Born out of the ingenuity of altarofwisdom and channeled into the powerful Max4Live device, AutoplayMG 1.1, Ableton Live 12 users are in for a treat. Designed as an audio effect device and added to the library on Mar 31st, 2025, AutoplayMG 1.1 is the MIDI generator that brings something new to the realm of Ableton Live 12.
Perfectly titled "AutoPlay," this device mimics the fascinating unpredictability of generative music while maintaining a level of user control. The device was created due to a simple question: Is it possible to emulate the random generative behaviour of AutoPlay using MIDI generators and transformers? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes!
The random note selection is one of the compelling features of AutoplayMG 1.1, offering limitless possibilities for sound design. With user-determined note lengths that can stretch up to 200%, this device fosters overlapping notes for tie/legato/glissando effects. Further cementing its position as a revolutionary MIDI tool, AutoplayMG 1.1 introduces a random velocity function that adds another layer of dynamic expression to your sequences.
Emphasising rhythm and groove, the inclusion of a swing parameter gives your sequences that 'bounce' that is so inherently essential in various genres. To complement this, the sidechain parameter does a brilliant job of automatically reducing the 1st and 2nd 16th of each beat, adding subtlety to your groove.
To bring life to your sequences, AutoplayMG has an innovative density feature. When a note is not triggered, it is still generated in the background without being active. This way, you attain a sense of depth and complexity that's difficult to replicate.
Perhaps the most creative aspect of AutoplayMG 1.1 is its manual or automatic random source. This feature allows users to shuffle a new sequence, bringing an unexpected twist to your workflow that encourages spontaneous creativity.
Namely, AutoplayMG 1.1 is seen as a tool for perfect control randomness. By blending structured musical elements with a dash of the unpredictable, producers are given the keys to a creative playground like never before.
It's important to note that AutoplayMG 1.1 is compatible only with Ableton Live 12 and requires Max for Live. Unfortunately, there won’t be refunds for mistaken purchases, making sure that you’re aware of your system requirements before making the investment is essential. Visit [AutoplayMG's post on Max for Live](https://maxforlive.com/library/device/12266/autoplaymg) for more device information and direct purchase options.
Follow altarofwisdom's detailed [tutorial on YouTube](https://youtu.be/ZtbDLFzheKg) for a comprehensive guide. Based on the impressive features offered by AutoplayMG 1.1, it is safe to say that it delivers an exclusive experience in the domain of MIDI manipulation. While exploring the boundaries of MIDI workflows, soundscape creators get to enliven their compositions and performances with dynamic creativity.
Make the leap and explore the fascinating new possibilities with AutoplayMG 1.1, transforming your MIDI composition through enhancing creativity and spontaneity in music production.
Example Usage
Let's explore a simple way to integrate AutoplayMG 1.1 into your Ableton Live 12 session to create dynamically evolving MIDI patterns. This is perfect for beginners who are new to using MIDI generators.
Start by inserting AutoplayMG 1.1 onto a MIDI track in your Ableton Live session. To do this, find AutoplayMG in your Max for Live device library and drag it onto your desired track. Once placed, you'll see the device interface pop up, ready for some creative manipulation.
First, let's set up an empty MIDI clip by clicking into a clip slot on the same track and creating a new MIDI clip via the Edit menu. You don't need to draw any notes in advance because AutoplayMG will handle the note generation for you.
Now, focus on some basic parameters to get started. Set the "Length" feature to one of the four available options that best suits your project needs. This controls the cycle length of generated MIDI notes. If you're just experimenting, start with a shorter length for more rapid note changes.
Next, play with the "Random Note Selection" slider. This will allow AutoplayMG to randomly pick notes from the pool of possible notes. It's a great feature for adding an element of surprise to your tracks.
To add rhythmic interest, engage the "Swing" parameter. This will apply a swing feel to your generated patterns, making them groove in a more human-like manner. Adjust the swing until you find a groove that you like.
For a touch of dynamics, you can activate "Random Velocity." This option randomly adjusts the velocity of each note, giving your sequence a more expressive feel.
Lastly, ensure the "Manual or Automatic Random Source" is set to "Automatic" if you want AutoplayMG to continuously shuffle new sequences without intervention. This is perfect for live performances or hands-off improvisation.
Once all settings are configured, start playback on your MIDI clip, and you'll hear a dynamically generated sequence unfolding based on your parameters. Experiment with different combinations of features until you find the sound you love. The real beauty of AutoplayMG 1.1 lies in its ability to blend randomness with control, providing a fantastic springboard for creativity and inspiration in your productions.
