keenedesign's OSC Automation devices, available for free on the keenedesign website, offer a satisfyingly intuitive way to infuse your Ableton Live productions with the power and precision of OSC (Open Sound Control). A potent trio of OSC senders, this collection includes three variations: a 0. to 1. float value, a -1. to 1. float value, and a 0 to 24 integer value, giving you an adjustable range to work with based on the needs of your project.
The Dynamism of OSC
While traditionally, MIDI has been the go-to medium for musical expression in Ableton Live, the advent of OSC opens up new terrain in the landscape of automation. Compared to the traditional 128-step resolution of MIDI, OSC's floating-point number system permits an essentially infinite level of detail, translating into smoother, cleaner, and more nuanced automations. From subtlety tweaking synth parameters to breathtakingly complex sound design, the potential for creative exploration is expansive.
An Array of Options
The OSC Automation devices offer three distinct operational modes, depending on your automation needs. The first version provides a 0. to 1. float value, best suited for parameters with a standard range such as volume or pan. The second option affords a -1. to 1. float value, ideal for bidirectional parameters such as stereo balance. Lastly, for parameters demanding a more numerical approach, like sequencer steps or scene numbers, the OSC Automation tools provide a 0 to 24 integer value unit, equipping you with practical solutions for a wide array of automation tasks.
MIDI Meets OSC
Each OSC Automation device can double as a MIDI to OSC converter by Midi mapping the automatable parameters, bridging the gap between your MIDI hardware and OSC-controlled parameters. This translates into a highly versatile tool that consolidates your MIDI hardware and software environment, fostering a more efficient and harmonious workflow.
Getting Started
To start using these devices, Ableton Live 11.3.20 and Max 8.5.6 or later is required. Once these prerequisites have been met, head over to keenedesign's website to download the files straight into your digital audio workstation. Keep in mind that these devices are not licensed, letting you use them in your projects without having to think about any licensing concerns. After installation, you're good to go; start sending your OSC values and immerse yourself in a new realm of automation.
Link to the Device: https://maxforlive.com/library/device/9968/osc-automation.
In summary, keenedesign's OSC Automation devices offer a slick and usable conduit between the world of OSC and the Ableton Live environment. Whether you're an electronic music veteran or just setting foot in the field, this skillfully engineered trio of devices are set to become mainstays in your music production toolkit, delivering a novel kind of sonic sophistication that's complex, flexible, yet impressively accessible.
Example Usage
Imagine you've created a dynamic bassline in your Ableton Live session which you want to enhance with nuanced expression by using external OSC (Open Sound Control) capable gear or software. Here's how you can achieve this with the 'OSC Automation' Max4Live device crafted by keenedesign.
First, download the device from keene.design/osc-automation and drag the .amxd file into an empty MIDI track in your Ableton Live project.
Let's assume you would like to alter a filter's cutoff frequency on your OSC-equipped synthesizer alongside your bassline, which is being played by a MIDI instrument on another track.
- On the MIDI track hosting the 'OSC Automation' device, go to the device view and select the version that suits the data type you need to send – for a smooth transition, like a filter sweep, you might opt for the '1.0' version (0. to 1. float value scale).
- Next, locate the parameter in the 'OSC Automation' device that will be sending the OSC messages. If you are utilizing the '1.0' version, it will be a floating-point range from 0. to 1.
- To control this parameter in real-time, MIDI map it by entering the MIDI Map Mode (CMD+M or CTRL+M), clicking on the parameter knob, and then moving a knob or fader on your MIDI controller. Exit MIDI Map Mode when done.
- Now you need to configure the target address and port for the OSC message to reach your external synthesizer. Input the correct OSC address in the format '/parameter', and the port number typically may be something like 8000 or 9000.
- As the bassline plays, start tweaking the mapped knob or fader on your MIDI controller. You should see the value of the parameter changing in the 'OSC Automation' device, and correspondingly, the filter cutoff on your external synthesizer moving in real-time.
- To automate the control changes inside Ableton Live, click on the 'OSC Automation' device parameter, then head to the MIDI track's Arrangement View, and draw your desired automation curve.
With this setup, you've just engineered a live filter automation, all the while retaining the hands-on feel of your production process, and integrating an external sound element in-sync with your Ableton Live project. Experiment with different ranges and OSC messages to unlock the full potential of your musical creations.
Imagine you have a live performance setup where you want your Ableton Live project to communicate with an external visual software that accepts OSC (Open Sound Control) messages to synchronize your music with real-time visuals. You want to trigger certain visual effects precisely when certain musical events happen, such as a drop or a key change in your performance. Here’s how you can use keenedesign's OSC Automation Max4Live device to achieve this level of synchronization:
First, in Ableton Live, load the OSC Automation device onto a MIDI track. This device can be found on the keenedesign website and is free to download thanks to the developer’s generosity. Once downloaded, install the device by dragging it into your Max4Live MIDI Devices folder, and from there, into your Ableton Live Set.
