Meta Macro MDx is designed with an intuitive interface and convenient functions that resemble Ableton's device rack and macro controls. It allows you to map parameters in Live to macros, assign custom curves, create snapshots of macro dial values, and more.
The device comes with 8 macro controls that can map 1/2/4/8 parameters, depending on the version you choose. The MDx version also includes modulation capabilities, integrating all Ableton Live stock modulator devices. Mod sources can be assigned to individual mapped parameters, and each source inherits 8 additional targets for mapping to any Live parameter.
Meta Macro MDx offers features like a "Locate" button for easy navigation of your set and finding the device itself in the Liveset. It also allows you to create user curves for each mapped parameter, with options for linear, exponential, and logarithmic curves.
Other key features of Meta Macro MDx include MIDI mapping capabilities, independent modulation of mapped parameters, individual parameter ranges, snapshot functionality, control surface mapping, randomization of macro controls, and a color editor for customizing the device's appearance.
The article concludes by highlighting that Meta Macro MDx uses the "Window Control" system, enabling a unified floating view experience for moving, clustering, and hiding floating views.
To learn more about Meta Macro MDx and enhance your live performances in Ableton Live, you can download the device from the provided link. :internal_private_article_id: ask-meta-macro-mdx
Meta Macro MDx is a high-performance utility tool developed by Askondo that greatly enhances live performances in Ableton Live. Emulating the look and functionality of Ableton's device rack and macro controls, Meta Macro MDx becomes an all-in-one controller that allows you to map most parameters in Live to macros, assign custom curves, and even capture snapshots of individual macro dial values for on-the-spot reference during a live performance.
Depending on your chosen version, the device comes packed with 8 macro controls capable of mapping 1/2/4/8 parameters and includes modulation capabilities. With the integrated Ableton Live stock modulator devices, you can assign mod sources to distinct mapped parameters, and each mod source can independently map 8 different targets to any Live parameter. Modulation is further amplified with two independent LFOs, a Shaper Mod, and an envelope follower with a freely choosable input that is built into the device UI.
Navigating your set becomes a breeze, thanks to a "Locate" button in the edit view for each mapped parameter. Plus, an additional "Locate" button on the floating view helps you find the Meta Macro device itself in the Liveset swiftly. One of Meta Macro's strengths is its ability to create user curves for each mapped parameter, granting you the freedom to use linear, exponential, and logarithmic curves with a quick selector and import or export them on demand.
Other noteworthy features include independent modulation of mapped parameters, the ability to switch between dial and button for macro controls, individual parameter ranges that can also be inverted with a simple click, full MIDI mapping capabilities for all significant functions, and a snapshot functionality with four different slots.
Meta Macro MDx doesn't stop at just handling inter-device mapping and modulation. It also takes care of hardware integration, allowing you to map to control surfaces and interact with remote scripts like the APC40MK2. Moreover, it empowers users with a color editor to customize the device's look and a randomize function exclusive to all macro controls.
Another innovative approach that Meta Macro MDx employs is the use of the "Window Control" system, which offers a unified floating view experience, thus enabling you to move, cluster, and hide an unlimited number of floating views.
In essence, Meta Macro MDx leverages the power of automation, modulation, signal processing, and parameter mapping to take your live performances to the next level. Give it a try by downloading the device through the provided link. Enjoy and have fun making music with this potent tool!
Example Usage
One great way to get started with Meta Macro MDx is by using its snapshot functionality during a live performance. Here's a novice-level example of how you can incorporate snapshots into your set:
- Load Meta Macro MDx onto a track in your Ableton Live session.
- Click on the floating view of Meta Macro MDx to access its controls.
- Choose a parameter that you want to control with a snapshot. For this example, let's select a delay effect wet/dry mix.
- Hover over the macro control that corresponds to the selected parameter and click on the "Edit" button.
- In the macro control's editing view, you'll find the "Snapshot" section. Click on one of the four available slots to create a new snapshot.
- Adjust the parameter to your desired value for this snapshot. For instance, you can set the delay wet/dry mix to 100% wet.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each additional snapshot you want to create.
- Exit the macro control's editing view and return to the floating view of Meta Macro MDx.
- Now, when you play your live performance, you can trigger a specific snapshot by simply clicking on the corresponding slot in the macro control's floating view.
- Experiment with different snapshots to add dynamic changes to your music during the live set.