In this intermediate-level example, we will explore how to harness the dynamic capabilities of AutoplayMG 1.1 to create evolving MIDI patterns in Ableton Live 12. The goal is to generate a continuously shifting MIDI sequence that adds life to a monotonous synth pad, transforming it into a compelling and sonically rich texture.
Begin by inserting a soft synth onto a MIDI track within your Ableton Live session. While any synth can work, using one with plenty of modulation options will give you more sonic diversity. Load AutoplayMG 1.1 directly after the MIDI clip in your track. This device is designed to interpret and modify the MIDI information before it reaches the synth, offering various parameters to tweak.
First, draw in a simple chord progression in your MIDI clip. Make sure the clip is looped to maintain a continuous playback, setting it as a repetitive eight-bar loop to give ample room for randomness to evolve.
Open the AutoplayMG interface and configure the following parameters:
- Note Length and Overlap: Set the note length to around 60% with slight overlapping by adjusting the length parameter to 110%. This introduces a smooth legato effect which is ideal for pads, mimicking a glissando effect.
- Random Note Selection: Engage the 'Random Note Selection' feature. This allows the device to randomly select notes from the drawn chords, injecting sporadic melodic shifts into the pad.
- Velocity and Density: Increase the 'Random Velocity' to around 50% to add dynamics to your sound—some notes will subtly emerge while others gently fade, offering expressive variance. Additionally, set the 'Density' to 70% to ensure that while some notes are muted, they remain generated and present a ghostly undercurrent to your progression.
- Swing and Sidechain Parameters: Add a subtle swing to inject a human feel into your sequence. You can also incorporate sidechain compression by utilizing the sidechain parameter to automatically reduce the volume on the first and second 16th note of each beat, creating a pulsating rhythm that's particularly useful if your pad needs to interact with a steady kick drum pattern.
- Manual and Automatic Random Source: Toggle between manual and automatic random source settings to suit your workflow. For the purpose of this evolving texture, keep it on automatic to ensure the sequence continuously evolves.
Finally, hit play and listen as your static chord progression transforms into a living, breathing entity. You can further automate any of these parameters in your arrangement view to inspire movement and keep the listener engaged.
By integrating AutoplayMG 1.1 into your setup, you not only generate intriguing MIDI sequences but also gain practical insights into how randomness can be controlled artistically to serve your creative vision.
Further Thoughts
Imagine you're deep into crafting an ever-evolving ambient track. You're seeking that elusive blend of randomness and cohesion in your MIDI sequences. This is where AutoplayMG 1.1 by altarofwisdom can take your project to new heights with its innovative features.
To start, open a MIDI track and load an instance of AutoplayMG 1.1. First, tailor your sequence length by selecting from the four different possible lengths. This flexibility allows you to either keep things tight and looping or to stretch out sequences for a more sprawling, unpredictable output.
With your sequence length established, draw several notes within the MIDI clip. AutoplayMG's random note selection will pick from these notes, adding a dynamic and evolving layer to your composition. Next, utilize the device's feature of adjusting note lengths between 0% and 200%. This enables the creation of overlapping notes, perfect for glissando or legato effects reminiscent of a vintage TB-303 synth line.
Further refine your arrangement by applying swing and sidechain parameters. The swing can inject a human feel, offsetting rigid timing with subtle timing variations. The sidechain option is especially useful in house or techno tracks, as it automatically ducks the 1st and 2nd 16th notes of each beat, sculpting a groove that complements kick-heavy rhythms.
Density control is another powerful tool within AutoplayMG. While only certain notes trigger sounds, having non-triggered notes still visible gives a visual reference of possible hits in your sequence, maintaining a balance between order and chaos.
Experiment with the random velocity parameter to infuse variance in note intensity. This works wonders for creating realism in virtual instrument performances, making each MIDI note feel unique and expressive.
One of the shining stars in AutoplayMG's arsenal is the choice between manual and automatic random source settings. In manual mode, actively shuffle your sequence at will, using this to generate inspiration on the fly. Alternatively, automatic mode continually evolves your sequences without intervention, ideal for longer performance or installation scenarios.
As you explore AutoplayMG 1.1, consider its impact within a broader arrangement. Perhaps layer multiple instances across various tracks, each with distinct settings, to foster rich and unpredictable compositions. Link for a full tutorial here: https://youtu.be/ZtbDLFzheKg
AutoplayMG 1.1 isn't just a generator; it's a creative partner, ready to infuse your projects with a balance of controlled consistency and delightful unpredictability. Grab your copy today, and enjoy the creative journey!