PGM to MIDI cc 1.0, a Max4Live audio effect device by maokus, now lets you circumnavigate Ableton Live's inability to map Program Change (PGM) messages to controls. As an Ableton user, this device will allow you to easily convert PGM messages into MIDI Continuous Controller (cc) messages, giving you the ability to connect with other control interfaces such as "Expression control plus plus." PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 is both a workaround and an enhancement, extending what is possible with Ableton.
To use this device, the process is quite straightforward: First, set the #cc box to your desired CC number. For instance, you can set #cc to 14. Your MIDI controller then sends PGM change messages, let's say to 64. The device reads these change messages and automatically converts them into a corresponding CC message containing the values (14,64). With this system, you can essentially create a direct mapping from a PGM change message to a control in Ableton Live, something previously not feasible within the software. The resulting control opens up potentially endless possibilities for live performance or in-studio production.
While you might think that this complex functionality comes with a lot of strings attached, maokus ensured PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 is very beginner-friendly. The device is supported by Ableton version 12.0.5 and Max version 8.6.2, allowing for broad compatibility. Being an audio effect device delineates that it can be conveniently dropped into any audio track of your ongoing Ableton project, providing quick access during your music creation process.
The integration of PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 into your workflows grants you the flexibility to manipulate Ableton Live in very specific ways. You can tweak different parameters, fine-tune your mixes, or even devise distinct transitions for your live performances. This is not just a utility tool but a creative enabler that broadens the scope and application of your MIDI controller.
Despite its seemingly simple nature, PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 has the potential to be a game-changer for multidimensional control within Ableton Live. It invites users to push beyond the traditional boundaries of MIDI control, and evoke more dynamism and spatiality in their outputs. Released on January 20, 2025, the device has already seen 42 downloads, signifying that more Ableton users are yearning for expanded control capabilities.
To download the PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 device, refer to the MaxforLive library.
In conclusion, PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 abolishes a long-standing limitation within Ableton Live, promising creative liberation for all users. By providing the ability to rewire PGM change messages into MIDI cc messages, maokus lays the groundwork for an uncharted domain of creative exploration - an exciting advancement for all Ableton Live users, from burgeoning bedroom producers to veteran stadium performers.
Example Usage
Discovering the integration of "PGM to MIDI CC 1.0" into your Ableton Live setup can elevate your control over MIDI mappings, especially when dealing with program change messages. As a novice, let’s walk through a straightforward example to help you begin harnessing the power of this Max4Live device.
First, ensure "PGM to MIDI CC 1.0" by maokus is installed in your Ableton Live. Once it's ready, follow these steps to start converting program change (PGM) messages into MIDI continuous controller (CC) messages:
- Load the Device: Open your Ableton Live session and locate "PGM to MIDI CC 1.0" in the Max4Live audio effects. Drag and drop it onto an audio track. This device will act as a bridge between an external MIDI controller sending program change messages and the CC mappings within Ableton.
- Configure the CC Mapping: You’ll notice a #CC box on the device interface. This is where you define which specific MIDI CC number your incoming PGM message will convert into. For example, set the #CC box to '14'. This determines that the PGM message will translate to CC number 14.
- Setup Your MIDI Controller: Connect your MIDI controller and program it to send a PGM change message, say to value 64. When your controller sends this PGM message, "PGM to MIDI CC" will translate it to a CC message with data (14,64).
- Map Using Expression Control Plus Plus: To make this CC message useful, utilize another Max4Live device called "Expression Control Plus Plus." This tool allows you to map the incoming CC messages to various parameters in Ableton Live. Load "Expression Control Plus Plus" onto the same or a different track and map CC 14 to a desired parameter, like filter cutoff or volume fader.
By following these steps, you'll convert typically hard-to-use program change messages into versatile MIDI CC messages, offering greater flexibility and control over your session. As you become familiar with this process, consider experimenting with different CC numbers and mappings to further customize your live performance or production workflow.
Imagine you've set up a live performance session in Ableton Live and want to have seamless transitions between different musical sections with your hardware MIDI controller. With the PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 device by maokus, you can convert program change messages from your MIDI controller into control changes, providing more flexibility.
Let's dive into an intermediate-level usage scenario:
First, load the PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 device onto an audio track in Ableton Live, ensuring it's activated and ready to receive MIDI messages. Before setting it up, make sure that your MIDI controller is correctly connected and configured to send program (PGM) change messages.
In this particular scenario, you want to control a filter cutoff within Ableton Live for a sweeping effect across different sections of your live set. Start by setting the #cc parameter in the PGM to MIDI cc device to your desired control change number, let's say 74, which is traditionally used for filter cutoff.
Next, configure your MIDI controller to send a program change (PGM) message. If you send a PGM message of 32, the PGM to MIDI cc device will interpret this and output a MIDI CC message with a value pair (74, 32).
To map this CC message to control the filter cutoff, add the "Expression Control Plus Plus" device to the same track or a corresponding track where the filter effect resides. In the Expression Control Plus Plus device, map the incoming CC number 74 to the filter cutoff parameter of your effect.
Now, demonstrate the effectiveness of this configuration by moving through different program changes on your MIDI controller. Observe how the PGM to MIDI cc device converts these into CC messages that dynamically alter the filter's cutoff, allowing for intuitive, performance-based modulation without diving into complex MIDI mapping or automation envelopes.
This practical application showcases how the PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 device extends the capabilities of your MIDI hardware setup within Ableton Live, harnessing its potential for more expressive and fluid live performances.
Further Thoughts
Let's delve into how 'PGM to MIDI cc 1.0' by maokus can transform your workflow in Ableton Live, especially when it comes to creatively addressing the limitations around Program Change (PGM) messages. This Max for Live device is designed to convert PGM messages into MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages, allowing for dynamic control over parameters within your Ableton Live sessions.
Imagine you're working on a dynamic live performance setup. You have a MIDI controller that sends PGM change messages and you want to use these messages to control various parameters in a live set—perhaps to instantly switch effects or modulate parameters that are mapped to your liking. This might include changing synth patches, altering effects parameters, or manipulating other controls that respond to MIDI CC.
Here's a practical scenario of using 'PGM to MIDI cc 1.0' in your project:
- Load 'PGM to MIDI cc 1.0' onto an audio or MIDI track within your Ableton Live set. Although it's an audio effect, this is perfectly fine; it serves solely to route MIDI messages.
- Set the '#cc' box within the device to the desired CC number you want to control. In this use case, let's choose CC number 14, which you may want to tie to a parameter like filter cutoff on a virtual synthesizer.
- Connect your MIDI controller to send program change messages to the track with 'PGM to MIDI cc 1.0'. For instance, your MIDI controller sends a PGM change message with a value of 64.
- The device converts this message into a MIDI CC message with the values (14, 64), i.e., CC 14 with a value of 64.
- Now, utilize a sophisticated device like 'Expression Control Plus Plus' to further map this MIDI CC (14) to the desired parameter within Ableton Live. This flexibility can be particularly potent in a live scenario where real-time control is vital.
By implementing this setup, you craft a much more interactive and performance-oriented environment, with PGM to MIDI cc 1.0 serving as the mediator that translates your intuitive MIDI controller gestures into impactful sound changes. This device not only expands your MIDI control but opens doors to novel performance techniques that were previously cumbersome to achieve in Ableton Live due to its native limitations in handling Program Change messages. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, 'PGM to MIDI cc 1.0' can elevate the intricacy and responsiveness of your musical creation.