Are you looking to take your audio samples, loops, and recordings to the next level? Look no further than Ableton’s unique “Slice to New MIDI Track” feature. This powerful tool allows you to cut audio clips into multiple slices that are housed in a new MIDI track, giving you unprecedented control over your music.
With “Slice to New MIDI Track,” you can easily remix and rearrange audio tracks, creating entirely new sounds and compositions. Simply select the clip you want to slice, right-click, and choose “Slice to New MIDI Track.” From there, you’ll be presented with a variety of slicing divisions and presets to choose from, allowing you to slice at a variety of beat resolutions or according to the clip’s transients or Warp Markers.
Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, “Slice to New MIDI Track” is an essential tool for any musician looking to take their music to the next level. So why wait? Start exploring this powerful feature today and unlock a whole new world of musical possibilities.
Understanding the Basics
Slicing audio to MIDI in Ableton Live is a powerful tool that allows you to turn audio clips into MIDI data. This feature is especially useful for creating new grooves and patterns from existing audio material. In this section, we will explore the basics of slicing to a new MIDI track in Ableton Live.
To get started, you will need an audio clip that you want to slice. Once you have selected the clip, right-click on it and select “Slice to New MIDI Track” from the context menu. Ableton Live will then create a new MIDI track with a Drum Rack containing MIDI clips that correspond to the slices of your audio clip.
Each slice of your audio clip will be assigned to a MIDI note in the Drum Rack. By default, the slices will be mapped to chromatically ascending notes, but you can easily change the pitch of each slice by editing the MIDI notes.
To play the MIDI clips, you can use a MIDI keyboard or controller. Simply select the MIDI track and start playing. You can also use the MIDI clips to program beats and patterns directly in your DAW.
When slicing to a new MIDI track, it’s important to note that the accuracy of the resulting MIDI data will depend on the quality of the original audio clip. If the audio clip is noisy or poorly recorded, the resulting MIDI data may not be as accurate as you would like.
slicing to a new MIDI track in Ableton Live is a powerful tool that can help you create new grooves and patterns from existing audio material. With a little practice, you can use this feature to take your music production to the next level.
Setting up Ableton Live
Before we dive into how to slice to a new MIDI track in Ableton Live, let’s make sure we have everything set up properly. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Preferences
First, make sure your preferences are set up the way you want them. To access your preferences, go to the “Live” menu on a Mac or the “Options” menu on a PC, and select “Preferences.” You can customize everything from your audio and MIDI settings to your file management and automation preferences.
Live Set
In Ableton Live, your work is organized into a “Live Set.” This is where you’ll create and manipulate your clips, tracks, and scenes. You can switch between the Session View and Arrangement View to work with your Live Set in different ways.
Session View
The Session View is where you’ll create and trigger your clips. You can think of clips as small chunks of audio or MIDI data that you can manipulate and arrange in different ways. You can also group clips into tracks for easier organization.
Arrangement View
The Arrangement View is where you’ll arrange your clips into a full song or composition. You can think of this as a more traditional timeline-based approach to music production. You can also use the Arrangement View to record and edit automation.
Clip View
The Clip View is where you’ll edit and manipulate individual clips. You can adjust parameters like volume, pan, and tempo, as well as add effects and MIDI notes. This is where you’ll use the “Slice to New MIDI Track” feature to create new MIDI clips from audio.
With these basics in mind, you should be ready to start slicing and dicing your audio in Ableton Live.
Creating and Editing MIDI Tracks
Creating and editing MIDI tracks in Ableton is a straightforward process that allows you to take your music production to the next level. MIDI tracks contain MIDI data, which can be used to create melodies, chords, and other musical elements.
To create a new MIDI track, select “Create” from the menu bar and then choose “MIDI Track.” You can then insert MIDI clips into the track by selecting “New Clip” from the clip slot. MIDI clips contain MIDI notes, which can be played back using a MIDI keyboard or controller.
Once you have inserted a MIDI clip, you can begin editing it to create your desired musical elements. Ableton provides a variety of editing possibilities, including undo, select all, copy, paste, delete, insert, and duplicate. You can use these tools to manipulate MIDI notes and create unique musical phrases.
When editing MIDI clips, it’s important to pay attention to the grid resolution, which determines the spacing between MIDI notes. You can adjust the grid resolution by selecting the appropriate value from the dropdown menu in the clip editor.
In addition to editing MIDI clips, you can also edit the MIDI track itself. This includes adjusting the track’s volume, panning, and other parameters. You can also add MIDI effects to the track to further manipulate the MIDI data.
creating and editing MIDI tracks in Ableton is a powerful tool for music production. With a little practice, you can use MIDI to create complex musical arrangements and take your music to the next level.
