Ableton Forum

I own the UAD Distressor, and I want to use the so-called "dead-patch" feature. This only works when the plugin is outputting mono audio though, and I know that unlike some DAWs that support end-to-end mono tracks (Logic comes to mind), Ableton does all its signal chains in stereo. Is there a workaround, or do I have to do some kind of Max for Live trickery to make this happen?

Even though the tracks output meter is showing you 2 channels, if you’re using a mono source and are processing it in mono, then the output is mono.

Thanks for the reply. Just to make 100% sure we’re using the same terminology, I’m defining “mono output” as “the plugin only sees one output channel at the VST level,” not just “the audio at the output has no side component.” Is that what you are describing?

[jur] wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:50 am

Even though the tracks output meter is showing you 2 channels, if you’re using a mono source and are processing it in mono, then the output is mono.