As electronic musicians, we're continuously looking for innovative ways to push the boundaries of our creativity. One such way is with the aid of devices that run inside Ableton Live, known as Max4Live devices. Today, we are shedding light on 'Meridian 1.1' - a MIDI generator by ijoaudio that is sure to whet your appetite for all things rhythmic and polyphonic.
Meridian 1.1 capitalizes on the powerful combination of Euclidean sequencing and generative creativity. It provides an ingenious method for creating dynamic musical patterns, paving the way for truly individualistic arrangements. It breaks away from the confines of other Euclidean sequencers with its capability to generate authentic polyrhythms that dynamically evolve with every loop. With Meridian, a 5-step sequence will assuredly loop as soon as its five steps have concluded, allowing for a rhythmic complexity absent in other sequencers.
Despite having a robust feature set, Meridian 1.1 maintains a user-friendly approach to sequencing. It grants you distinct control over four tracks, each with its own unique pattern and governed by an independent clock. For each track, there's an ability to manipulate note duration, step length, the number of events (notes), pattern rotation, and randomizations. Notably, there's a 'Retrigger' button for each track that introduces live adjustments to the rhythm, novel stutters, fills, or other rhythmic elements.
Meridian's powerful 'Jam' mode is another reason it stands apart in the world of Ableton sequencing. Here, you can specify the frequency at which your settings are altered, and let the process organically evolve over time. Similarly, with 'Note Jam' mode, you can set a note range where the note values change at a specified frequency, making for living, breathing musical phrases.
A standout feature is Meridian's per-track velocity randomization settings. This feature adds a natural, human feel to your patterns, perfect for when you want your sequences to possess less of a machine-like precision and more of an unpredictable, yet groovy variability. Try using it on a hi-hat sequence or a percussion pattern and see how it transforms your groove.
Another component of Meridian that warrants attention is the 'Preset' panel. This allows you to store up to 32 patterns for later retrieval. This is a brilliant feature for saving your favorite rhythms to recall later or for seamless transition during live performances. The global controls also offer a practical touch, adjusting the global subdivision of all four tracks, and providing two extra randomization options for all four tracks' sequence or generative parameters at once.
The recent version 1.1 update brought some pleasant surprises for users. Now, you can adjust note lengths individually for all four tracks, adding an extra layer of depth and nuance to your pattern-making. The inclusion of a global transpose function also means you can shift the entire sequence up or down, by up to 24 semitones.
Finally, Meridian 1.1 offers comprehensive integration with Ableton Push 2/3, perfect for users who prefer physical controls over a laptop keyboard and mouse. With nine banks of mappings, you can perform up to two banks per track, and an additional bank for handling global parameters.
In conclusion, Meridian 1.1 by ijoaudio is much more than your typical MIDI generator. Its blend of Euclidean sequencing, generative creativity, and user-friendly features make it an indispensable tool for Ableton musicians seeking to explore new horizons in polyrhythmic pattern creation. This device encourages creative exploration where your musical ideas can continuously evolve into new sonic territories, both in studio work and live performances.
If you'd like to try out Meridian 1.1 for yourself, it's available for download at https://maxforlive.com/library/device/12069/meridian.
Example Usage
To get started with Meridian 1.1, let's explore its novice-friendly features and use them to create a simple, evolving pattern in Ableton Live.
First, insert Meridian 1.1 into a MIDI track within Ableton Live. Make sure you've selected an appropriate software instrument to pair with it on the same track, so you can hear the MIDI notes generated by Meridian.
Begin by opening Meridian's interface. You'll notice four tracks available, each with its own set of controls. For a basic introduction, let's work with Track 1:
- Set the Pattern Length: Click on the step length parameter and select a moderate length like 8 steps. This will determine how many steps the sequence will have before it loops.
- Configure Euclidean Sequence: Set the number of notes/events to be 5. This setting will initiate a Euclidean rhythmic pattern, distributing those 5 notes evenly within the 8 available steps.
- Note Range: Set the low and high note limits. Pick a range that fits well with your chosen instrument's timbre, for example, from C3 to C4.
- Introduce Randomization: Activate the velocity randomization feature by adjusting its control. This adds a human-like variation to the dynamics of each note, making your pattern feel more organic.
- Explore Jam Mode: Enable Jam Mode on Track 1. Set its frequency to 1/2 note, which will dynamically evolve your sequence over time. This means every half note can introduce slight variations in rhythm and placement.
- Try Out Retrigger: While the sequence is playing, experiment with the Retrigger button. This feature allows you to create fills or stutters, adding live performance-like dynamics to your session even if you’re in a studio environment.
- Save Your Preset: Once you're satisfied with your first sequence, save it using the Preset panel which can store up to 32 patterns. This ensures you can easily recall or switch between saved rhythms during your session or a performance.
Press play in your Live session and listen as Meridian 1.1 begins to generate its generative patterns, evolving the sequences in real-time according to your configurations. Experiment with the other three tracks or try introducing a second polyrhythm with one to truly embrace the artistic potential of Meridian's diverse features.
With these steps, you’ve unlocked the core functionality of Meridian 1.1, diving into the creative world of generative MIDI sequencing with minimal setup. Now, whether you're preparing for a live performance or crafting a studio masterpiece, Meridian's unique capabilities provide an inspiring platform for musical exploration. If you're interested in seeing how generative creativity can enhance your work, be sure to download the device and experiment with its full range of options at: https://ko-fi.com/ijoaudio.
