DJ Not So Much (re)Composition

APC40 Step Sequencer Live Pack (no M4L)

DJ Not So Much is proud to release the Crude Step Sequencer! This project uses no Max (for Live) and instead a whole buncha’ MIDI hacks.

History : In the course of setting up a new controller I dived very far into MIDI and the base line possibilities that Ableton has to offer. I am working on porting these ideas back to the APC (when possible) as part of a larger instructional dialog.

The Crude Step Sequencer is a simple 1/8 note step sequencer with 4 tracks running and dual metronomes (explained in the video).

M4L is not required, but this live pack also has strict limitations and is cumbersome by comparison.

Download this Live Pack here:

Watch a simple demo :

Version Requirements : Created on Ableton Lite 8.0.6 APC-40

Installation : Double clikc and follow dialog or browse it out in the Live browser.

Via http://www.ableton.com/livepacks :

These Live Packs are saved in .zip files and will need to be unzipped before the contained Live Packs can be installed. After downloading and unzipping, double-click the Live Pack icon or select “Install Live Pack…” from Live’s File menu. Then navigate to the desired Live Pack to install it.

Operation : Using your APC40 launch scene 1 with faders 5-8 set to zero (pulled down).

Usage :

Track 1 : Kick (1/8 note) Row 1
Track 2 : Snare (1/8 note) Row 2
Track 3 : Bass Line (1/8 note) Row 3
Track 4 : Clap (1/16 note) Row 4-5
Track 5+ : Metronome (follow actions gone wild to compensate for APC mapping!)

Scene Launch buttons 4 and 5 are used for the 1/2 note metronome. This references the row of the 1/16 note steps currently being played. (Stare it down for a minute and you should understand).

Fader 1-4 : Control volume for track 1-4
Fader 5 : Bass loop start
Fader 6 : Bass loop length
Fader 7 : Bass loop compression
Fader 8 : Bass attack+release (allows for extreme rounding of steps)

For normal bass line operation have faders 5-8 set to zero!

Look in the Bass device rack (macros) to get a good understanding of the mapping of the sample controls.

This is a great example of pushing the envelope. Slice to MIDI and loop controls allow for new types of live interaction with your music. Placed in a (simple) step sequencing environment you can get some awesome results! This is the frighteningly simple version of my non-M4L step sequencing.

Questions / Comments : info@djnotsomuch.com

Do not Link File instead use http://apc-step.djnsm.com to get current release or direct traffic to this content.

Enjoy!

This Live pack is released for educational purposes. No not use samples commercially, instead swap your own good stuff into the tracks and GO GO GO!!!

--Marc
DJNSM (DJ Not So Much)
(re)Composition ”the art of the live remix”

Help!

Be sure that the “nome” track has MIDI out going to your APC40

Easy install : Open Ableton, double click the live pack (*.alp) and choose a destination install location. Once complete (will pause at end of install commonly for live packs) use the Ableton file browser to find that new install and open the *.als file. DONE!

Electric Avenue Denver

I will be participating in the Creative Electronica Petting Zoo September 4 & 5. http://www.electricavenuedenver.com/

First Friday August!

August 6, 2010 I will be dropping some set at Lucid Gallery.

Ableton Meet-Up presenter

July 14, 2010 : I will be hosting the Ableton Colorado Meet up and social mixer. For details go here.