Decenas de diseñadores sonoros se unen para crear un mapa poético del metro de Londres

Un grupo de casi 100 diseñadores y artistas sonoros se unieron para expandir los mundos posibles de los sonidos de la línea del tren subterráneo de Londres, en un mapa donde se combinan los espacios geográficos con la imaginación poética.

http://bit.ly/2bCqBlt

Pensión y derechos de autor ¿incompatibles? El Defensor del Pueblo recrimina a la Seguridad Social

Esa era la esencia de la pregunta que el Defensor del Pueblo lanzó hace 4 meses a la Seguridad Social. Y tras la respuesta recibida, llegan sus recomendaciones a la administración.

http://bit.ly/2bVi5fy

El sonido de las aves como nunca antes lo habías visto

¿Cómo te imaginas visualmente el sonido de un ave de la Amazonía? ¿Que formas visuales tiene un cruce entre una planta y el sonido? El artista Andy Thomas te lo sugiere desde una fascinante exploración audiovisual

http://bit.ly/2bzO5HT

Korg MR-2000SBK SSD, un grabador a 1 bit ahora más sólido

El ya conocido MR-2000S adopta ahora un disco SSD para ofrecer una solución de registro master en rack a prueba de terremotos y en la alta calidad del Direct Stream Digital a 1 bit, con altísima velocidad de muestreo.

http://bit.ly/2bzS1n4

BomeBox, Bome MIDI Translator por fin en hardware

MIDI Translator, un software bien conocido por los amigos de las instalaciones audiovisuales e interactivas, puede ahora usarse sin ordenador gracias a BomeBox. Interconexión MIDI e integración con comandos de ratón, teclado y puertos serie de ordenador son parte de sus méritos.

http://bit.ly/2bx3dqI

Music Tech News Roundup August 2016

This music tech news roundup features the latest announcements and emerging technologies from Roland, KORG, Novation, JD Sound, and Soundtoys.

Roland to Host 24-Hour Online Music Festival + New Product Reveals

Roland announces the “first-of-its kind” 24-hour online music festival called “The Future. Redefined” on September 9th as a tribute to #909Day. The worldwide event fuses liveliness and diversity with artist performances, new product debuts, product demonstrations, and interviews with leading artists. During the festival, Roland will reveal more than 30 new musical instrument products during streaming video broadcasts from VIP events in Tokyo, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Toronto, NYC, Los Angeles, and more. Roland will introduce new synthesizers, digital pianos, electronic drums, DJ equipment, BOSS guitar related products, and a new genre of musical instrument never offered before by Roland.

Stream the “The Future. Redefined” here.

KORG Electribe Firmware Update

KORG has released a notable update to the newer Electribes’ firmware with version 2.02, which brings a much-requested undo function and a pattern chaining function that will be a great asset for live performances or music production. The lineup has also become more colorful with the new metallic blue model. In addition, KORG is also offering 200+ new bonus patterns that reveal even greater sonic potential.

Read more at KORG

KORG Arp Odyssey Desktop Spotted

A now removed photo shared by keyboardist DANiiVORY (Theresa Danielle Flaminio), may have unintentionally leaked the reveal of a desktop version of the ARP Odyssey. Spotted in the photo next to the ‘KARP Odyssey’ keyboard appears to be two KORG ARP Odyssey desktop-style synthesizers without keyboards. For now, it’s only speculation, and we can only wait to see what the future brings.

Novation Launchpad Pro Scale Mode

The latest firmware update for Novation’s popular Launchpad Pro introduces Scale Mode, which expands upon the existing Note Mode. The new Scales Mode browser opens up the ability to use Launchpad Pro as an expressive musical instrument while retaining its ability to offer intuitive control over Ableton Live and external hardware in Standalone Mode. Watch Harry Coade take us through some of the scales in his performance using the Bass Station 2 to highlight Scales Mode and hardware control.