Slicing Audio in Ableton Live
Slicing audio in Ableton Live is a powerful tool that allows you to break down audio clips into smaller parts, known as slices. This feature is particularly useful for remixing and rearranging audio tracks, creating new patterns, and generating new ideas.
To slice an audio clip in Ableton Live, you can use the “Slice to New MIDI Track” feature. This feature automatically creates a new MIDI track with a Drum Rack containing a set of MIDI notes that trigger the sliced audio samples.
To use this feature, simply right-click on the audio clip you want to slice and select “Slice to New MIDI Track” from the context menu. You can also use the shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + M” on Windows or “Cmd + Shift + M” on Mac.
Once you have sliced the audio clip, you can edit the MIDI notes to create new patterns and arrangements. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the slicing algorithm to fine-tune the results. This can be done by adjusting the “Transient Sensitivity” parameter in the “Slice” tab of the Clip View.
In addition to the “Slice to New MIDI Track” feature, Ableton Live also includes a number of slicing presets that can be used to quickly slice audio clips. These presets are accessible from the “Slice” tab of the Clip View and can be customized to suit your needs.
When slicing audio in Ableton Live, it’s important to remember that the results will depend on the placement of markers and warp markers. These markers can be added manually or automatically detected by Ableton Live using the “Warp” feature.
slicing audio in Ableton Live is a powerful tool that can help you generate new ideas and remix existing tracks. Whether you’re using the “Slice to New MIDI Track” feature or one of the built-in slicing presets, the possibilities are endless.
Using Simpler and Sampler Instruments
Ableton’s Simpler and Sampler instruments are powerful tools that allow you to slice and manipulate samples to create unique sounds. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of these instruments.
Simpler Instrument
Simpler is a user-friendly instrument that is great for chopping up samples. To slice a sample, simply drag and drop it onto a Simpler instrument. Once the sample is loaded, you can use the Slice mode to automatically chop it up into individual slices. These slices can then be mapped to different MIDI notes and played back as a drum rack.
In addition to slicing, Simpler also has a variety of envelope controls that allow you to shape the sound of each slice. You can adjust the attack and release times, as well as the pitch, velocity, and note length of each slice. To access these controls, click on the Envelopes tab/panel in Simpler.
Sampler Instrument
Sampler is a more advanced instrument that allows for even more manipulation of samples. Like Simpler, you can slice samples in Sampler, but you also have the ability to map each slice to a different key on your MIDI controller. This allows you to play back the slices as a melody or chord progression.
Sampler also has a variety of envelope controls, including attack, release, and filter envelopes. These envelopes can be accessed by clicking on the Envelopes tab/panel in Sampler. In addition, Sampler has a Draw mode that allows you to draw in your own custom envelopes.
User Library
Both Simpler and Sampler allow you to save your own presets and samples to the User Library. This makes it easy to access your favorite sounds and settings in future projects. To save a preset or sample, simply right-click on the instrument or sample and select “Save to User Library.”
MIDI Note Editor
The MIDI Note Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to edit the notes in a MIDI clip. You can adjust the timing, pitch, and velocity of each note, as well as add or delete notes as needed. To access the MIDI Note Editor, double-click on a MIDI clip to open it in a new window.
Conclusion
Simpler and Sampler are versatile instruments that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. By using the envelope controls, MIDI Note Editor, and other features, you can easily manipulate samples to create unique and interesting music.
Exploring Effects and Controls
When slicing to a new MIDI track in Ableton, you have the ability to explore a wide range of effects and controls to enhance your sound. Here are some key features to keep in mind:
Effects
Ableton offers a variety of effects to choose from, including reverb and delay. These effects can be added to individual slices or to the entire MIDI track. Experiment with different effects to find the perfect sound for your project.
Macros
Macros allow you to control multiple parameters at once. By assigning macros to various controls, you can easily manipulate the sound of your MIDI track. This is especially useful when performing live with a Novation Launchpad or other MIDI controller.
Assignments
Assignments allow you to map specific controls to your MIDI controller. This makes it easy to adjust parameters on the fly while performing live. Simply right-click on the control you want to assign and select “MIDI Map.”
Novation Launchpad
If you’re using a Novation Launchpad, you can take advantage of its built-in control surface for Ableton. This allows you to easily trigger slices and control effects using the Launchpad’s buttons and faders.
exploring effects and controls is a great way to take your sliced MIDI tracks to the next level. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect sound for your project.