To harness the full potential of Meridian 1.1 in your Ableton Live session, let's delve into an intermediate-level usage example. Our goal is to create a complex, evolving rhythmic landscape using Meridian's generative capabilities combined with its unique Euclidean sequencing and polyrhythm generation.
Firstly, insert Meridian 1.1 onto a MIDI track and route its output to a percussive instrument, like a drum rack. To begin constructing our generative sequence, configure Meridian's four tracks to work together yet independently, crafting a rich tapestry of rhythm.
- Start by defining the pattern specifics for each track. On Track 1, set up a 5-step Euclidean sequence with three events (notes) and a step length of 1/16th note. This setup will produce a fast-paced, cyclical rhythm. Utilize the pattern rotation to shift note placements, adding dynamic variation over time.
- For Track 2, opt for a slower, contrasting 8-step sequence with five events, allowing more space between hits. Adjust the pattern rotation here as well, so it complements Track 1 rather than mirroring it. This track can act as a rhythmic anchor point.
- With Track 3, experiment with a polyphonic texture by choosing a longer 13-step sequence containing eight events. This irregular step count will naturally synchronize less frequently with the other tracks, contributing to the evolving polyrhythm.
- Set Track 4 as a wildcard with a shorter 3-step pattern but maximal events, catching listeners with sharp, stutter-like rhythms. Engage the Retrigger button for this track to manually inject rhythmic fills during playback for a performance-like touch.
To add a harmonic and melodic element, engage Jam mode on all tracks to introduce variability in note choices. Specify a low and high note range, ensuring the melodies stay within a desired chordal space. Adjust Jam mode's frequency to alter notes every full bar, providing enough consistency before transitioning.
Enhance the human-like feel by applying the velocity randomization feature on each track. This introduces subtle dynamic changes, making the percussion feel more organic and less mechanical.
To oversee your evolving composition, utilize the Preset panel to store and switch between multiple pattern configurations. Craft up to 32 variations that can serve different sections of a track or live set. This flexibility is crucial for both studio production and live performance settings.
Finally, consider global adjustments to give your sequence new life. Use Meridian 1.1's global transpose function to instantly pitch-shift the entire sequence up or down, great for transitioning between musical sections or tracks. For a more instantaneous transformation, use the global randomize options to shuffle sequence and generative parameters, injecting momentary chaos for creative breaks and transitions.
With these steps, Meridian 1.1 becomes a powerful ally in creating dynamically rich and musically engaging sequences that evolve both harmonically and rhythmically, making every session unique and inspiring.
Further Thoughts
One of the most exhilarating aspects of using Meridian 1.1 in Ableton Live is its capacity for generating complex, ever-evolving polyrhythms, enriching your live sets or studio projects with dynamic textural layers. To illustrate this expert use, let’s embark on a detailed exploration of how you can harness this MIDI generator's full prowess to induce captivating rhythmic tapestries.
Begin by loading Meridian 1.1 onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live 12, and connect it to a drum rack or your preferred virtual instrument. For this example, we’re aiming to craft a intricate percussive landscape.
- Initializing Tracks: Start by setting up the four available tracks within the device. For Track 1, configure a Euclidean pattern with a 5-step sequence. Enable the generative controls for periodic randomization, setting the frequency of changes to every 1/4 note. This will ensure your pattern has a lively unpredictability as elements subtly shift.
- Creating Polyrhythms: On Track 2, create a contrasting Euclidean pattern with a 16-step sequence. This difference in step length between Track 1 and Track 2 forms the backbone of your polyrhythmic exploration. Allow this track to loop independently by enabling its unique clock, a defining feature that sets Meridian apart from other Euclidean sequencers.
- Injecting Dynamics: Utilize the velocity randomizer on Tracks 1 and 2 to call forth human-like variations. These nuanced changes in dynamics help imbue the sequence with an expressive, live feel. Engage Note Jam mode with a wide note range on Track 3, setting a slower randomization rate of one bar. This will allow harmonically rich variations, suited for bell-like or tonal percussive sounds.
- Real-Time Modulation and Interaction: Use Track 4 for spontaneous rhythmic injections with the Retrigger button. This track can be dedicated to transient hits or snare rushes, effectively controlled via Push's nine banks of mappings, allowing you to react swiftly during a live performance. Explore retriggering with varying intensities for stutters or fills, injecting energy into your live show dynamically.
- Evolving Compositions: Utilize Meridian's global controls to transpose the entire sequence, crafting transitional elements in your composition. A surprise shift up by an octave can create an engrossing break, especially when rallied against a retained bassline.
- Preset Management: Take advantage of the Preset panel to store your favorite rhythmic configurations. During a live set, these presets act as quick recall points, letting you switch from one elaborate rhythm construct to another with fluid ease, maintaining an engaging show without ever needing to halt the performance momentum.
As you immerse yourself within different rhythmic realms, Meridian 1.1 waits ready to transpose, modulate, and embark on new generative paths. The device transforms Ableton Live from a static environment into one where unpredictability and precision coexist, pushing musical boundaries into unforeseen territories, whether you're sculpting in the studio or igniting the stage live. For the passionate Ableton user seeking to introduce intricate rhythmic vitality to their work, Meridian 1.1 is an indispensable ally.
For more information and to download Meridian 1.1, visit ijoaudio's page at ko-fi.com/ijoaudio.