Ableton Live:
Layout and Functions
Session View
Session View allows the organization of scenes for different
instruments to be launched in a live setting. You can launch all
corresponding clips at the same time from the Master channel or
launch individual scenes from the individual tracks.
Arrangement View
Arrangement View allows you to develop and produce your track like
a traditional DAW.
Ableton Preferences
If running audio through computer speakers choose No Device
under Audio Input Device and Built-in-Output under Audio Output
Device
If running audio through an external Audio Interface choose the
Interface model for both Audio Input Device and Audio Output
Device
MIDI Preferences
Use Link MIDI tab to bring up MIDI preferences
Choose a USB or MIDI connected Controller from Control
Surface to interact with Live. Choose which Inputs and
Outputs to correspond with device.
Connected MIDI Devices will show up under MIDI Ports
Choose Track ON for Input and Output: to enable connected
MIDI Controller to interact Live Instruments and plug-ins,
record MIDI data, to trigger an external hardware device,
send MIDI to an external hardware device and send MIDI
Automation information to an external hardware device.
Choose Sync ON for Input and Output: to allow Live to Sync
to an external sequencer, Drum Machine or DAW
Choose Remote ON for Input and Output: to create custom
MIDI mappings and allow Live to monitor Knob and Fader
parameters.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 7b. 8.
Toolbar
9. 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
1. Link- Allows multiple devices to be 7. Follow Function- When activated the display 15. Punch In Functions- Choose coordinates
synced to Live will follow along with playback. for begin recording or activate to prevent recording
before or after punch in point.
2. External Sync- Enabling allows 8. Arrangement Position- Serves as a
live session to be synced to another device. position map showing where in playback session is 16. Draw Mode Switch- Activate to allow for
playing or stopped. Use to set playback position. MIDI, Envelope and Automation drawing.
3. Tap Tempo, Tempo- Tap Tempo to 9. Play, Stop, Record Function- Play
set speed to touch. Tempo shows the BPM of
17. Computer Midi Keyboard-Activate to
button starts playback. Stop button pauses playback. use computer keyboard as MIDI keyboard.
the session. Pressing stop twice resets playback to the beginning.
4. Nudge Tempo- Nudge pushes the Record button enables recording. 18. Key Map Mode Switch-Activate to
tempo temporarily faster or slower to sync to 10. Midi Arrangement Overdub- When assign keyboard hotkeys.
external music. activated midi recordings are mixed together rather 19. Midi Map Mode Switch-Activate to
than replaced.
5. Time Signature- Formula assign MIDI session controls to controller knobs and
Numerator - How Many = Per Measure 11. Automation Arm- When activated buttons.
Denominator- Quality of Note automated is recorded manually during playback.
20. CPU Load Meter- View to monitor CPU
6. Metronome- Enable to sound an audible12. Re-Enable Automation- If any usage and possible drain on performance quality.
click set to the tempo. Set click to a selectable automation parameters are disabled activate to
quality of note. re-enable automation 21. Hard Disk Overload Meter- If audio
13. Capture MIDI- Activate to capture midi clips are not activated in time due to too many clips
7. Global Launch Quantization- notes
While using a MIDI capable device. being played or recorded at once.
launching clips use this drop down menu to select
14. Session Record Button- activate to 22. Midi Track In/Out Indicator- Use the
when clips will activate. indicator confirm whether or not MIDI signal is active.
beginning record of all armed tracks
1. In/Outs-shows and hides track signal flow information
2. a.Sends- shows and hides track sends
b.Returns- shows and hides return tracks
3. Mixer- shows and hides track mixing information
4. Delay- activate delays and pre-delays for tracks
Use to toggle between Session View and Arrangement
View use us Tab button
Audio Effects
Choose from a range of effects that alter the overall sound of an
instrument.
Audio effects do not serve to change or manipulate MIDI or
notes but to add texture and character to the sound
Audio Effects can be added to MIDI and Audio Tracks
MIDI Effects
Choose from a range of MIDI Effects to manipulate the MIDI
signal and alter the Characteristics of Instruments and Drums
MIDI Effects can only be added to MIDI tracks and not to Audio
Tracks
MIDI Track
Drag and drop Drum racks and Instruments into a MIDI track to write and arrange sequences.
Drop Sequences in Clips and launch them in a Live setting
In the MIDI From drop down menu choose a source of MIDI control.
In the MIDI To drop down menu choose another track or external instrument to send MIDI
signal to.
Track Activator- Turn MIDI track on or off
Solo Button- Activate to hear the sounds only from this track.
Arm Button- Activate to allow recording of MIDI notes into a Clip.
Audio Track
Use an Audio track to Record and Launch Audio
Use Clips to Launch Audio samples
Audio From- Choose single or grouped tracks to record their audio
Audio Channel- Choose which Audio channel to receive Signal from
Monitor- Activate IN for Audio to be heard through this Output and when preparing a track
for recording.
Panning- Choose how far right or left on an output device to send Audio signal
Track Activator- Turn Audio track on or off
Solo Button- Activate to hear the sounds only from this track.
Arm Button- Activate to allow recording of Audio into track
Creating Midi Clips
Highlight area and right click to view editing options. Choose Insert MIDI clips
to create a clip for drawing and recording notes.
In the lower right of the MIDI editor right click to open grid options.
Use Adaptive Grid to narrow the quality of notes live captures during workflow
Use Fixed Grid to choose note subdivisions
Activate Triplet Grid to display selected note qualities in triplet form
Triplets are an odd subdivision of time dividing time evenly between 3 beats.
