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How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:43 am
by Crosz
I am guessing running the same instance of Ableton on two computers is impossible. But what is the absolute closest you can get?

We have tried midi sync, but the inability for the slave to adjust the tempo and also not being able to cross fade out of each others tracks with the APC is a big bummer.

I am dreaming with this idea, but how amazing would it be to be able to see someone drop in a clip in realtime on your screen.

Anyway, thought this would be a good idea thread if no answers are given either way.

Thanks guys!

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:20 am
by Eventful
2x of everything. You should theoretically be able to use Two APCs, two Launchpads, and two Push at the same time.
It would be on the same computer, but it would feel like two different ones. Unless you prefer looking at the computer screen, in which case it's impossible as far as I know, unless you had a "Master" computer, while the other one remote-controlled that computer.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:24 am
by Timbeaux
using 1 computer, 2 monitors and 2 controllers.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:31 am
by ian_halsall
insanity - this is incredibly complex to do in realtime with the mouse and keyboard

the midi stuff will work ok with the multiple controllers approach but mouse and keyboard are tricky

you will be adjusting the filter on a channel and then your mate will step in and drop a clip somewhere else in the mix

and then you will be angry and slap him

end of problem

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:42 am
by Timbeaux
i thought something like that : http://www.dicolab.com/about/

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:46 am
by ian_halsall
interesting - I bet Live will crash - I can't be bothered to try it - nobody wants to go for a pint with me never mind collaborate on music

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 12:12 pm
by MarksBasementRecords.com
I saw google had some sort of live jam session style thing through chrome.

I'm hoping live internet collabs are possible before I die!

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 12:36 pm
by re:dream
BitWait says this will be a feature by Version 2.0

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 2:01 pm
by TomViolenz
Maybe you should determine what you actually want to achieve with this. Do you really need two times the exactly same controls for everything?
I think going for a combination of Live and Traktor (with respective controllers)midi synced on the same computer could get you an incredibly flexible setup without too much hassle.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:39 pm
by Crosz
Well, we would like to tag team dj with eachother. But with midisync only one computer can change tempo. A long with either of us not being able to crossfade out of eachothers tracks from one computer to another.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:21 am
by 73*
Why not just run the two computers independently, and run each of your master outs into a mixer?

As for MIDI sync, perhaps a try a combination of using tap tempo (without MIDI sync) and switching MIDI sync masters. Alternatively an external midi clock that acts as the MIDI sync master might be worth consideration.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:47 am
by ian_halsall
73* wrote:Why not just run the two computers independently, and run each of your master outs into a mixer?

As for MIDI sync, perhaps a try a combination of using tap tempo (without MIDI sync) and switching MIDI sync masters. Alternatively an external midi clock that acts as the MIDI sync master might be worth consideration.
I was thinking of this approach this morning - sync 2 computer to smpte (Dat or some master clock) - not sure if this is possible using Live - I guess it must be.

And then just mix the output of the 2 computers in a simple hardware mixer.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 5:32 pm
by 73*
After thinking about this some more,

If you were to use a MIDI interface such as a MOTU MIDI Express XT, with the appropriate setting up of presets you should be able to create a system that allows you to switch which Laptop running Live acts as Master with a couple of MIDI mapped buttons (and if I recall correctly the XT can switch presets via program changes).

It would require a lot of work before hand, and some debugging to get it to run smoothly.

I hope this helps.

Re: How close can you get to running 1 instance on two computers

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:39 pm
by H20nly
Ableton Live has share!!!



oh wait. no it doesn't.


:P it's like ripping a scab off huh Abes?