Read more at Novation

JD Sound GoDJ Portable DJ System

Korean company JD Sound has designed an ultra-portable battery powered DJ system called GoDJ Plus which is being funded through an Indegogo Campaign. Inspired by GoDJ Pocket Music Studio, the GoDJ Plus features more detailed knobs, launch pads, 16GB internal memory, built-in speakers, various effects, a host of performance tools, and more.

Read more at Indegogo

Soundtoys Feature on Tycho

Scott Hansen is a San Francisco-based producer, composer, musician, graphic designer, and mastermind behind the critically-acclaimed project Tycho. Soundtoys invited Scott to their headquarters to discuss inspiration, gear, production, design, and using Soundtoys plug-ins in his creative workflow.

 

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Mixing and Mastering Program

Transform rough ideas and basic compositions into dance floor bangers and sonically pleasing commercial quality masters. Learn the well-kept industry secrets of EQ, compression, panning, level balancing, reverb and special effects.

About This Program

This program gives you everything you need to refine tracks into a clear commercial quality release, including special mixing and mastering techniques for dubstep, techno, house, trance, downtempo, hip-hop, and the gamut of electronically-produced music.

You will learn to mix and master your tracks using the same plugins that top industry engineers use every day, including plugins by Izotope, Soundtoys, Sonnox, Altiverb, and more.

What’s Included

• Mixing & Mastering Level 1: Mix
• Mixing & Mastering Level 2: Modify
• Mixing & Mastering Level 3: Master

Additional Information

Visit the Mixing and Mastering course page for detailed information on this program here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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The post Music Tech News Roundup August 2016 appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

Escucha y recorre una cámara anecoica en este vídeo a 360 grados

El ingeniero acústico y teórico del sonido Trevor Cox ha grabado un curioso vídeo en 360 grados donde explora la cámara anecoica de la universidad de Salford en Manchester.

http://bit.ly/2bwOrz0

Korg podría estar preparando un ARP Odyssey en módulo

Hace un par de días, una teclista italiana compartía una inocente foto en su Instagram, rodeada de máquinas Korg. Pronto los más observadores se dieron cuenta de que había algo nuevo a sus espaldas.

http://bit.ly/2bwNhn7

Jordan Rudess habla sobre MIDI, teclados y controladores

El popular teclista de Dream Theater nos habla de su primer contacto con el MIDI y la secuenciación, del papel de esta tecnología en su estudio y en directo, y del uso de controladores y teclados alternativos.

http://bit.ly/2bRXhGL

Soft Drummer, las baterías acústicas iOS de Lumbeat en su versión más suave

Un despliegue cuidado y generoso de sonidos, la siempre sorprendente capacidad de improvisación de las apps Lumbeat y una nueva función 'live pads', dan un atractivo peculiar a esta nueva app, que mira al lado 'soft' de la batería.

http://bit.ly/2bFB5kt

PreSonus Notion 6 integra por fin sus partituras con Studio One

Doble novedad hoy en PreSonus, pero con un mismo motivo: la edición de partituras. Notion 6 ahora puede integrarse con el DAW Studio One, ya sea en el mismo ordenador o entre diversos ordenadores en la misma red.

http://bit.ly/2bKsj29

Las chicas también hacen scratch

Aunque su presencia es inusual en grandes eventos de turntablism, hay una buena representación de mujeres con grandes dotes para el scratch tratando de abrirse paso en el sector. Conoce caras, nombres, y arte, de mujeres que hacen lo posible para que deje de ser raro ver a una fémina haciendo malabarismos tras unos platos.

http://bit.ly/2biGfAz

Nuevo Pioneer XDJ-1000MK2, una pequeña actualización del reproductor

Con poco más de año y medio en el mercado, Pioneer DJ renueva el XDJ-1000 convirtiéndolo en el XDJ-1000MK2 con algunos cambios estéticos, nueva salida digital y funciones que lo aproximan a su hermano mayor, aunque su precio también es mayor.

