PushSliders 1.0, a creation by Gross9978, is an innovative utility tool devised for Ableton Live's Push 2/3 controllers that enhances expression and expands live performance possibilities. Leveraging the pushpads, the device opens up a whole new platform for versatile controls, akin to a LaunchPad. Instead of mere touch-sensitive buttons, the Push 2/3’s pads are transformed into eight velocity-responsive faders that can map and control any parameter within Ableton Live.
The application of velocity sensitivity to fader operation is a unique proposition. As the speed of interaction with the faders varies, so does the slide time, providing artistic control over music production. This results in a tactile experience which lets you feel your way across the parameter controls, ultimately turning musical expression into a more instinctive process.
It must be noted that PushSliders 1.0 operates specifically with Live version 12 and Max version 8.6.2, so anyone looking to experiment with this tool would need these versions installed. The device's configuration and functionality have been inspired by a tutorial by Darwin Grosse, providing valuable insights into the mechanics behind it. The tutorial can be reached through the link provided in the product description.
While the number of downloads (16, to be precise) might not sound hefty, let it not deter you from exploring the potential of PushSliders 1.0. Since its release on May 16, 2024, this utility tool is still in the early adoption stage. Soon enough, I believe, it will carve out a niche in the Ableton community.
Though not yet updated since its addition, PushSliders 1.0 is definitely one to watch out for. It offers potential to extend the scope of Ableton's Push 2/3 controllers, making it a promising new addition to your MIDI device arsenal.
To dive right in, explore the official download link at https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10380/pushsliders and steer your Push 2/3 controllers toward a world of expanded creative possibilities with PushSliders 1.0 by Gross9978.
Example Usage
If you've recently added the PushSliders 1.0 Max4Live device to your Ableton Push setup and you're looking for a simple way to start using it to enhance your musical expression, here's a straightforward guide to get you started:
- Installation: First, make sure PushSliders 1.0 is properly installed in your Ableton Live set. Drag and Drop the device into a MIDI track.
- Mapping the Sliders: Click on the 'Map' button within PushSliders, and then adjust any parameter you’d like to control—let’s say, the cutoff frequency of a filter on a synth track. This parameter is now assigned to the first slider on your Push2/3.
- Playing with Velocities: Now, engaging with the faders on your Push, notice how the velocity with which you hit the pad determines how quickly the parameter changes. Tap gently for a slow filter sweep, or hit it harder for a more sudden change in sound.
- Exploration: As you get comfortable, map the remaining seven sliders to different parameters within your Live Set—perhaps the resonance control, reverb level, or oscillator pitch. Use these to perform real-time tweaks as you play a melody or operate the session view.
- Velocity Curve Control: Don't forget that PushSliders allows for customizing the response of your sliders. Explore the 'Velocity Curve' control to find the response that feels most natural for your playing style.
Remember that exploration and familiarity with the device will enhance your creativity and workflow. Enjoy discovering the nuanced control PushSliders 1.0 brings to your performance!
Utilizing PushSliders 1.0, let's create an evolving sound texture using Ableton's Wavetable synth that will be manipulated through touch dynamics. To get started, load Wavetable onto a MIDI track and follow these steps to integrate PushSliders for expressive control.
- Map Oscillator Position: Open PushSliders 1.0 and map the first slider to Wavetable's oscillator 1 position. This allows you to sweep through the wave table via the touch strip.
- Velocity Sensitivity for Filter Cutoff: Map the second slider to the filter cutoff and adjust the slider's velocity sensitivity so that a harder touch results in a faster sweep of the filter, giving you a greater dynamic in expression.
- Assign ADSR Parameters: Map subsequent sliders to your Envelope's Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release for real-time adjustments, imitating the feeling of drawing in envelope curves on the touch strip.
- Control LFO Rate and Amount: Map another slider to control your LFO rate, and use adjacency mapping (next slider) for modulating the LFO amount, enabling on-the-fly modulation depth changes for vibrato or tremolo effects.
- Velocity for Wave Folding: If Wavetable's wave fold or warp controls are available, mapping a slider with high velocity sensitivity to these parameters can yield dramatic timbral shifts responsive to how hard you engage the touch strip.
- Performance Techniques: Experiment with gliding your fingers across the sliders, varying pressure mid-slide, or using multiple fingers to control several parameters simultaneously for complex, multi-dimensional sound manipulation.
Creative Practice Session:
- Warm-up: Get comfortable using the touch strips by trying to match specific parameter levels shown on-screen. This will improve your muscle memory and accuracy.
- Timbral Exploration: Spend time finding sweet spots where modulation of one parameter significantly alters the sonic character when another parameter is in a certain position (e.g., high resonance with varied oscillator positions).
- Dynamic Morphing: Create a sequence in Ableton and, while it loops, practice using the sliders to morph the sound from one texture to another smoothly.
- Recording Automation: Record your performance into the session view by enabling automation arm (the "re-enable automation" button in session view should be blinking red). Your nuanced expression will be captured for further tweaking or for use in your live set or arrangement.
PushSliders 1.0 enhances your interaction possibilities with Ableton's Push 2/3, and with deliberate mapping plus practice, you can elevate your performances to new heights of expressiveness.
Further Thoughts
When you’re working on creating a live performance setup or just experimenting with expressive ways to interact with your Ableton Live instruments and effects, PushSliders 1.0 can be an invaluable asset. Let's take a deep dive into how we can use PushSliders 1.0 to breathe life into a track by adding dynamic modulation.
Imagine you're crafting a lush, evolving pad sound in Ableton Live using Wavetable. Typically, a pad sound benefits from slow-moving modulation, which adds to the texture and keeps the sound interesting over time. Instead of manually automating or using a static LFO, you can utilize PushSliders 1.0 to control the modulation in an expressive and organic way.
First, you’ll want to map the eight velocity-sensitive faders to parameters in Wavetable. A great starting point would be to control the position of the wavetable oscillators, filter frequency, filter resonance, LFO rate, and LFO amount. Mapping is a breeze: simply enter MIDI map mode in Live and touch the faders on the Push2/3 to assign them.
Once mapped, experiment with different velocities while sliding your fingers on the Push. You'll notice that the time it takes for the parameter to glide to its new value is dependent on how hard you strike the pads. For instance, a soft touch could make the filter frequency open up slowly, creating a gentle swell. Strike the pads harder, and you could have the LFO rate ramp up quicker for a more drastic modulation effect that adapts in real-time to your touch.
It's important to note that the unique characteristic of PushSliders 1.0 is in its ability to translate velocity into slide time. This means more than just controlling the parameters; it's about shaping the response curve of any mapped control.
To take things a step further, you could incorporate PushSliders 1.0 into a live performance setup. Map one of the sliders to the global tempo of Live and perform tempo changes in real-time based on your finger velocity. This opens up a world of opportunities for creating dramatic builds or drops that feel much more natural and musical than tapping out a new tempo.
Don’t forget to experiment with the 'Velocity to Time' sensitivity control within the PushSliders 1.0; this adjusts how sensitive the faders are to your touch velocity, giving you more precise control over the modulation character. Dialing in the right sensitivity can make the movement of your synth parameters feel like an extension of your musical expression.
PushSliders 1.0 is not just another MIDI mapping tool; it’s an extension of your expressive capabilities as a musician and performer. Whether you’re in the studio or on the stage, this Max4Live device enables you to add an organic and emotional layer to your music, changing not just what you control, but how you control it, blurring the line between a mere parameter tweak and an act of musical expression.