Simpler Plus 1.0 by OSTINSOLO is an advanced Max for Live audio device that offers enhanced control over Ableton's Simpler device. Serving as a powerful addition in the live suite, it elevates the quality of sampling manipulation, thus making it a substantial value-addition to your music production arsenal especially if you are inclined to generative music.
The device hands over complete command of the warping algorithms used by the Simpler Device. A standout feature is the mappable scroll of similar samples. With this attribute, you can effortlessly map your controller, create dummy clips, or move them programmatically to control the next similar sample of your Simpler. This smartly devised toolset makes the device a striking utility that aids in the exploration of creative musical avenues.
Simpler Plus 1.0's functionality isn't restricted just to the device. Depending on your project, you can extend the application to track to all Simplers of your project, Simplers on the specific track where the device is based, or to Simpler in the Audio Rack or Drum Rack. This chiefly designed feature gives the device an accommodating flexibility catering to various musical contexts.
Behind the creation of this intelligent device is Ostin, a dedicated developer deeply rooted in the music landscape and an active curator of VSTOPIA on Instagram. His passionate commitment to community, mental health, and collaborative creativity is reflected in the brilliance and efficiency of Simpler Plus 1.0.
Simpler Plus 1.0 is designed to be compatible with Ableton Live version 12.0.5 and Max version 8.6.2. This possessive Max for Live utility device can be procured directly from OSTINSOLO's website. A detailed rundown of its capabilities, along with additional resources, can be accessed at [Max for Live](https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10583/simpler-plus). If you're interested in staying connected and updating free tools, subscribing on OSTINSOLO's website is recommended.
In a nutshell, Simpler Plus 1.0 offers both seasoned and novice Ableton Live users a significant upgrade to the native Simpler device's abilities, along with a pleasing integration. Its unique suite of features provides complete control over various aspects of Simpler's functionality within different contexts, prompting it as a brilliant investment for creators. These functionalities aside, there's the beautiful by-product of supporting the developer's commitment to community and mental health, making Simpler Plus 1.0 an influential entry in the growing family of smart Max for Live devices.
Example Usage
Imagine you've just loaded up a sample of a funky bass guitar into Ableton Live's Simpler instrument and you're itching to experiment with it in a new track. You've sliced the sample to perfection and laid out a groovy bass line that's truly the soul of your track. Now, let's spice it up using Simpler Plus 1.0 by OSTINSOLO!
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Simpler Plus to easily scroll through similar samples and inject some generative flair into your bass groove:
Step 1: Drag and Drop Simpler Plus 1.0 First, find Simpler Plus in your Max for Live devices folder, then drag and drop it into one of your MIDI tracks in Ableton Live Suite, right beside your existing Simpler with the bass sample.
Step 2: Set Your Location In the Simpler Plus interface, decide where you want the device to look for the Simpler instances by selecting either 'Project,' 'Track,' or 'Chain.' For beginners, it's easiest to start with 'Track' to affect the Simpler on the same track.
Step 3: Map Your Controller Take full advantage of Simpler Plus by mapping a knob or slider on your MIDI controller to the scroll function of Simpler Plus. This allows you to move through similar samples live, adding an element of performance to your production.
Step 4: Explore Warping Algorithms With 'Full-Control' over Simpler's warping algorithms at your fingertips, experiment with different warp modes to see how they affect the playback of your bass samples. You might find that 'Complex Pro' gives you that extra smoothness, or 'Beats' mode adds a rhythmic feel.
Step 5: Create Dummy Clips Get creative with generative music by creating dummy clips in your MIDI track. Program changes in the clip envelopes that tweak the Simpler Plus device settings. Watch in amazement as your Simpler cycles through different samples in ways you wouldn't manually think to, creating fresh variations of your bass line.
Step 6: Share and Engage After creating something unique with Simpler Plus, consider joining the community at OSTINSOLO's hub to share your track, gain feedback, and connect with other passionate producers.
Using Simpler Plus 1.0, you can explore new dimensions in your Ableton Live projects with ease and creativity. Its powerful yet beginner-friendly interface unlocks a playful approach to sample manipulation that can lead to unexpected and inspiring musical moments.
Imagine you're an intermediate producer with a penchant for glitchy, ambient textures. You've collected a series of field recordings—glass shatters, wind chimes, and gravel crunches—and loaded them into Simpler instruments within Ableton Live. You want to create a generative soundscape that evolves over time, utilizing your recordings in a musical way, manipulating them with intricate variations without manual tweaking for each instance. This is where Simpler Plus 1.0 by OSTINSOLO comes into play.
