To begin, Tsugumasa320’s creation, the Pop-out Mono Sequencer 1.0 can be found free of charge, available for download on Max4Live. Whilst free, this inventive device should not be underestimated; it is a powerful tool, notably facilitating the workflow of Ableton Live users by offering the ability to view a sequencer on multiple tracks at once. This novel attribute provokes a more coherent, fast way of handling intricate drum patterns, whether for kicks, snares, or hi-hats.
This desirable sequencer was seemingly borne out of Tsugumasa320's interaction with Matthew Davidson's original mono sequencer, a multi-functional preloaded feature of Ableton Live. Rightly recognizing the potential for expansion, Tsugumasa320 crafted a prominent modification to Davidson's creation, leading to the Pop-out Mono Sequencer. The ability to display the sequencer as a pop-out window arose from the desire of Tsugumasa320 to simultaneously see track elements, thus driving the evolution of this innovative tool.
The Pop-out Mono Sequencer 1.0 is also available as a floating window. An ultimate aid in improving productivity, this flexible feature means you can always have it at hand, regardless of your ongoing projects within Ableton Live.
Moreover, it is essential for users interested in layering drum sequences or generating complex glitch patterns, as it ensures seamless interaction with different elements of a track. Though the device is perfect for those working with elaborate patterns, it can also greatly assist in any MIDI-driven undertakings, showcasing its profound versatility.
Free to download and use, Tsugumasa320 gratefully welcomes any donations. Supporting the developer in this way can provide motivation to continue creating these invaluable devices that actively contribute to the improvements in music production workflows.
Finally, it's worthwhile to indicate that the Pop-out Mono Sequencer 1.0 was manufactured using Live version 10.1.18 and Max/MSP version 8.1.5. As a result, it's compliant with these versions and can be expected to function seamlessly. Download it here, and let this game-changing sequencer inspire your music production processes.
Example Usage
Imagine you're starting a new project in Ableton Live, and you want to create a simple but dynamic drum pattern using the Pop-out Mono Sequencer 1.0 by Tsugumasa320. First, you need to download and install the device from the provided URL.
After installation, follow these steps to get started:
- Create a new MIDI track in your Ableton Live Session (Cmd+Shift+T on Mac or Ctrl+Shift+T on PC).
- Load your favorite drum rack onto this track; you can drag and drop an instrument from the browser.
- To add the Pop-out Mono Sequencer to this track, drag and drop the device from the browser onto the MIDI track that holds your drum rack.
- Once loaded, click on the new pop-out button on the device. This will open the sequencer in a dedicated window, allowing you to view it alongside your other tracks.
- Select the drum sound you wish to sequence, say a kick drum. Click on the corresponding pad in the drum rack to ensure it's selected.
- In the Pop-out Mono Sequencer window, you'll see a grid. Click to activate steps in the grid to create a kick drum pattern. Each activated step will trigger the kick drum when the sequencer plays.
- Adjust parameters such as the “Note Length,” “Velocity,” and “Pitch” to add variation and dynamics to your pattern.
- Press play in Ableton Live, and you'll hear your sequence looping along with the project tempo.
- You can duplicate this setup for other drum sounds (like snare and hats) by creating new MIDI tracks and loading additional instances of the Pop-out Mono Sequencer.
Remember that this device allows you to pop out multiple windows for different sequencers, so take advantage of this feature for simultaneous viewing and editing. As you become more comfortable, experiment with the more advanced functions like step probabilities and swing to give your patterns a unique groove.
When working on a minimal tech-house track, the subtlety of drum programming can take your groove to the next level. In this example, we'll explore how the Pop-Out Mono Sequencer 1.0 by Tsugumasa320 can be utilized to craft dynamically evolving drum patterns.
Start by loading the Pop-Out Mono Sequencer onto a MIDI track with a drum rack loaded. Your drum rack should ideally contain a diverse selection of kicks, snares, and hi-hats to give you plenty of sonic options.
