This is what I'm faced with everytime I open Live....
It has evolved as my setup has evolved...
I use this for production, jamming or sketching out new ideas. I have different templates for different purposes (eg a DJ performance style template, a Sampling Mashup Template, ones for different friends setups etc.) but the one illustrated above is my default set.
I'll try and explain some of what is going on here:
- The first few tracks are for live input - VST and external synths etc.
- The 'Kick', 'Perc', 'Lead' etc. tracks are grouped tracks with four empty audio tracks in each group (eg 'Kick 1', 'Kick 2', 'Kick 3' etc.). These are colour coded to match the faders on my Korg nanoKontrol, which can be seen in the photo of my setup, just above my computer keyboard. Once a clip is created/recorded, it put into one of these tracks and colour coded to match (makes it easier later on I find!)
- I use Maschine in 90% of my stuff so I have it load up by default in every project I do now.
- An external input so I can route stuff quickly and easily (handy when collaborating, which I do often)
- I have been playing around with some 'bus' tracks with some cool results. I have found having three buses route into a master bus gives me added creative flexibility. All drums (Kicks/Perc/Machine) route to Bus A, all other recorded sounds route into Bus B while all live inputs (VST's/External Synths) route to Bus C. With a custom effect rack on each, and selection b/w the different buses as simple as pressing a key on my number pad, I can quickly and easily create complex effects on the fly (eg apply a Low Pass to all drums while adding a delay to other sounds etc.).
- I find myself using Guitar Rig as my go-to FX tool, so I also have it load up in my default set. (Return A)
- All of my MIDI and Key mappings are of course saved into the template.
- On the Korg nanoKontrol, the encoders are mapped to sends for each respective track (Scenes A-D on nanoKontrol = sends A-D in ableton).
- I use Kore 2 for 'blue hand' control and a USB number pad with key mappings to select which device has the 'blue hand'
- I also use the same USB number pad to select/arm the first three input tack, so I can control/play multiple synths from my keyboards without needing to look at a screen or touch a mouse.
With Reaktor (in track 'VST2'), Maschine and Guitar Rig all opening up every time I load Live, it obviously takes longer to load up than normal. I don't mind this, because as soon as Live is loaded, everything I would want to use is there and ready to go at the press of a button.
Any questions on this, just ask!
- Brock