http://bit.ly/2bkyRpT

Un bosque fantasma y el paisaje sonoro grabado más allá de la simulación

Exploramos la más reciente instalación sonora del artista español Francisco López, titulada "Ghost Forest" (bosque fantasma) y dedicada a la exploración del paisaje sonoro más allá de sus fuentes materiales.

http://bit.ly/2bx8I6i

The Album Leaf’s Launchpad Epiphany

Así se creó el mundo sonoro y musical de Stranger Things

¿Cómo se hizo el sonido y la música de una de las series que más revuelo ha causado en lo que va del año?

http://bit.ly/2bKGiDn

Top 10 Budget Audio Interfaces for Producers

Shopping for an audio interface that matches your needs and budget can often become a daunting task. To help narrow down the selections in a saturated market we put together a list of top ten affordable audio interfaces for music producers that offer professional sound quality and essential features.

Apogee ONE

The Apogee ONE is an all-in-one portable, USB audio interface that provides all the essentials needed to make professional recordings on the go or in the studio. This pocket size interface boasts some serious qualities and award-winning sound. The ONE features a built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone, two analog inputs that include an XLR microphone and 1/4” instrument connector on a breakout cable, a mic preamp, USB 2.0 connection with 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion, and two analog outputs including a 1 1/8 stereo output for headphones or powered speakers.

Read more at Apogee Digital

Behringer U-Phoria UM2

The ultra-compact U-Phoria UM2 audio interface is simple, affordable, and very effective in the studio or on the road. This quality USB audio interface sports a studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamp, a combination XLR/TRS connections for vocal and direct instrument input, and an additional 1⁄4″ Instrument Input. The feature-set also boasts a Phones output with Level control and Direct Monitoring, USB-supplied power, and two Outputs with low latency. In addition, provides 48 kHz resolution for pristine audio quality, LED indicators, and includes free audio recording, editing, and podcasting software.

Read more at Behringer

NI KOMPLETE AUDIO 6

The rugged KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 from Native Instruments is a six-channel USB audio interface that provides everything needed to record, play, and perform music. This popular all-around interface is loaded with four analog ins/outs, S/PDIF digital in/out, MIDI in/out, two high-end microphone preamps with Cirrus Logic converters to deliver pristine sound, a headphone output with independent level control, and is USB powered. In addition, the AUDIO 6 provides direct monitoring for 100% latency-free monitoring and includes KOMPLETE ELEMENTS, a full production package of sounds and effects.

Read more at Native Instruments

Roland QUAD-CAPTURE

QUAD-CAPTURE by Roland is another professional quality interface that delivers wherever you take it. Its compact, durable aluminum body design sports a pair of XLR/TRS inputs with premium VS Mic Preamps, two TRS outputs, coaxial I/O, headphone out, MIDI I/O, pristine 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality, ultra-low latency performance, and is USB powered. Also included is Graphical Control Panel software and an AUTO-SENS feature that automatically sets the ideal recording level for each input.

Read more at Roland

Novation Audiohub 2×4

Novation has partnered with Focusrite to deliver the Audiohub 2×4 which combines a compact professional audio interface with a powered three-port USB hub for connecting and powering all your USB gear at once. The aluminum Audiohub 2×4 is designed to help declutter your setup while also offering high quality 96 kHz/24-bit resolution, and all the essential features to rock the studio or the club. The Audiohub is equipped with two TRS outputs, four RCA outputs, two RCA Line Inputs with a selectable gain switch, an Input Monitor switch, headphone socket with output select switch, three USB type A sockets for connecting USB devices to the hub, two Volume controls, and more. Also included is Ableton Live Lite 9 and a Kensington security slot.

