Ableton Forum

Hey

Wondering if audio output from a track can be detected by, and trigger a clip (or clips) on a different track.

Thanks!
o99

Virtually anything is possible with MaxforLive.

Cheers
D

Thank you!

I'm far from adept at M4L -- this might be a way to get more familiar with it.

I'm aware that some of the easiest things to imagine are often the most difficult to ultimately realize but... well, "dream big," I guess!

o99

I would look at repurposing the Envelope Follower device in the first instance.

Best regards
Darren

S4racen wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 23, 2026 8:19 am

I would look at repurposing the Envelope Follower device in the first instance.

Best regards
Darren

Indeed, I was considering some quite like an envelope follower -- with adjustable threshold, etc. that could control what kind of output could launch the clip.

I just wasn't quite sure how to get ahold of the "launch clip" functionality and then connect that to the output of the device (which I guess would be the trigger for the detection action).

But... I'll see if I can find out.

Thanks for the suggestion!
o99

Maybe have a look at maxforlive.com for devices that uses threshold detection to trigger other actions (first that comes to mind is devices that use it to start recording automatically), that'll give you a strong basis.

Thank you, Jur!

...and best wishes for spring as well.
o99

Btw, the MSP [bonk~] object is great at transient detection.
But, even though you wouldn't need a lot to create such device, if you don't already patch a little bit that might be a challenge.
Did you already search on maxforlive.com?
As S4rcen said, Envelope Follower would be the easiest way to start exploring if you can't go the patching route, but I think you would hit the limit quite quickly.
Do you really need your clip(s) to be triggered from an audio input? Follow Actions are not an option?

by [jur] » Wed Mar 25, 2026 2:08 am Do you really need your clip(s) to be triggered from an audio input? Follow Actions are not an option?

My idea was that a clip on one track would be triggered by the detected presence of output from a different track -- can Follow Actions do that?

I like using FA's, they can be quite helpful -- but this is why I assumed that the task as described might have to fall to something like an Envelope Follower.

by [jur] » Wed Mar 25, 2026 2:08 am
But, even though you wouldn't need a lot to create such device, if you don't already patch a little bit that might be a challenge.

I really don't, I am embarrassed to say. Not that I wouldn't like to learn, I would -- but maybe a more basic device to start with is a better path!