Upon adding the OSC Automation device to your track, you will see that there are different versions catering to various OSC value requirements. For example, if the parameter in your visual software ranges from 0 to 1, you would use the version 1.0. Alternatively, for signed value requirements, you might opt for the -1.0 version, and for an integer value, such as selecting between 24 different visual scenes, the 24 version will suit your needs.
Next, create a MIDI clip in the track with the OSC Automation device. With MIDI mapping, map the automatable parameters of the OSC Automation device to the notes or controllers that you intend to use for triggering the visual changes. This gives you the freedom to translate your MIDI performance directly into OSC messages.
When you want a certain visual effect to trigger when you hit a particular note or pad on your MIDI controller, automate the parameter within the MIDI clip by creating breakpoints and curves that match your intended visualization timeline. As you perform and trigger these clips, the OSC Automation device will send out the formatted OSC messages to the corresponding address and port of your visual software.
In your visual software, you will need to make sure you’ve configured it to receive OSC messages from Ableton Live. You should specify the correct IP address and port number that match the settings in the OSC Automation device for seamless communication.
During your performance, as you play through your set, each time the specified notes or controller actions are hit, the OSC Automation device will convert these actions into OSC messages. The visual software receives these and responds with the appropriate on-screen visual effects, creating a captivating and synchronized audio-visual performance.
Remember to experiment with the ranges and value types to find the perfect interaction between your music production and your visual elements. The versatility of keenedesign's OSC Automation tool allows for intricate and precise control, making your live performances truly immersive.
Lastly, save your Ableton Live set with the knowledge that your audio and visual elements are now perfectly synchronized, thanks to the creative possibilities unlocked by the OSC Automation Max4Live device.
Further Thoughts
Imagine you're creating a live performance setup with Ableton Live, your heart is set on integrating distinctive visual elements that echo every beat, note, and nuance of your electronic symphony. Your visual software, adept at interpreting OSC (Open Sound Control) messages, awaits your musical cues. Enter the OSC Automation Max4Live device by keenedesign, your bridge between audio and visual synthesis, where musical automation becomes a multi-sensory experience.
Let’s create a masterclass example: You have a pulsating bassline that you want to translate into a corresponding visual pattern projected on stage. For this setup, you're utilizing a visual programming environment capable of OSC, such as TouchDesigner or Processing.
Mapping the BPM to Visual Tempo:
Firstly, synchronize your visual tempo with the track's BPM. Use the '1.0' version of the OSC Automation device for its float value flexibility. Map the Live's tempo to the OSC Automation device's parameter which then sends the value to your visual software, ensuring your visuals are in perfect harmony with the beat.
Dynamic Color Changes with Modulations:
Next, let’s manipulate color hues in your visuals in real-time using the '-1.0' OSC Automation device. This version sends out values between -1. and 1., ideal for oscillations. Assign the device to a Live's macro knob controlling a filter's resonance and map the OSC output to your visual's color intensity. As you tweak the knob, not only does the sonic character alter, but the visual color intensity ebbs and flows accordingly.
Triggering Visual Sequences:
Consider a scenario where each note of a melodic sequence initiates a distinct visual sequence. Implement the '24' version of the OSC Automation device, which deals with integer values, and map each step of a sequencer to send a separate OSC message. As each note hits, a value from 0 to 24 is transmitted, triggering unique visual elements and creating an intricate audio-visual dance.
Setting up Midi to OSC Conversion:
Lastly, the OSC Automation devices also function as MIDI to OSC converters. MIDI map your controller's sliders to the OSC sender's automatable parameters within Ableton Live. As you perform and move the sliders, MIDI data is seamlessly converted to OSC and routed to the visual software, allowing you to manipulate visual effects in real-time, with the tactility of your MIDI hardware.
Remember to configure the target IP address and port number in the OSC Automation device to match your visual program’s network settings. Once all is set, each movement in Ableton Live translates into a compelling visual tapestry that complements your live set, turning your performance into a captivating multi-sensory encounter.
Note: Always test your setup thoroughly to ensure smooth operation during your performance, and consider the network's stability and latency that may affect timing between your audio output and visual display.
The OSC Automation Max4Live devices by keenedesign facilitate a powerful blending of sonic creativity and visual spectacle, forging an unbreakable bond between music production and digital artistry. With the right setup, your live performances will be transformed into immersive experiences that engage and inspire.