how to solo (automate) one drum rack pad?

[b1zzR]

I can't believe I can't figure this out but I can't solo one drum rack pad. When I right click on the solo button on the pad it just says "No commands available" in gray and when I click on the solo button in the Chain List it just says "Solo in place". It doesn't say "Show in new Automation Lane" anywhere?!?! I know I can just make a new midi pattern with just that pad playing but is there a way to solo a single pad from a whole pattern? Thanks.

[dave_house]

Check out this old thread - I was after exactly the same solution!

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?t=33137

4th post down explains how you can use the Scale MIDI FX effect to mute pads. I used this technique for years. I automated the Scale MIDI FX's to the second bank on my MPD16 so they acted as mutes. Hope this helps!

Incidentally, I now use a Novation Launchpad with the LPC-Live plugin. It's got it all sussed! Proper amazing

[b1zzR]

Thanks for the workaround! I'm kinda surprised it can't be done internally in Live...

[merges]

I'm curious: Why use this technique?

[dave_house]

Merges - I used to use it in order to mute particular drum samples within a drum rack without having to use the mouse and the pads mute button. I think this is what b1zzR wants it for, too.

The workaround blocks certain MIDI notes, and since each pad uses its own specific MIDI note, if you block it you're effectively muting that sample. My old MPD16 has 2 banks, so I'd automate the 2nd bank to activate the relevant Scale MIDI effect. Bank 1 would play the samples, bank 2 would mute/unmute the same ones.

Works well but like I say, the Launchpad + LPC-Live does it all for me now.