Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

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vjmandala
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Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by vjmandala » Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:45 am

Hi Abletoners :) My first post..

I'm using Abelton Live Lite 9 with an APCmini and Launch Control XL.
I can successfully rec midi notes to clips. But. My question is, how do I rec the variable APCmini/LCXL slider/knob positions/rotations as I move them during a live rec to clip ch.
Would eventually like to be able to playback (pass thru) the 0-127 slider/knob values out of Abelton and into another pc running vj software.
Thanks in adv!


vjmandala
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Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:34 am
Location: melbourne, aust
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Re: Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by vjmandala » Fri Aug 24, 2018 12:15 am

Apologies for delay in (thanks reply), only just got back online. You certainly pointed me in right direction thanks heaps! Ableton is amazing and a paradigm shift!!

Though theres a couple issues which confuse me and I cant find a solution in forums, only similar questions, comments without solutions..
viewtopic.php?t=60174
viewtopic.php?t=60587

After adding several Audio Effects Racks to a Midi Clip I was able to (midi map) assign an apcmini slider to the ableton (Gain or other) Control knobs (velocities) in the Device View Selector. Works a treat, Ableton spits out midi data I require.

But, my issue is such:
When I select Midi Ctrl in the Envelope Device Chooser drop down menu, then below that I view dropdown for Control Chooser I notice all the midi 0-127 Control Change Msgs listed as per MIDI Manufacturers Association.
https://www.midi.org/specifications/ite ... ta-bytes-2

So, my question, I would like to be able to assign a slider on my apcmini to a blank macro (or utility knob/slider) in instrument rack, which I can do ok atm, but then I would like to be able to assign that blank macro knob to one of the undefined Control Change msgs. That way I can use ALL the Control Change msgs (particularly the undefined ones) available inside one midi clip.

I hope the above enquiry is clear and even better someone can clarify :idea: how this may be done :cry:
Thks in adv :mrgreen:

pottering
Posts: 1956
Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2014 4:41 am

Re: Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by pottering » Fri Aug 24, 2018 1:50 am

I don't quite get it, you don't need any Macro to send MIDI CC from a MIDI Clip.

Maybe try routing using other MIDI Tracks. Most MIDI routing requires or is simply easier to do with another MIDI Track.

https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/routing-and-i-o/
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vjmandala
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Re: Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by vjmandala » Fri Aug 24, 2018 5:52 am

This is what happens when a video artist tries to speak Ableton hehe. When I read it back I confuse myself ha - appreciate you bearing with me :)

Let me try explaining again..

For the purposes of this exercise I'm not wanting to emit any sound at all, purely using Abelton (via apcmini & LaunchContXL) as a kinda midi throughput tool to control an external h/w device - in this case VJ software that is triggered by midi.

The thing is, I dont want to use the draw tool to draw 0-127 different velocity graphs in a midi clip. I want to be able to live record automation of velocities (all of the 0-127 CC) to the midi clip in session view whilst using my apc. To play back later.

To do that I need to be able to map each of my apcmini or launchContXL sliders/knobs/button to any of the 0-127 CC's available in Midi clips Control Chooser.

Sofar I can do the above by adding say an Audio Effect Rack (ie Cut-o-matic) to the midi clip, then mapping my apcmini sliders/knobs/buttons to all 8 knobs the cut-o-matic rack gives me ie. Filter Freq, Filter Amount, Auto Pan Rate etc.

So I end up with say 8 different CCs mapped to my apc out of a possible 128 CC.

The crux of the matter is that I cant seem to midi map any apc sliders/knobs to the undefined CCs (listed here https://www.midi.org/specifications/ite ... ta-bytes-2).

The Audio Effect Racks only cover certain amount of predifined Control Changes (CCs) in their knobs. Thats why I was exploring macros (blank knobs) to try midi map my apcmini to macro knobs which in turn would drive one of the other 0-127 CCs that I dont have access too unless I hand draw them.

I do hope above clarifies it more. Wish I could post some pics..

..fwew :)

pottering
Posts: 1956
Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2014 4:41 am

Re: Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by pottering » Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:38 pm

Empty Rack Macros only send the exactly same MIDI CC that got assigned to them, that is, they send the exactly same MIDI CC number your MIDI Controller's knobs sent (when assigning). They don't convert MIDI CC. They are useful for using macro automation to drive MIDI CC or to use the mouse to send MIDI CC or to convert MIDI CC to macro automation, not for changing or converting MIDI CC into other MIDI CC.

Not even sure that was intended as real feature, personally I think it is weird that a empty Rack sends MIDI out at all.

For changing MIDI CC on the fly you need Max For Live devices or a MIDI utility VST.
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pottering
Posts: 1956
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Re: Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by pottering » Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:40 pm

Only free MIDI CC VSTs I know of (Piz MIDI), but I don't use use them, so I can't vouch for the safety or usefulness of those files:

https://code.google.com/archive/p/pizmidi/downloads
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vjmandala
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Re: Rec/output slider values (0-127) in Abelton 9 lite live

Post by vjmandala » Tue Aug 28, 2018 1:48 am

thanks heaps for you time and suggestions Pottering. I will have opportunity to experiment with pizmidi this weekend.

Oh, trawling these formums to find any other potential hacks/plugins etc I found:
viewtopic.php?t=60174
The response below is about half way down by hoffman2k states:
If you place an empty rack on a track and use the 8 macro's while a MIDI source is receiving, 8 CC's will be sent out. Which CC's depends on the remote MIDI map you selected. Use a MIDI monitor to figure out which CC's.
You don't even need to use automap if it sounds too complicated.
"MIDI learn" a CC to a macro on an empty rack and make sure you set up "MIDI remote in/out' correctly.
You'll get the same result plus you get to specify which CC to use.


Another post asks the same question I do except they want to send cc out to audio h/w rather than video.
viewtopic.php?t=60587

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