Working with Loops and Rhythms
Working with loops and rhythms is one of the most exciting parts of music production. Ableton Live offers a variety of tools to help you create new beats from existing loops and rhythms. In this section, we’ll explore how to slice loops and rhythms to create new beats and how to use quantization to tighten up your grooves.
Slicing Loops and Rhythms
Ableton Live’s “Slice to New MIDI Track” feature allows you to slice loops and rhythms into individual MIDI notes. This makes it easy to rearrange and manipulate the loop or rhythm to create a new beat. To slice a loop or rhythm, simply drag it onto a MIDI track and select “Slice to New MIDI Track” from the context menu.
Once you’ve sliced your loop or rhythm, you can use the MIDI notes to create a new beat. You can move the notes around, adjust their velocity, and add new notes to create a completely new rhythm. This is a great way to take an existing loop or rhythm and make it your own.
Quantizing Your Grooves
Quantization is a powerful tool that can help tighten up your grooves and make them sound more professional. Ableton Live’s quantization feature allows you to snap MIDI notes to a grid, ensuring that they are perfectly in time with the beat.
To quantize your MIDI notes, simply select them and choose the quantization value you want from the Quantization menu. You can choose from a variety of quantization values, including 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and more. Once you’ve quantized your MIDI notes, they will snap to the grid, ensuring that your groove is tight and in time.
Creating a New Beat
By slicing loops and rhythms and using quantization, you can create a completely new beat from an existing loop or rhythm. Start by slicing your loop or rhythm and then experiment with moving the MIDI notes around, adjusting their velocity, and adding new notes. Use quantization to tighten up your groove and ensure that everything is perfectly in time.
With a little bit of experimentation and creativity, you can create a completely new beat that is unique and original. So go ahead and start slicing those loops and rhythms, and see what kind of new beats you can create!
Recording in Ableton Live
Recording in Ableton Live is a straightforward process that can be done in both the Session View and the Arrangement View. To record a new clip, simply select the track you want to record on by clicking on its Arm button. This can be done in either view since the two share the same set of tracks.
Once you have selected the track, click on the Record button in the transport bar to start recording. You can also use the shortcut key “Ctrl + Space” on Windows or “Command + Space” on Mac to start and stop recording.
When you are finished recording, the new clip will appear in the track’s clip slot. You can then edit the clip, adjust its start and end points, and add effects and automation to it.
It’s important to note that when recording in the Session View, the clip will be recorded in the current scene. If you want to record a clip in a different scene, simply navigate to that scene before starting the recording.
In the Arrangement View, recording works similarly to other DAWs. You can set the recording length and count-in time in the transport bar, and then start recording by clicking on the Record button. The recorded clip will appear in the arrangement timeline, and you can then move it around and edit it as needed.
recording in Ableton Live is a simple and intuitive process that can be done in both the Session View and the Arrangement View. Whether you’re recording a live set or creating a new track from scratch, Ableton Live makes it easy to capture your ideas and turn them into polished productions.
Advanced Techniques and Creative Possibilities
Once you’ve mastered the basics of slicing to a new MIDI track in Ableton Live, you can begin exploring more advanced techniques and creative possibilities. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Experiment with different slicing modes: Ableton Live 10 Suite includes three different slicing modes: Beat, Region, and Manual. Each mode offers unique ways to slice audio and can lead to different creative possibilities. For example, Beat mode is great for chopping up drum loops, while Region mode can be used to isolate specific parts of a vocal sample.
- Use Logic Pro as a sound source: If you’re looking for new sounds to slice and rearrange, consider using Logic Pro as a sound source. You can export audio files from Logic Pro and import them into Ableton Live for slicing and manipulation. Logic Pro also has its own slicing feature, which can be used to create custom loops and samples.
- Create custom MIDI mappings: Ableton Live allows you to create custom MIDI mappings for your sliced samples. This means you can map individual slices to different MIDI notes and trigger them using a MIDI controller. This can be a great way to perform live or add more dynamic elements to your productions.
- Combine slicing with other effects and techniques: Slicing to a new MIDI track is just one of many techniques you can use to manipulate audio in Ableton Live. Consider combining slicing with other effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to create unique sounds. You can also experiment with automation, MIDI effects, and other techniques to add more depth and complexity to your productions.
slicing to a new MIDI track in Ableton Live offers a wealth of creative possibilities. By experimenting with different slicing modes, using Logic Pro as a sound source, creating custom MIDI mappings, and combining slicing with other effects and techniques, you can unlock even more potential and take your productions to the next level.