Read more at Novation

Audient iD14

The all-metal USB powered iD14 from Audient delivers the audio performance of a large format console in a compact and elegant desktop package. iD14 provides a pair of world-class Audient Console Mic Preamplifiers, 2-in/4-out high-performance Burr Brown AD/DA Converters, a JFET D.I instrument input designed to replicate a classic valve amplifier, independent Class-AB headphone output, main speaker output, and an optical input connector for expanding up to ten inputs via an eight-channel mic pre. This rugged interface is also equipped with console style monitor control, intuitive mixer software, and a revolutionary ScrollControl feature that turns the volume encoder into a virtual scroll wheel that allows you to adjust DAW hosts, plug-in parameters, iD14’s mixer app, and even scroll through your iTunes library.

Read more at Audient

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen)

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is another excellent compact USB audio interface that combines affordability, cross-platform operation, a comprehensive feature set, and the same class-leading sound quality as the rest of the latest Scarlett range. The USB powered Scarlett 2i4 boasts two microphone preamps with global phantom power, a pair of Neutrik combo XLR/TRS 1/4″ input connectors with line/instrument switches, MIDI I/O, four analog RCA outputs, and a headphone output all housed in a rugged aluminum unibody chassis. Direct monitoring is also available to avoid latency while recording and signal halos surrounding the gain knobs that provide visual feedback of proper input levels. Scarlett 2i4 also comes with Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools | First – Focusrite Creative Pack, which features 12 additional plug-ins, Softube’s Time and Tone bundle, the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, Novation’s Bass Station Virtual synthesizer, and 2GB of Loopmasters samples.

Read more at Focusrite

Mackie Onyx Blackjack

The Onyx Blackjack from Mackie is a 2 x 2 USB powered interface equipped with two boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps, high-end 24-bit/48kHz conversion, a built-in DSP matrix mixer, and a pair of DI phantom powered inputs. “Built-Like-A-Tank,” the Onyx Blackjack features a sleek, powder-coated all-metal chassis, Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters that offer an 114dB dynamic range, true analog hardware monitoring of inputs, in mono or stereo, for easy zero-latency recording, and separate studio monitor outputs and headphone outputs, each with independent level controls. Also included is Tracktion 3 music production software.

Read more at Mackie

Behringer XENYX UFX1204

The incredible XENYX UFX1204 from Behringer is one of the best-sounding 12-Input, 4-Bus compact live-sound mixers on the market. This portable performance mixer is equipped with four premium-grade XENYX Mic Preamps, four studio-grade “one-knob” Compressors, 3-band “British” EQs with sweepable mid band, and a world-class 24-bit Multi-FX processor with 16 editable presets. Along with a built-in 16 x 4 USB/FireWire audio interface, the UFX1204 features HI-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars, four Channel Inserts and balanced Main Mix outputs on ¼” TRS and XLR connectors, two Aux Sends per channel, two stereo Aux Returns, separate CD/Tape input, a full-featured Talkback section, and a plethora of output options. This impressive unit also comes with the legendary Tracktion 4 Music Production Software. Plus, you can use the UFX1204’s built-in 16-Track USB-Recorder to record directly to a USB stick or your PC/Mac computer. Additionally, the UFX1204’s transport section can even function as remote control for your computer-based DAW via its convenient, onboard MIDI capability.

Read more at Behringer

Motu Audio Express

The Audio Express from MOTU is a 6-in/6-out compact, fully featured hybrid audio interface and mixer that connects to any current Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0. This unit provides a lot of connectivity and an extensive host of features. The 8-bus Audio Express serves as the perfect portable mixer. It gives you immediate, hands-on control of your mix using the front-panel status LEDs and knobs to mix volume independently from the input’s trim level. The mixer can also take signals from its six inputs and mix them to an output pair, such as the main outs. You get a separate mix for main outs, line outs, S/PDIF digital out, and phones. Better yet, you have complete control over all four mix busses with direct access to volume, mute, and solo for each input. There is truly too many other features and included software options to list.

Read more at Motu

 

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Sound Design Komplete Program

Finding the right sound can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Learn the fundamentals of synthesis and sampling and gain the depth of knowledge to shape sounds the way you want them or make your own sounds from scratch.

