazine. If you’ve ever tried to freeze a track that […]
AUTOMATION EDITING: LOCK IT DOWN
One of the most frequently overlooked features of the Arrangement view is the Lock Envelopes switch: When activated, this switch locks automation to the timeline, instead of to the clip. With this switch enabled, you can make a copy of a clip… …without copying it’s automation. …or delete\replace a clip while leaving the automation in […]
AUTOMATION EDITING: CONFINING MOTION
When moving automation using this technique, you’ll sometimes find yourself accidentally moving the automation to the right and left. It’s nice that this is possible, but aggrivating when it’s not what you mean to do. To confine movement to up and down only, hold down Cmd(Mac) / Ctrl (PC) while dragging. Option/Alt is also used […]
