MAD PAD 1.0, crafted by Ziob, is an audio effect peripheral unlike any other that exists within the Ableton Live family. It's an innovative Max4Live device that captures incoming audio with a single click, processing these sounds into continuous Pad-Loops ripe for manipulation.
Imagine a device that can take any audio source and turn it into an evolving sonic landscape. With the simple click of the 'REC' button, a slice of incoming audio becomes a sensorial feast, transformed into an endless, continual 'pad', enveloped and overlapped with its own copy. For longer, more dynamic loops, this looping effect can even be discarded.
But that's just the beginning of MAD PAD's aural adventure. This Max4Live device can further divide your captured audio or the created loop pad in real-time into eight different channels via the 'Split-8' feature. Each channel can be modified with different pitches, pan, and volume, cocooning harmonic chords or fleeting random clusters.
The 'PREST' section allows the storage and recall of various combinations of channel parameters – all while featuring a transposition number box. An incorporated file system even allows for the reading and writing of presets.
For those who desire movement and rhythm in their sounds, the 'ARPEGGIATOR' comes in handy. It gracefully navigates between instances of the 'Split-8', reimagining your audio in ways that pique the creative soul.
Adding another layer of complexity is the 'PITCH' feature that manipulates 'Split-8' pitches using LFOs and several algorithms. The 'Midi' section simplifies pitch insertions to 'Split-8' or the creation of presets. The result is a captured sample that you can easily play on your keyboard.
MAD PAD 1.0 doesn't stop with capturing and modifying sound; it also features two effect units. The first one is a pre-chain effect unit (reverb and delay), with a fader for input level and a box number setting device's general ramp time. The other is a post effect unit, processing the 'Split-8' output and all preceding processors, excluding the main input.
Visual aesthetics meet function with MAD PAD's design. Each section can be folded when not in use, providing a clutter-free environment that encourages focused creativity. With documentation that includes detailed tool-tips and a full description in the info view window, Ziob has ensured that musical exploration with MAD PAD 1.0 is comprehensive and intuitive.
The key philosophy of MAD PAD is to generate an endlessly mutable drone sound from a single piece of captured audio – serving as a bed for improvisation or overdubbing during recording sessions or during live performances.
The high design standards, programming efficiency, and the robust commercial license offered by Ziob make MAD PAD 1.0 a great addition to any electronic musician's toolkit. So why wait? Let's delve into an exciting journey of sound crafting with MAD PAD 1.0. Embark on your exploration of this powerful audio chain tool [here](https://maxforlive.com/library/device/11189/mad-pad).
Example Usage
To start crafting evolving drone landscapes using MAD PAD 1.0 in Ableton Live, follow these steps for a simple yet effective approach:
- Load MAD PAD 1.0: Begin by inserting MAD PAD 1.0 onto an audio track in Ableton Live. This track will serve as your sound source. You might want to use a sustained instrument like a synthesizer for a more organic drone texture.
- Capture Your Audio: Play a sustained audio clip on the track. Click the 'REC' button in MAD PAD to capture a short slice of the audio. This recording will automatically loop, offering the foundation for your drone.
- Adjust Input and Effects: In the 'AUD.IN' section, fine-tune the input level using the fader. Add a touch of reverb or delay to introduce spatial depth before the loop progresses to further stages.
- Explore Split-8: Once your loop is captured, it will be split into 8 channels via the 'Split-8' section. Experiment with different pitch, pan, and volume settings for each channel to form harmonic chords or varying clusters. Try setting a couple of channels to octaves or fifths for richer harmony.
- Add Movement with the Arpeggiator: The 'ARPEGGIATOR' section can enliven your drone by cycling through the 8 channels in creative sequences. Adjust the speed and pattern to suit the mood you're aiming for—be it calm and meditative or dynamic and evolving.
- Pitch Manipulation: Use the 'PITCH' section to introduce subtle pitch changes. The LFOs can induce gentle pitch variations over time, creating an ever-evolving soundscape.
- Apply Post-Effects: Enhance your drone further with the 'Post effect' section. Fine-tune the reverb and delay settings to craft the desired ambiance, subtly changing the drone as it persists.
- Presets and Recall: Once you're satisfied with your drone settings, save your configuration using the 'PREST' section. This allows you to easily recall your setup or share presets in future sessions.
By following these steps, you can create a rich and evolving drone landscape ideal for improvisation or as a backdrop for other musical elements. As you grow more comfortable, experiment with different settings and audio sources to expand your sonic palette. For further exploration, check out detailed tool-tips within the device and consider visiting ziob.gumroad.com/l/nzefr for any updates or additional resources.
To craft an evolving drone landscape using MAD PAD 1.0, let’s explore an intermediate-level example that takes advantage of its unique audio manipulation capabilities. In this session, we'll transform a simple acoustic guitar chord into a rich and evolving drone texture, perfect for ambient music or a cinematic backdrop. Here's how:
- Set Up Your Audio Source: Start by routing an acoustic guitar track into MAD PAD 1.0's 'AUD.IN'. Adjust the input fader to ensure a clean signal, and apply a touch of pre-chain reverb for initial space, which will later blend with the drone.