About This Program

Become fluent in the language of sound design and synthesis with this comprehensive program. This six-level Sound Design program uses Native Instruments’ Komplete as a platform for learning synthesis and sampling techniques. Starting with an introduction to the properties of sound, this comprehensive series of courses covers the major techniques used for contemporary sound design.

You will learn to create your own sounds with a variety of techniques and add a personal sonic signature to your tracks. We introduce you to the latest synthesis and sampling technologies and show you how to use the world’s largest and most diverse sound library. In the advanced levels, you will acquire total control over all aspects of the Komplete instruments while practicing genre-based sound design.

What’s Included

• Sound Design Level 1: Introduction to Komplete
• Sound Design Level 2: Synthesis with Massive, FM8 and Absynth
• Sound Design Level 3: Sampling with Kontakt and Battery
• Sound Design Level 4: Advanced Sound Design
• Sound Design Level 5: Reaktor Ensembles and Production Techniques
• Sound Design Level 6: Reaktor Programming and Instrument Building

Additional Information

Visit the Music Foundations course page for detailed information on this program here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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The post Top 10 Budget Audio Interfaces for Producers appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

Roland presentará nuevos sintes en su "día 909"

¿Planea Roland un revival de la icónica caja de ritmos 909, como ya hizo con los Boutique y la serie AIRA? El próximo 9 de septiembre (9-09) saldremos de dudas.

http://bit.ly/2bCAoY4

¿Hasta cuánto pagarías por un disco de vinilo?

Con el auge del vinilo, se están viendo algunos precios escandalosos en subastas y sitios de segunda mano, como aquí en Mercasonic. ¿Pero cuánto estarías dispuesto a pagar tu disco más codiciado? Lo estamos discutiendo en los foros.

http://bit.ly/2bCAIpv

La importancia de una buena mezcla musical en directo

La mezcla musical es un arte que ha alcanzado su máxima expresión en el estudio de grabación, sobre todo en los últimos 35 años (puede que a partir de Thriller en 1982). Por lo tanto, las grabaciones son para todos una muy buena fuente de inspiración a la hora de trabajar en directo.

http://bit.ly/2bCAMpn

Moog y el artista Yuri Suzuki crean el "sinte modular global", con sonidos de 40 países diferentes

Durante el pasado Moogfest, el artista Yuri Suzuki en colaboración con Moog presentó el Global Modular Synth, una instalación-sintetizador que reúne sonidos de los cinco continentes, los cuales se pueden explorar, combinar y moldear desde la interacción modular de los asistentes.

http://bit.ly/2bchyT0

ETHER Transmitter convierte cualquier salida de auriculares en audio bluetooth

ETHER Transmitter es un pequeño adaptador, no mucho mayor que un conector jack convencional, que se conecta a cualquier salida de auriculares y la convierte a audio bluetooth. Por ejemplo, nos permitiría emparejar unos auriculares o monitores bluetooth a un mixer DJ.

http://bit.ly/2br705o

Wusik Station 8, gratuito hasta el 24 de agosto

El interesante workstation virtual de Wusik puede conseguirse gratuitamente en su página de Facebook hasta el próximo miércoles 24 de agosto, siguiendo unos sencillos pasos.

http://bit.ly/2bcjj4X

Conoce todo lo que hay detrás del sonido para cine en este documental en español

El diseñador de sonido y compositor Alan Senderowitsch ha realizado un documental dedicado a explorar, mediante entrevistas a profesionales del sector, todos los elementos involucrados a la hora de crear el sonido de una película.

http://bit.ly/2b2f6Vq

Launchkey - It's all about the action

La fascinante historia de la astrónoma ciega que estudia las estrellas escuchándolas

En una fascinante charla de poco más de 10 minutos, la astrónoma Wanda Diaz Merced narra su aventura en el estudio de los cuerpos celestes tras quedar ciega e implementar el sonido como su método profesional de análisis.

