The Presets Device 1.0, conceived and developed by killihu, is an innovative audio effect that fundamentally alters the ways we interact with and control parameters within Ableton Live. Essentially, the Presets Device permits you to save and load presets for all automatable parameters. This comprises not just the built-in Live devices, but also extends its capacity to external VST plugins.
The Presets Device is a creative leap forward from Live’s built-in Macro Variations feature. Unlike Macro Variations, which are only capable of handling presets from the 16 Macro Controls, the Presets Device provides a far more flexible system. Now, you can take presets from all automatable parameters - a feature that noticeably enlarges your command repertoire over Live devices and VST plugins.
What's even more intriguing, is the option it provides to take presets either from a single device, or from all the devices within an effects rack chain. It can even theoretically extend to all the devices on a track. This feature alone makes it an indispensable tool for those who prefer meticulous control over their music production and live performances.
Any VST plugin users need not worry, as the Presets Device works seamlessly with them. It effortlessly creates presets of the controls that are available in the Configure Mode of the VST rack. Do take note though that in order to create or load presets for devices within an effects rack chain or the whole track, the device positions need to be consistent.
That is a relatively small concession when you consider the significant control and flexibility afforded by this tool. Additionally, it extends the capacity of storage to up to 64 presets and allows you to personalise these presets by renaming them according to your preference. And if this isn't enough, switching between presets can be achieved using MIDI note input, creating instantaneous alterations within a performance or studio setting.
Admittedly, this is cutting edge production wizardry. So to operate Presets Device 1.0 efficiently, it requires Live 12.0.5 and Max 8.6.3, setting it as an indispensable tool for contemporary music makers.
For those considering adoption, the device can be found on the Max for Live website at https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10996/presets-device. Additional details about the device, complete with a helpful PDF manual, can also be found on the official website: https://killihu.vstskins.com/presets/. As it's a commercially licensed product, there is a charge associated but the high user rating will affirm your decision of investment.
In conclusion, the Presets Device 1.0 by killihu represents a quantum leap forward in parameter control within Ableton Live. By shattering limitation barriers posed by Macro variations and locating greater command within your creative processes, this utilitarian tool redefines the potential height of your soundscapes.
Example Usage
Imagine you've just crafted the perfect bass line using a combination of Ableton's Operator and a distortion plugin. You've dialed in a host of parameters until you achieved that sweet spot that really makes your track thump. Now, you'll want to recreate this sound during live performances or across different productions without having to remember every knob position and setting. This is where Killihu's Presets Device shines.
First, drag and drop the Presets Device onto the same track as your bass line. You'll notice that the device has a simple interface with slots for up to 64 presets. To save your current bass sound, simply select an empty slot by clicking on it and then press the 'Save' button. Your Operator and distortion settings are now stored in this preset.
Later, when you want to recall this exact sound, click on the slot you saved the preset to and press the 'Load' button. The Presets Device will instantly recall every parameter for the Operator and distortion plugin, exactly as you saved them.
Moreover, if you want to switch between presets during a live performance, you can easily map each preset slot to a MIDI note. This way, with a press of a key, you're able to fluidly switch between your meticulously crafted sounds, ensuring a dynamic and engaging live set.
With Killihu's Presets Device, the power and simplicity of recalling complex settings mean you can focus more on your creativity and performance, rather than worrying about losing those perfect sounds you've created.
Imagine you're in the midst of a live performance with Ableton Live, and you want to switch the sound of your synth lead during a song's bridge. Traditionally, you would either have to switch to a new track with a different preset or manually tweak the parameters on-the-fly, which can be risky and distracting. With Killihu's Presets Device, you can elegantly manage this transition without breaking a sweat.
Let’s walk through an intermediate-level example that showcases the power of Presets Device to facilitate seamless changes in your live set.
Firstly, load up a track with your favorite VST Synthesizer and some native Ableton effects, such as a Delay and a Compressor. For this example, let's use Serum as the synth, since it has a vast amount of parameters that can be morphed for dramatic effect.
