Other than that, I have a Drum Rack instrument on a MIDI track so I can quickly load in drum samples and program a groove, and under that, simply, a blank audio and a blank MIDI track. Because I’m generally always using the same interface with mics and instruments going to dedicated inputs, I saved two tracks for my instruments, with tuner devices loaded up so I can get tuned before I do a take. Sometimes I need a simple and clean sound to reference chords and melodies with, so I find that useful. I started with two grouped MIDI tracks preloaded with keys sounds, a Piano and Rhodes respectively. To get started with your template, create a new set, and add whatever tracks and devices you like to start your sessions with. Not only does this help you get right into music-making, but it can help you define your own personal sound. Making a default template is a no brainer when it comes to quickening up your process. I implore you to come up with more custom key functions that help speed up your process. This really only works with continuous controllers such as faders, knobs, or wheels, but though I’ve mapped it to a key you can still see the control in the photo below.
If the parameter you choose to map is continuous, you can set minimum and maximum values. This is one of the most useful custom keys I have mapped it really speeds up the process of recording. Here, I have mapped my record button to the “3” key on my keyboard. To lock it into place, just click the Key/MIDI button again and click your key/button to give it a test. Then, click any parameter illuminated by color, and once it is selected, click your key/button of choice on your keyboard or controller. To access this, click either the “Key” or “MIDI” buttons in the top left corner of the screen. I’ve found that referencing a list of shortcuts as I work is the best way to incorporate them into my workflow.Īnother powerful feature in Ableton Live is the ability to map functions to your own custom key command, or a MIDI message that can be controlled by a knob, fader, or button on an external MIDI controller. Though there are many more shortcuts, these are the ones I use in most sessions. Here are some of my most used shortcuts - not including the obvious ones like CMD- C/V and CMD-S. The time saved simply not going back and forth between the mouse and keyboard as much is quite noticeably significant. The simplest and most obvious way to speed up your in any program is to use keyboard shortcuts. These tips will help you work faster, and spend more time making music and less time clicking things.
Though in general creation with Live is fast and fluid, there are many simple ways to improve your workflow, speed, flow. Compared to many other DAWs, Ableton Live Suite is often said to be intuitive, quick to learn, and easy to use.