http://bit.ly/2bj6hBf

Pizza Hut regala controladores DJ impresos en cajas

La última promoción de la famosa cadena de pizzerías aprovecha la tecnología de la tinta conductiva para regalar a sus clientes controladores impresos en cajas que se conectan por bluetooth al portátil o smartphone. Y no, no es una broma.

http://bit.ly/2bsbcAC

Serato DJ renueva a fondo su sampler

El popular software Serato DJ muestra a través de la beta pública de su próxima actualización un nuevo sampler renovado en funciones, aspecto y con nombre sin decidir. Adiós SP-6, bienvenido nuevo sampler de 8 disparadores sin nombre.

http://bit.ly/2brSjO0

Traktor Pro Video Tutorial: Digital DJing w/ Shiftee

Dubspot DJ Instructor and DMC World Champion, Shiftee brings his unique blend of turntablism, music technology, and exquisite musical curation to share some fundamental mix techniques in this three-part video series focusing on Digital DJing with Traktor Pro.

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro Pt. 1-3: The Routine

In part one of this three-part video series focusing on Digital DJing with Traktor Pro, Dubspot Instructor, and DMC World Champ DJ Shiftee demonstrates a live performance routine using Native Instruments’ versatile TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 all-in-one 4-channel DJ system. Shiftee introduces the primary goal of our Digital DJing with Traktor Program at Dubspot and emphasizes how our talented instructors teach fundamental DJ techniques and concepts while exposing students to crucial party-rocking tips and tricks utilizing some of today’s most cutting-edge performance and DJ technology. Using the S4′s intuitive interface and TRAKTOR PRO 2 software, Shiftee performs a live edit of the classic hip hop track “The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)” by Black Sheep and seamlessly blends it into “Ain’t No Half Steppin’” by Big Daddy Kane.

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro Pt. 2-3: Remixing

In part two Shiftee breaks down his routine from part one and explains how he uses various controls on the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 to create unique compositions. Learn how to use the S4′s Loop Recorder to build up multiple layers of sounds to form new loop combinations used to perform live remixes on the fly. Shiftee also demonstrates how he uses the Dry/Wet feature to mix from his live remix to the original track and how he uses the Undo/Redo feature to remove individual loop layers.

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro Pt. 3-3: Sample Decks

In part three Shiftee introduces us to one of the most fun features on the S4, the Sample Decks. Learn how to work with sound clips and various sample loops to add a new dimension to your mixes. Shiftee also shows us how to use the S4′s audio effects and live inputs to create your own loops and sonically transform them in creative ways.

 

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DJing with Traktor Program

The definition of DJing has changed dramatically in the last decade. Laptops, controllers, and software have emerged alongside traditional turntables and CDJs, smashing the barrier to entry. In today’s digital age, anyone can become a DJ. To reflect this renaissance, Dubspot has created the DJing with Traktor Program. In both our physical and online schools, students will learn how to DJ entirely with Traktor’s cutting-edge technology. An emphasis will be placed on the concepts of DJing rather than simply learning how to use the software.

About This Program

Starting with a historical overview, students will learn the fundamental concepts of DJing via Traktor’s intuitive interface. They will then delve into the vast array of possibilities offered by this groundbreaking software, presenting their work along the way. Students will leave with finished DJ mixes, a thorough understanding of DJing with Traktor, and a solid skill set ready for further development.

What’s Included

• DJing with Traktor Level 1: Introduction to DJing
• DJing with Traktor Level 2: Phrase Mixing
• DJing with Traktor Level 3: Beyond The Beatmatch

Additional Information

Visit the DJing with Traktor course page for detailed information on this program here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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The post Traktor Pro Video Tutorial: Digital DJing w/ Shiftee appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

Denon MC7000, nuevo controlador para Serato DJ

Denon anuncia hoy con motivo de la DJ Expo su nuevo controlador MC7000, que no es otra cosa que el MCX8000 que presentaron en enero pero sin la función de doble reproductor autónomo. Te contamos los detalles.

http://bit.ly/2aQKMLS

Numark PT01 Scratch, la moda del scratch portátil pega fuerte

Numark reedita su plato portátil PT01 aprovechando la moda del "portablism" –el scratch portátil– y le añade nuevos colores y funciones. Por suerte las modas no han hecho que el precio se infle.

http://bit.ly/2aYLsMt

Ableton Live Tutorial: Optimizing Sound Quality

Achieve optimal sound quality in Ableton Live with this guide of recommended practices and program settings.