Kick Drum Movement: - Begin with the kick drum pattern. Using a standard four on the floor sequence as a starting point, enable a few random steps to add a slight variation every 4 bars which can add an unexpected bounce to the rhythm.
Snare Syncope: - Move to the snare or clap sound. Place the snare on the typical 2 and 4 beats, but then experiment with the 'Chance' control on the sequencer for several steps to occasionally miss a beat or add a double hit. These stochastic elements will add a human-like quality, giving the snare pattern a "live" feel.
Hi-Hat Groove: - With hi-hats, the fun really begins. Input a steady eighth-note pattern and then use the 'Velocity' and 'Duration' controls to introduce accents and ghost notes, which will result in a more complex and articulated rhythm. Also, by tweaking the 'Chance' control, some hi-hat hits can be randomized, making the groove evolve over time.
Once this basic pattern is set, it's time to make it pop with the primary feature of the Pop-Out Mono Sequencer - its ability to pop out. If you're using multiple instances of the sequencer for different drum sounds, popping out the sequencer window will allow you to view and compare them side by side. This is especially useful when you want to see how your kick, snare, and hi-hat patterns are interacting in real-time across multiple tracks.
As you're tweaking your sequences, take advantage of the 'Shift' function to slide your patterns left or right. This can result in interesting phase relationships between your drum elements that can breathe life into the simplest of tracks.
After you've dialed in a pattern that feels dynamic and engaging, remember to utilize the 'Save' and 'Load' features to preserve your carefully crafted rhythms, or to experiment with variations without losing your original work.
Implement these tips, and the Pop-Out Mono Sequencer will become an indispensable tool in creating detailed and evolving rhythm parts in your tech-house productions.
Further Thoughts
Imagine creating a hauntingly atmospheric piece, plunging into a minimalistic yet complex sound palette using the Pop-out Mono Sequencer 1.0 by Tsugumasa320. The track begins with a simple kick drum pattern, a 4/4 heartbeat that sets the groundwork for a rich auditory landscape.
First, drag Pop-out Mono Sequencer onto the kick drum track. By keeping the sequencer pop-out functionality engaged, concurrently open another instance for the snare. Set the kick to a solid quarter note pulse while using the step probabilities to introduce slight variations which give the beat an organic feel.
Next, add another Pop-out Mono Sequencer to the hi-hat track to create a more complex, syncopated rhythm. Set the sequencer to divide the beat into 16th notes but mute some steps to create a staccato rhythm typical of glitch music. Introduce swing to the hi-hats, then experiment with the velocity controls within the sequencer to give more life and natural dynamics to the part.
Taking advantage of the ability to view multiple instances of the sequencer, align them side by side to visually compare and contrast the rhythmic interplay between kick, snare, and hi-hats, refining each element so that they contribute to a cohesive whole.
For the melodic part, use yet another instance of the Pop-out Mono Sequencer on a lush, textured synth pad to create a sequence that adds tension and release. Engage in counterpoint by setting a slower rate on this melodic sequencer, perhaps dotted quarter notes, and program a haunting melody that weaves in and out of the rhythmic foundation.
Utilize the device's capability to save presets within the sequencer by creating and storing several variations of your drum and melody patterns. Automate the switching between these presets over the course of the arrangement to add a dynamic progression to the track.
In the bridge of your composition, experiment with the Mono Sequencer's 'Randomize' function across all pop-out windows to introduce a controlled chaos, momentarily sending the track into an unpredictable frenzy before bringing it back to the tangible rhythmic groove established earlier.
By closing stages of the track, gradually strip back the layers of complexity. Allow the kick to return to a consistent pulse, the hi-hats to a regular rhythm, and let the melodic sequence resolve to a satisfying close.
With the Pop-out Mono Sequencer 1.0, you've just curated an entire ensemble of rhythms and melodies that play off one another like dancers in a choreographed performance, all while maintaining a seamless workflow enhanced by the utility of the pop-out function. The result is an intricate, rhythmically complex track that remains visually manageable within Ableton Live, showcasing just a fraction of the creative potential this Max4Live device offers.