Remember, snapshots allow you to instantly recall specific parameter settings, providing you with new sonic possibilities during your performances. So have fun exploring and customizing your live show with Meta Macro MDx!
Suppose you're performing live and want to add dynamic modulation to your bassline. Meta Macro MDx can help you achieve this by mapping parameters and assigning modulators to create interesting variations. Here's an intermediate-level usage example:
- Load Meta Macro MDx onto an audio track in Ableton Live.
- Drag an instrument, such as Operator, onto another audio track.
- Right-click on any parameter in Operator and select "Map to Macro 1" in the context menu. This maps the parameter to the first macro control in Meta Macro MDx.
- Repeat step 3 for two more parameters in Operator, mapping them to macro controls 2 and 3 in Meta Macro MDx.
- Click on the first macro control in Meta Macro MDx to reveal its modulator assignments.
- Choose the LFO modulation source and map it to the first mapped parameter. Adjust the LFO rate and depth to add movement to the bassline. Repeat this step for the other two mapped parameters, using different modulation sources or adjusting their settings as desired.
- Play your MIDI controller or draw MIDI notes in the Ableton Live MIDI clip to trigger the bassline with the modulated parameters.
- Adjust the macro controls in Meta Macro MDx while performing to dynamically change the sound. For example, you can increase the modulation amount or switch between different curves to alter the intensity and shape of the modulation.
- Save this configuration as a snapshot in Meta Macro MDx by clicking on one of the snapshot slots and selecting "Save Snapshot." This allows you to recall this specific setup during live performances.
- Experiment with the other features of Meta Macro MDx, such as the randomize function, overlay for exclusive parameter control, and color editor to further customize your experience.
By utilizing the mapping capabilities, modulators, and macro controls in Meta Macro MDx, you can generate impressive and dynamic basslines that respond to your live performance gestures. The possibilities for creating unique and evolving sounds are endless with this powerful Max4Live device.
Further Thoughts
To enhance your live performance and take full advantage of the Meta Macro MDx device, let's explore a usage example that showcases its powerful capabilities:
Imagine you're performing a live set and want to add dynamic modulation to your synth parameters using the Meta Macro MDx. You have a pad sound that you want to gradually morph from a serene atmosphere to a more intense and evolving texture.
- Begin by loading Meta Macro MDx onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live.
- Drag and drop your preferred synth plugin onto the same track. Ensure the plugin's parameters are visible in the Ableton Live interface.
- Activate the "Mapping Mode" in Meta Macro MDx by clicking the "Map" button in the device view.
- Now, click on a macro control in the Meta Macro MDx floating view and then click on the desired parameter of your synth to map it. Repeat this process for additional parameters if needed.
- With the parameters mapped to the macro controls, you can now customize the behavior using Meta Macro MDx's modulation capabilities.
- Use the "Mod Sources" section within the device UI to assign modulators to the mapped parameters. For example, you can select LFO 1 as the mod source for the filter cutoff parameter.
- Adjust the modulation amount slider for each macro control individually to fine-tune the modulation intensity during your performance.
- To add more complexity, experiment with different modulation curves for each parameter. Access the user curves and select from linear, exponential, or logarithmic curves based on your desired modulation shape.
- Use the "Ranges" feature to define specific ranges for each mapped parameter. This allows you to create more controlled and precise modulation movements.
- Once you have your modulation settings dialed in, create snapshots of the macro dial values for different stages of your performance. You can use up to four snapshot slots to capture and recall these settings.
- If you want the snapshots to trigger only on the downbeat, enable the "Trigger On Downbeat" option in the device view.
- Now, as you play your live set, you can use the macro controls in Meta Macro MDx to gradually morph and modulate your synth parameters. Each movement of the macro controls will dynamically modulate the assigned parameters, adding life and variation to your music.
- For an added layer of expressiveness, consider mapping the macro controls to a compatible control surface like the APC40MK2 using the "Map to Control Surface" feature. This allows you to interact with the parameters in a tactile manner during your performance.
- To further personalize your setup, use the Color Editor feature to customize the appearance of each instance of Meta Macro MDx, making it visually cohesive with your overall aesthetic.
- Finally, remember to save your Live set, as Meta Macro MDx will maintain its settings and mappings so you can easily recall your performance setup in future sessions.
By leveraging the modulation capabilities, mapping features, and snapshot functionality of Meta Macro MDx, you can elevate your live performances to new heights, creating rich and evolving soundscapes that captivate your audience.