Overview

Ableton Live excels as one of the music industry’s leading software for creating or recording musical ideas, transforming them into finished songs, and even performing them on the stage. Many may not know that Live is designed for performance. When using Live for performances, it is essential to minimize the CPU load to avoid crashes or unwanted system behavior. Luckily, by default, many of Live’s settings are optimized to improve playback and keep CPU usage low. This optimization is ideal for performance reasons, however, it doesn’t provide the highest sound quality output available from Live. Don’t sweat, because Live is one of the most versatile DAWs on the market, and you can believe they have implemented features that allow us to achieve high-quality sound for productions.

Below are some common settings you can enable to achieve higher quality output. Keep in mind that these settings will increase the CPU load.

High Quality Interpolation

Live offers a global ‘High Quality’ option that is available from the Preferences window. This window is accessed from the Options menu in Windows or the Live menu in OS X. Preferences can also be accessed with the [CTRL][,](PC) / [CMD][,](Mac) shortcut. With Live’s Preferences open, choose the ‘Audio’ tab and look for the ‘Default SR & Pitch Conversion’ switch. Enabling the switch to ‘High Quality’ will activate sample interpolation for all new clips by default. This means Live will use an advanced sample-rate conversion algorithm that provides better sound quality when recording and playing back audio. Samples processed with the Hi-Q algorithm generate less distortion, particularly at high frequencies, when transposing a sample and/or matching an imported audio sampling rate to the system’s sampling rate.

You can also change the High Quality Interpolation setting for individual samples at any time by double-clicking an audio clip to access its ‘Clip View’ settings and then clicking the ‘Hi-Q’ switch in the ‘Sample’ box.

Optimizing Native Audio Effects and Instruments

There are different types of sound quality options available for several of Live’s native Audio Effects and Instruments. Many of these options are only available via the context menu that is accessed from a devices Title Bar using the shortcut [right-click](PC) / [CTRL-click](Mac). Let’s explore how to achieve higher sound quality for various devices.

Chorus

Chorus offers a ‘Crisp’ option that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option will reduce aliasing and improve the sound quality, particularly with high frequency signals. This option is enabled by default, except when loading Sets made in earlier versions of Live that use Chorus.

Dynamic Tube

Dynamic Tube offers a ‘Hi-Quality’ mode that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option will reduce aliasing and improve the sound quality, particularly with high frequency signals.

EQ Eight

EQ Eight offers an ‘Oversampling’ option via the context menu. Enabling this option causes EQ Eight to internally process two times the current sample rate, which allows for smoother filter behavior when adjusting high frequencies.

Filters

New analog-modeled filters are available in Simpler, Sampler, Operator, and Auto Filter. These are based on classic vintage hardware models and will self-resonate, feedback, and distort beautifully. Between the different models, the ‘Clean’ circuit option is the most high-quality and CPU-efficient.

Flanger

Flanger offers a ‘Hi-Quality’ mode that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling Hi-Quality results in a brighter sound.

Glue Compressor

The Glue Compressor offers an ‘Oversampling’ option that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option causes the Glue Compressor to internally process at two times the current sampling rate, which may reduce aliasing and transient harshness. Note that with Oversampling enabled, the level may exceed 0 dB even with Soft Clip enabled.

Reverb

The Global Quality chooser menu located on Reverbs interface is where you can switch between reverb quality and performance. ‘Eco’ uses minimal CPU resources, while ‘High’ delivers the richest reverberation.