Once your devices are set up, insert the Presets Device directly after the chain of devices you wish to control. Open the Presets Device and select 'Track' to ensure that all devices on the track are included in the presets. Now, adjust the synth and effects parameters to create your perfect sound for the first part of the song, and save this as Preset 1.
Now, modify your parameters to create a different sound for the bridge - perhaps lowering the cut-off frequency on the synth and adding more feedback to the delay for a darker, more resonant feel. Once satisfied, save this as Preset 2.
Assign different MIDI notes to switch between these presets. For instance, set C3 to trigger Preset 1 and C#3 to trigger Preset 2. Make sure your controller is mapped and ready to send these notes when needed.
During your performance, when the bridge approaches, simply trigger the C#3 note. The Presets Device will smoothly load your second sound, transitioning without any noticeable interference or the need to automate parameter changes manually. The audience will experience a seamless musical transformation, attributing it to your production prowess.
The Presets Device can also follow your creative lead if you decide mid-performance that the bridge needs a tweak. Edit the parameters of Preset 2 on-the-fly, and re-save it with the current settings by holding the Save button. This dynamic functionality allows real-time improvisation while maintaining the safety net of your predefined sounds.
Remember, the Presets Device relies on the static positions of the devices in your chain, so make sure not to add or reorder devices after you've created your presets, as this would invalidate your carefully crafted configurations.
Through this example, we've seen not only the practicality of using Killihu’s Presets Device in a live setting but also the power it equips a performer with: to be both spontaneous and precise, without the usual legwork required for parameter management. It's a tool that reflects a deep understanding of the performer's needs – simplicity in complexity.
Further Thoughts
Imagine you are tasked with creating a dynamic live performance setup for an Ableton Live set that must seamlessly transition between different song sections and drastically varied soundscapes. You have an array of complex instrument and effect chains comprising Live's native devices and third-party VST plugins, each meticulously tweaked. Now, with Killihu's Presets Device, these dramatic changes are not only feasible but also simplified to the point of elegance.
To illustrate, let’s dive into a scenario where you're running a set consisting of three distinctive tracks: a deep house opener, followed by a lush downtempo piece, and concluded by an energetic techno closer. Each track demands its own unique treatment with regards to processing effects, like EQ settings, reverb characters, and synth parameters. Usually, this would mean manual adjustments or the cumbersome task of switching out entire chains. However, with the Presets Device, you can capture the essence of each track's sound design with a single click per preset.
Here is how you could effectively use Killihu's Presets Device:
- Deep House Opener: You begin by setting the parameters of all your devices for the deep house track, including a specific sidechain compression setting, a warm EQ curve on the bassline, and a spacious reverb on the lead synth. Once satisfied, you use the Presets Device to save this exact state as "Preset 1".
- Lush Downtempo Interlude: Next, you alter the parameters to fit the downtempo track. You adjust the sidechain to be less aggressive, create a broader frequency spectrum on the EQ for a fuller sound, and set a larger reverb space with a longer decay time. This snapshot of settings is saved as "Preset 2".
- Energetic Techno Finale: For the final track, the sidechain becomes punchier, the EQ emphasizes the high-end for crisp hi-hats, and the reverb is dialled back for a tighter room feel. These changes are captured in "Preset 3".
During live playback, you can now switch between these vastly different soundscapes with ease. As the house track wraps up, you trigger "Preset 2". The transformation is instant—no fiddling with individual parameters; you're immediately transported into your downtempo universe. Then, as you build up to the climax, you engage "Preset 3", and your set takes off with the energy required for a techno finale.
Additionally, using the MIDI note input feature of the Presets Device, you can bind these presets to specific notes on your MIDI controller. This grants you the ability to toggle between sound settings with the tap of a key, without ever having to touch your computer. In the heat of performance, where every second counts, this level of control and flexibility is invaluable.
Killihu's Presets Device is a potent utility tool not just for the studio producing savant, but also for the live performer demanding high-level precision and adaptability in their Ableton Live sets. With 64 available slots for presets, the creative possibilities are as broad as your imagination. By taking advantage of this device, you ensure your live performances are fluid, your transitions flawless, and your audience utterly mesmerized by the diversity and professionalism of your sound.