Firstly, insert a Simpler Plus device onto the same track as one of your Simplers that contains a glass shatter sound. Assuming you've already sliced the sample into various segments that can be triggered separately, let's explore how Simpler Plus 1.0's features can be creatively employed:
- Mappable Scroll of Similar Samples: This feature allows you to cycle through segments of your glass shatter sound, giving the impression of new textures being introduced without manually selecting them. Map this to a knob on your MIDI controller and record a slow, continuous modulation within an 8-bar loop. This will cycle through different sample segments, creating a varied texture that doesn't repeat itself too quickly.
- Full-Control of Warping Algorithms: Simpler Plus provides access to fine-tune the warping algorithms. Switch the warp mode to 'Texture' for the glass shatter sound, and automate the 'Grain Size' and 'Flux' parameters to create a more granular and evolving texture that blends smoothly with your soundscape.
- Programmatic Sample Control: Let’s add a layer of generativity. Create a MIDI clip with a sequence of C3 notes (assuming that’s the root key for your sample slices) and use a Max for Live LFO to modulate the starting position of the Simpler Plus 1.0. This way, each note hit will trigger a slightly different part of the sample, introducing more variation without direct user input.
Next, by selecting the 'Chain' location, Simpler Plus will affect only the Simpler within a specific Audio Effect Rack. Incorporate this setup into a rack along with reverb and delay to create a spacious effect. The Simpler Plus will control the samples while the rest of the chain processes the evolving sound.
Finally, to create a cohesive performance, map the Simpler Plus 1.0 controls across your different Simpler instances. Assign the same MIDI controller knob to the 'Mappable Scroll' function on each Simpler Plus device. Now, with a twist of the knob, you're cycling through varying textures across different samples throughout your entire track or live set.
Use this setup as a jumping-off point for your generative ambient piece. With some creativity, you can expand upon this technique, combining it with other instruments and effects to craft a unique atmospheric experience. Remember to experiment with different mappings, modulation rates, and warping settings to discover new soundscapes with Simpler Plus 1.0 and your collection of Simpler instruments.
Further Thoughts
Building a Generative Soundscape with Simpler Plus 1.0
In this detailed scenario, we will construct a generative soundscape using multiple instances of Simpler, each being manipulated through the capabilities of Simpler Plus 1.0 to create a dynamic, ever-evolving auditory experience.
- Creating a Sample Pool: Begin by collating a collection of atmospheric samples—these could be field recordings, synthesized pads, or textured noises—ensuring they are varied yet cohesive. Load these into separate Simplers across several tracks in Ableton Live.
- Deploying Simpler Plus 1.0: Place the Simpler Plus 1.0 device on each track, immediately after its corresponding Simpler. This will allow direct control over each sample's playback and processing without the need to manually adjust the parameters within the Simpler itself.
- Mapping Similar Sample Scroll: Within Simpler Plus 1.0, use the mapping feature to assign the 'Scroll of Similar Samples' to a rotary controller on your MIDI device. This will enable you to move through the samples hands-on, or sequence changes via automation.
- Configuring the Warping Algorithm: Since each soundscape is unique, take advantage of the Full-Control of the Warping algorithms option to tailor the playback to suit your sounds. For ethereal pads, you might select the 'Texture' mode to stretch and blend the grains of sound, creating an ambient texture that breathes.
- Automation for Evolution: To bring life to your soundscape, draw in or record automation for the 'Scroll of Similar Samples'. By subtly moving through the samples, each Simpler will evolve independently, ensuring that the soundscape is never stagnant.
- Interlinking Tracks and Simplers: If you're aiming for a cohesive movement across all tracks, use the 'Project' or 'Track' mapping within Simpler Plus 1.0 so that changes in one instance can affect multiple Simplers. You might, for instance, program a sweeping change across all tracks, causing a wave-like motion throughout your project.
- Utilizing Dummy Clips: Create dummy clips that send specific MIDI control changes to the Simpler Plus 1.0 devices, allowing for changes in sample selection, warping, and even playback reversal at predetermined moments. This can be especially captivating when combined with the existing automation.
- Dynamic MIDI Integration: For a hands-on approach, MIDI map the controls of Simpler Plus 1.0 to a hardware controller's knobs and sliders. Use this in a live performance scenario to intuitively and dynamically sculpt the textures and samples on the fly.
- Recording Output: Lastly, once your setup is in motion, start recording the output of your tracks into a new audio track in Ableton Live. This will capture the generative soundscape, which can then be further edited or integrated into a larger composition.
Simpler Plus 1.0 by OSTINSOLO empowers you to deeply engage with Ableton's Simpler, providing a level of creative control that turns static samples into organic elements of a living, breathing soundscape. Whether you're looking to create generative ambient music or simply wishing to add dynamic evolution to your tracks, Simpler Plus 1.0 offers the tools needed to achieve your vision.