Live 8: Saving Group Tracks

[JBlongz]

Being able to save group tracks allows more flexibility than instrument racks. This is because I can have a plugin prewired with 16 external midi tracks, thus allowing each of the 16 to process both midi and audio. If I tried to make this template with instrument racks, I would only be able to record on the main channel, thus being forced to create additional midi tracks to record to the other midi channels. That is unfortunate because it causes me to have two tracks per sound/patch.

Here is how it looks in group mode. Notice that I can record enable each track embedded in the group (open in new tab, then click to enlarge):



...it would be nice to save it like that to be recalled with the plugin. The track names in the group represent the patches loaded in the plugin.


Now lets compare this to the current option (instrument racks). Notice the instrument rack to the LEFT of the grouped tracks has no record enable, forcing me to create more midi tracks:



So I think it will be great to save the group tracks and recall them as presets. Give me some feedback on the idea!

[buzby]

you ve probably realized this but a work around is to have a file in the browser called group tracks and save your grouped tracks as individual sets to that

any work flow idea like the one you are suggesting is welcome though

[JBlongz]

If you are talking about saving it as a session (als), then yes I thought of that. I even considered making it the default template. However, I have various plugins and can't predict which one I will use, so I don't think I can load it into the current session on the fly.

I would like to spend a day's work setting up all my multi-channel plugins as group presets, making them available at any given time the future.

[Sharkcellar]

+1

[JBlongz]

Also note in the photo that I used 'external midi' instead of a simple midi track. This allows each channel to have its own output without having to create a extra audio track. Its a very productive way to go about using plugins without having to create stems for mixing. Imagine running 1 instance of Kontakt (or whatever you use) with 16 outs and not having to do the routing every time you want it that way. Drag and drop is what we're aiming for here...

[JBlongz]

I guess this is too complicated for the average Ableton user

[glitchrock-buddha]

I've always though that the best solution to this would be to allow individual chains in racks to have their own clips. It would be like group tracks except that any parameter from any sub track could be assigned to the rack macros of the main rack. And of course you can save it as a rack or clip.

[JBlongz]

As the photo shows above, using racks removes the ability to record enable each track individually. Using group tracks reserves a record function for each midi part of a Vst/Au. Remember each part (16 total) will in theory have their own sequence (clip). So being able to just drag in an saved instrument with all tracks already routed would be helpful.

I have done this using Instrument Rack already, and only the master track has an record button. Using a group track comprised of external instruments allows both midi and audio to remain on each track. As you will notice, record is available for each individual channel.

[glitchrock-buddha]

As the photo shows above, using racks removes the ability to record enable each track individually. Using group tracks reserves a record function for each midi part of a Vst/Au. Remember each part (16 total) will in theory have their own sequence (clip). So being able to just drag in an saved instrument with all tracks already routed would be helpful.

I have done this using Instrument Rack already, and only the master track has an record button. Using a group track comprised of external instruments allows both midi and audio to remain on each track. As you will notice, record is available for each individual channel.

Yes, I use that as well. The reason there is no record button for rack chains is of course because they are not tracks at all. They can not contain clips. If they could contain clips, that assumes you'd be able to record to them. With the added benefit of being able to assign parameters from all effects on the chains to the master track. This would be cool.

[punknmetal101]

I agree.

[Amaury]

If you are talking about saving it as a session (als), then yes I thought of that. I even considered making it the default template. However, I have various plugins and can't predict which one I will use, so I don't think I can load it into the current session on the fly.

I would like to spend a day's work setting up all my multi-channel plugins as group presets, making them available at any given time the future.

Hi,

Just in case you're not aware: say, you drag a group track, configured as you want with the plugin you want, to the Browser. It saves an als file, you can name it the same as your plugin.

Then, when working on a set, you can drag this als in the current set, and drop it on the track header area. It will import the whole group track. It then works "as a preset". Am I missing something?

Regards,
Amaury

[JBlongz]

Amaury, God bless your soul! I was not aware of this!

[longjohns]

i was reading this, waiting for the voice of reason

[JBlongz]

Yes, group tracks has definitely made my job a lot easier. NO LONGER do I have to route a multitrack plugin every time I do a session. I have created group tracks like in the photo for all of my compatible instruments. Kudos for that type of functionality.

Having at least 4gb of ram is recommended for optimum loading speed.

[emef]

group tracks are a godsend... my favourite of the new features
they have allowed me to completely change the way i organise my live sets
and now i have multichannel instruments set up as groups with all the channels i want available
then drag the instrument group into whatever set as i need it

brilliant