Archive for April, 2010

About five minutes ago I just committed the latest version of my DJ Template to github. You can download it from http://github.com/willrjmarshall/AbletonDJTemplate/archives/master

I have decided not to use any Max for Live or Python API devices in this template, as I feel that this would make it harder for people to use easily. You only need a copy of Live 8.1.1 , although an APC40 and the NativeKontrol template would both help.

There have been substantial changes since the first, naive version of this project: so I’m going to do a quick summary of all the new features and improvements. In no particular order:

• All the dummy clips are now on the right hand side of the crossfader, and are all grouped under Send A
• I have removed many dummy clips, and am trying to work out what I want to put in slot #2. Ideas are welcome
• Send A volume for each “deck”  is now controlled by the same fader as the mixer volume. This means that the volume will always be identical on the left and right sides of the crossfader.
• The scene launch buttons no longer launch scenes. They are now global beat-repeats, which do interesting things when you hold them down. If you are running the custom version of the NativeKontrol template, these will be momentary switches; otherwise they will be toggle switches.
• The Standard DJing Rack is now hidden inside another macro rack. This is so that there is only one macro rack on each “deck”, to avoid having to scroll the APC40′s Device Control.
• There are a number of new effects on each deck. These make use of my Phase Cancellation Splitter: which is easy to use, but might confuse first-time users. There is a video explaining how this works below.
• Sends B and C have sidechained Delay and Reverb respectively. They are sidechained to a muted 4/4 kick drum loop: so will pump regardless of what you are playing (and whether it has bass).
• The master channel has another Cancellation Splitter effects rack. I may delete this, as I never use it.
• The rightmost “cue” button on the APC40 cues a special track, that listens to the output from the Master channel. This means you can cue your overall Master output: a feature which Ableton lacks .
• The template is colour-coded in a vaguely useful fashion. These colours are designed for dark themes. Change them if you want.
• Channel 4 is labelled “loops and hits”. This is a suggestion, but it is the same as all the other channels.
• There are utility plugins with a -6dB cut on each “deck”. These are to provide additional headroom. If you are having issues with output volume,please read about headroom and digital signal clipping, and turn the gain up at the amp/sound-card/PA instead! Your audience will thank you.
• I have added the dark theme I use to the project. Here are instructions for adding the skin to Ableton.

If there is anything I have forgotten, let me know.

I hope you enjoy the template!