Ableton Forum

This is probably a noob question, but I can't seem to locate the answer on the forums.

I'm recording audio into clips for looping purposes. The problem is the audio has a tail, i.e. a synth with long release, that doesn't want to be cut off when the loop repeats.

How can I play the tail audio and loop at the same time?

Put the recorded loop into a Simpler and disable the "R"etrigger option and set the number of overlapping voices to something useful for you (have a quick look at the manual for other Simpler options).

OK, so I played around with Simpler (I've actually never had to use it before). It's starting to make sense. So, what I did was load the device in, drag an audio sample into it, set the loop region to the entire length of the file, then record an 8 bar clip on the track, so it repeats every 8 bars.. but the problem is, with "R" activated or not, the tail audio isn't being played.

i with think the method crash is suggesting that simpler will be the end of the chain. the simpler will play your loop and depending on how you set it, will not cut off the end of your loop. it's more of a workaround rather than a total solution.

however if you take the simpler and record it to a new clip it will still cut off the last tail before the clip restarts.

i don't know of any way to change this. you could put some delay and/or reverb in return tracks, send your clip to that, and then you'll at least have some ambient decay, albeit different from the exact sound you want.

crash is talking about something else; retriggering a sample rather than looping it. try this instead:

play the audio you're recording twice over, so that the loop is double the length you need it to be (loops twice as you record it in), set the loop brace to the first cycle, then move the loop brace over to the right so the tail is inside the loop. make sure the start marker stays at the start and doesnt get moved with the loop brace, and you should be set. works with long release for synths, reverb etc.

ahh, excellent idea mr. boozy. i knew the answer was right there under my nose! i just couldn't quite pin it. it'll take a little work getting the loop point sounding seamless, but i have my ways. appreciate it!

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?p=818509#818509

gary was on the right path, but you should set the loop brace to the 2nd cycle instead of the first.