"Trig Conditions with Probability and Neighbour 1.0" is a Max4Live device that demonstrates the innovative spirit of the electronic music community. Conceived by norisounds, this irresistible concoction of audio creativity was inspired by the original Trig Condition by borisdivjak and the instructive teachings of Daniel Dehann.
The elegance of this tool lies in its ingenuity to blend probability with a unique feature known as the neighbour condition. In the realm of music creation, these two variables enhance the expressive capabilities of MIDI devices by modifying the likelihood and interaction of steps within a sequence.
At its core, the probability function toys with unpredictability, inviting an element of chance to dictate the rhythm. Following Dehann's tutorial, norisounds implemented this feature to allow users to control the likelihood of a step being triggered with precise calibration. Imagine setting a step to play only once every four bars 35% of the time — the result is a fascinating commixture of predictability and intermittence.
The neighbour condition, on the other hand, adds a different layer to the composition. Through this feature, a step's probability is directly influenced by its predecessor when activated, disrupting the linearity of a sequence. As norisounds illustrates, it can be utilized to create cohesive fills and ghost notes that maintain a common probabilistic thread. For example, in a sequence of three steps, each playing every second bar of four, if the first step has a 75% likelihood of playing and the subsequent two steps have their neighbour conditions activated, they will follow the first step's lead, playing in concert 75% of the time.
Compatibility tends to be a key issue when dealing with Max4Live devices, so it's reassuring to note that this device meshes well with Push 2. Although the compatibility with the speculative Push 3 SA is yet to be confirmed, its reliance on stock Max objects suggests that usage should remain unhindered.
Despite norisounds' candid admission of being a Max4Live novice, the sophistication of this device proves otherwise. While there may be potential for bugs, norisounds is approachable and encourages user feedback for any necessary improvements.
The beauty of "Trig Conditions with Probability and Neighbour 1.0" is its propensity to stoke the embers of creativity within any user. By introducing elements of chance and interconnectivity to MIDI effects, this device offers limitless possibilities for evolving one's personal sound. As a MIDI device, it furthers the progression of the electronic music scene, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions of sonic expression. The 64 downloads to date clearly suggest that it has already begun to resonate within the community.
Example Usage
To create a simple MIDI effect using the "Trig conditions with probability and neighbour" Max4Live device, follow these steps:
- Open Ableton Live and create a new MIDI track.
- Load the "Trig conditions with probability and neighbour" device onto the track.
- Select a MIDI instrument or drum rack on the same track.
- Activate the recording mode by clicking the circular button at the bottom of the device.
- Set the step probability to 1:4 by adjusting the probability knob.
- Enable the "neighbour" condition for a fill effect by toggling the neighbour switch.
- Set the probability for the first step of the fill (e.g., 75%) by adjusting the probability knob.
- Set the subsequent steps of the fill to be affected by the previous step's probability by keeping the "neigh" switch activated.
- Play some MIDI notes on a MIDI controller or draw them directly in the MIDI editor in Ableton Live.
- Observe how the device applies the probability and neighbour conditions to the played or programmed MIDI notes, creating variations and fills in the sequence.
Experiment with different probability settings and note patterns to explore the creative possibilities offered by the "Trig conditions with probability and neighbour" device. Have fun exploring and experimenting with your MIDI compositions!
To use the "Trig conditions with probability and neighbour" Max4Live device, follow these steps:
- Install the device by downloading it from the Max4Live library and opening it in Ableton Live. Ensure that you have the required Live and Max versions stated in the device details.
- Drag and drop the device onto a MIDI track in Live. It is recommended to use this device with a hardware controller such as Push 2 for a more intuitive experience.
- Configure the device by adjusting the parameters to your liking:
- "Step Probability": Set the probability of a step being triggered. For example, if you set it to 50%, the step will trigger half of the time it is reached.
- "Neighbour Condition": Enable this option if you want the probability of the current step to be influenced by the previous step. This is particularly useful for creating sequenced fills and ghost notes.
- "Neighbour Probability": If the "Neighbour Condition" is enabled, this parameter determines the probability of the current step being triggered based on the previous step. For example, if you set it to 75%, the current step will trigger 75% of the time when the previous step is triggered.
- Explore different combinations of step probabilities and neighbour conditions to create interesting MIDI effects. For example, you can set a step to play once every 4 bars (1:4) with a 35% probability, and enable the neighbour condition for the steps surrounding it to create evolving rhythms.
- Experiment with automating the device parameters in Ableton Live to introduce variations and movement to your MIDI sequences. This can add a dynamic and organic feel to your compositions.
- Enjoy the creative possibilities that "Trig conditions with probability and neighbour" offers in enhancing your MIDI productions. Be sure to save your presets and share your unique creations with others.
Note: As mentioned by the device author, there might be some bugs present. It is always advisable to report any issues you encounter to the author for potential fixes in future updates.
Further Thoughts
One creative way to use the "Trig Conditions with Probability and Neighbour" Max4Live device is to generate unique rhythmic patterns with added variation and complexity.
Let's say you have a simple drum loop playing on your MIDI track, and you want to introduce fills and ghost notes to add dynamics to your composition. By using this device, you can achieve this effortlessly.
First, insert the "Trig Conditions with Probability and Neighbour" device on your MIDI track. In the device's interface, set the step probability to 2:4 (play every 2nd bar of 4). This will create a rhythmic pattern that repeats every two bars.
Now, activate the neighbour condition by turning it on. This means that the probability value of the previous step will affect the probability of the current step. For example, if the first step has a probability of 75%, and the neighbour steps are set to "neigh," any subsequent steps will also play 75% of the time within the two-bar pattern.
With this setup, you can create interesting fills and ghost notes by adjusting the probability values of different steps. For instance, you can set a lower probability for certain steps to introduce subtle ghost notes that add depth and complexity to your drum pattern.
Experiment with different probability values and arrangements to find the groove that best suits your composition. You can also automate the device's parameters to introduce dynamic changes throughout your track.
Overall, the "Trig Conditions with Probability and Neighbour" device provides a powerful tool for generating intricate rhythms, enhancing your MIDI tracks with unique variations, and unleashing your creativity in electronic music production.