Mixing MIDI tracks

[cundare]

Sorry if this question has already been answered, but I haven't been able to find anything on-point online or in the manuals.

I'm trying to mix and master an IMPORTED composition that includes both MIDI and audio tracks. Arrangement View works as expected for the audio tracks, using console-like sliders to adjust relative volume levels. But I see no way to adjust track volume for the MIDI tracks. If the UI is intended to emulate a physical multitrack console, it seems essential that the same console-like controls and functionality would be available for both types of tracks -- despite the under-the-hood differences between the two types of content.

Tutorials and threads fdo mention the existence of MIDI-track sliders in earlier versions of Ableton, but I don't see anything in Live Pro 11.

To be clear, I'm looking for a way to adjust relative volume levels a composition's MIDI & audio tracks in real-time, as the piece plays back -- the most basic of mixing functions. I'm a relatively new user, so I'm guessing that I'm missing some cryptic button or collapsed panel.

Can any more experienced user point out what I'm missing?

Thank you.

[Greenapples2019]

Hi there, if I’ve understood correctly there’s no fader because MIDI itself doesn’t output any sound, just messages. Once you add a virtual instrument to the track you’ll see a fader and be able to adjust the volume.

I hope that helps, but let me know if I’ve got the wrong end of the stick.

[cundare]

Right now, I'm using the default Microsoft GM synth as an instrument, so there is something in place.

But apparently that synth doesn't count. When I loaded one of Live's loaded instruments, the volume button popped up. I wouldn't have guessed that.

Thanks Greenapples! Problem solved (I think).

[DunedinDragon]

I think the piece you're missing is you're using the basic General MIDI from the OS which is very generic and limited in it's scope. Most people doing this sort of thing tend to use virtual instrument plug in libraries which provide much greater realism in the instrument more control over adjusting the tone and volume along with a range of other parameters for the instrument. Personally I use KONTAKT libraries, but there are all sorts of other libraries out there.

[yur2die4]

I think there are some ‘general midi’ plugins out there which at least load up the standard GM sound associated with a program change. This might help with getting a head start on having the right sounds associated with your clips. But isn’t guaranteed. Also, off hand I don’t know a particular GM plug-in to recommend. Just thought I’d mention this (would possibly be a better substitute than using the built in, as built in doesn’t output through Live for mixdown the way a plug-in would)

[jlgrimes]

Sorry if this question has already been answered, but I haven't been able to find anything on-point online or in the manuals.

I'm trying to mix and master an IMPORTED composition that includes both MIDI and audio tracks. Arrangement View works as expected for the audio tracks, using console-like sliders to adjust relative volume levels. But I see no way to adjust track volume for the MIDI tracks. If the UI is intended to emulate a physical multitrack console, it seems essential that the same console-like controls and functionality would be available for both types of tracks -- despite the under-the-hood differences between the two types of content.

Tutorials and threads fdo mention the existence of MIDI-track sliders in earlier versions of Ableton, but I don't see anything in Live Pro 11.

To be clear, I'm looking for a way to adjust relative volume levels a composition's MIDI & audio tracks in real-time, as the piece plays back -- the most basic of mixing functions. I'm a relatively new user, so I'm guessing that I'm missing some cryptic button or collapsed panel.

Can any more experienced user point out what I'm missing?

Thank you.

With midi tracks, volume need to be adjusted at the synth level. As volume in an Ableton mixer is only for audio.

You have a few options though,

1 External midi instrument device. This method might be hard with a virtual external midi instrument though as you have to route instrument into Ableton. I'm sure there is some way to do though with a virtual audio cable app or some form of loopback though. but this works pretty well for hardware.

2. Clip envelopes. Midi volume can be changed via automation. probably more trouble than it's worth though.

3. M4L midi effect. I'm guessing there is a midi device that is just a volume knob, or that maps to midi cc for midi volume. Or probably is pretty easy for someone with M4L skills to create. I'm not sure if Ableton has something native that does this.

[StickPlayer]

If there's a way to delete a reply, it sure isn't obvious.

[Tarekith]

There isn’t.