- Capture the Audio: Use the 'REC' feature to capture a short, resonant chord from the guitar track. This will serve as the basis of our drone. Ensure the loop is seamlessly overlapped to prevent clicks.
- Create Harmonic Variety with 'Split-8': Activate the 'Split-8' function to divide the captured loop into 8 channels. Individually set each channel's Pitch, Pan, and Volume to create a chord cluster that shifts between consonance and dissonance for an evolving tonal palette. Experiment with slight detuning on some channels to add texture.
- Utilize PREST to Save Your Setup: Once satisfied with your chord cluster, save this configuration using the 'PREST' section. This allows you to quickly recall the harmonic setup you’ve created, making it easy to explore other variations without losing your starting point.
- Integrate Movement with 'ARPEGGIATOR': Add dynamic motion by setting up an arpeggio pattern through the 'ARPEGGIATOR'. This will systematically shift the focus between the 8 channels, creating a sense of progression and evolution within the drone landscape.
- Modulate with 'PITCH': Engage the 'PITCH' section to apply LFO modulation to the Splits’ pitches. Choose an algorithm that suits the mood you’re aiming for, creating subtle or pronounced pitch variations that breathe life into the static drone.
- Enhance with Post-Effects: Apply further spatial effects post-Splitting using the 'Post effect' section. Add a longer reverb and gentle delay to ultimately expand the drone beyond its initial capture, enveloping the listener.
- MIDI Interaction: For added control, link a MIDI controller to the 'Midi' section. This allows you to manually play or input pitch variations in real-time, offering an interactive way to shape the drone live during a performance.
Through manipulation and layering, MAD PAD 1.0 transforms a single guitar chord into an immersive drone soundscape, demonstrating its potential for creating continuously evolving audio environments. Adjust the elements to fit the mood of your project, and enjoy the creative exploration this unique tool offers within Ableton Live. For more detailed guidance, consult the full documentation available with the device.
Further Thoughts
To craft dynamic and evolving drone landscapes using MAD PAD 1.0 in Ableton Live, you can follow this expert-level usage example. The goal is to exploit the full potential of this audio effect device to create intricate audio textures that evolve over time, forming a rich sonic backdrop.
### Step 1: Initial Setup and Capture Start by loading MAD PAD 1.0 onto an audio track in your Ableton Live session. Route an interesting audio source to the track—this could be anything from a simple synth texture to a field recording. Set the input level using the 'AUD.IN' fader and apply some subtle pre-chain reverb and delay to add space to your audio source.
When you find a moment you want to capture, activate the 'REC' function. This will take a short slice of the incoming audio and create a looping pad. Make use of the overlapping feature to ensure seamless transitions, avoiding any audio clicks at the loop points.
### Step 2: Splitting and Manipulating the Pad With your looped pad running, utilize the 'Split-8' section to divide the audio into 8 different channels. Experiment with the pitch, pan, and volume settings to create a rich harmonic texture. Try tuning these channels to form a specific chord or use random settings for a more aleatoric cluster effect.
Save these configurations in the 'PREST' section. This will allow you to switch between different harmonic settings seamlessly during your live performance or recording session.
### Step 3: Adding Movement and Complexity Introduce movement to your sound by engaging the 'ARPEGGIATOR'. Configure it to cycle through your 'Split-8' channels, introducing time-based variations. Adjust the speed and pattern settings in the arpeggiator to vary how the sound evolves.
Further modulate the pitches using the 'PITCH' section. Choose from the available LFO waveforms and algorithms to create undulating pitch shifts. This can help produce shimmering effects and complex sound interactions, especially useful for creating tension and release in your drone landscapes.
### Step 4: Enhancing with Post Effect Processing After defining the core texture, shape the final output in the 'Post effect' section. Add additional reverb and delay to the processed sound from 'Split-8', deepening the spatial characteristics of your drone. Adjust these effects to taste, ensuring they complement the atmosphere you wish to convey.
### Step 5: MIDI Control and Performance For added flexibility and control, utilize the 'Midi' section. Assign MIDI controllers to 'Split-8' pitch or volume parameters, or play your looped sample through a keyboard to perform melodic embellishments over your drone. This allows for real-time interaction and expressive playing, perfect for live scenarios or evolving compositions.
### Conclusion By creatively employing MAD PAD 1.0's robust audio manipulation capabilities, you can craft evolving drone landscapes that serve as compelling foundations for improvisation or composition. Use the various sections of the device judiciously to sculpt a continually shifting sonic environment, pushing the boundaries of static soundscapes into vibrant living clusters of sound. This makes MAD PAD 1.0 a unique and invaluable tool for any sound designer or electronic music producer aiming to explore ambient and experimental music.