Saturator

Saturator offers a ‘Hi-Quality’ mode that can be toggled on or off via the context menu. Enabling this option will reduce aliasing and improve the sound quality, particularly with high frequency signals.

Operator

Live’s Operator Instrument minimizes aliasing by working in a high-quality ‘Antialias’ mode. This is on by default for new patches, but can be turned off in the global section. Antialias mode helps to minimize high frequency distortion. Disabling this mode reduces the CPU load as well.

Sampler

Live’s Sampler Instrument has a chooser menu labeled ‘Interpol,’ which offers different Interpolation modes. This is a global setting that uses advanced algorithms to process audio and determine the accuracy of transposed samples. From the chooser menu, select ‘Best’ to achieve the highest quality sound. Be aware that raising the quality level above ‘Normal’ will increase the CPU load.

Tip: You can save the high quality settings for each device to load as default every time you open a new Live Set by right-clicking the device’s Title Bar and choosing ‘Save as Default Preset’ from the context menu.

Optimizing for Better Conversion Quality

The three Convert commands are extremely helpful and can be used to generate some interesting results. They allow you to extract the musical information from audio clips and place it into MIDI clips on new tracks. For example, you can record yourself humming a bassline, and use the ‘Convert Melody to MIDI’ command to generate MIDI that can be used as a starting point for a new bass pattern. To achieve the best sound quality, it is recommended to use uncompressed, high-quality audio files such as .wav or .aiff. Lossy data formats such as .mp3 may result in unpredictable conversions, unless the recordings are at high bit rates.

Additional Tips for Achieving Optimal Sound Quality

Below is a list provided by Ableton of recommended practices and program settings for users looking to achieve optimal audio quality in Live.

• Decide which sample rate to use for a project prior to beginning work, rather than changing the sample rate while working on the project.
• Record audio into Live using high-quality hardware components (audio interface, cables, etc.) at the highest sample rate and bit depth your interface and computer will support.
• Avoid using samples that are at different sample rates within the same project. If you want to work with such files, we recommend that you first convert them to the sample rate set for your audio interface in an offline application that is optimized for this task.
• For all audio clips, disable both the Warp and Fade options in the Clip View.
• Do not adjust the Transpose and Detune controls for any clips.
• Always render at 32-bit.

Please note that these practices will achieve optimal audio quality, but disable some of Live‘s functionality — in particular, stretching and synchronization.

 

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Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program

At Dubspot our world-class instructors provide the most complete and cutting-edge Ableton Live learning experience. The Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program is the flagship of our music training. After completing this program, you will leave with a portfolio of original tracks, a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

About This Program

This program is about learning Ableton Live by going through the entire process of being an artist, by developing your own sound through a series of sketches and experimentation. You will also learn the ins and outs of this powerful software through a series of exercises designed to help you master the steps involved in producing your own music. After a level of getting familiar with the tools that Ableton has to offer, you will then develop your sonic ideas into full-length tracks. You will be exposed to a variety of approaches to arrangement and composition, storytelling techniques, ways of creating tension and drama in your music. At the end of the day, it is the sum total of your choices as an artist that define your sound, and levels 2 – 6 will give you the experience of actually completing tracks to add to your portfolio.

What’s Included

• Ableton Live Level 1: Beats, Sketches, and Ideas
• Ableton Live Level 2: Analyze, Deconstruct, Recompose, and Assemble
• Ableton Live Level 3: Synthesis and Original Sound Creation
• Ableton Live Level 4: Advanced Sound Creation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Effect Processing
• Ableton Live Level 6: Going Global with your Music

Overview

• Dubspot’s complete Ableton course load: six levels/48 class sessions
• 132 hours of hands-on instruction
• Additional lab hours to work on assignments in Dubspot’s onsite facilities
• 24/7 access to Dubspot Online’s Ableton Live course videos
• Access to the course videos for one year after course completion

Additional Information

Visit the Ableton Live course page for detailed information on this program here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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