unkRatioShifter 1.0, authored by unkdevices, is a remarkable example of the transformative power that Max4Live devices can bring to an Ableton Live setup. Fusing creative pitch manipulation with an intriguing blend of shifting ratios from a base frequency, this device encapsulates a novel approach to sound design.
At the core of unkRatioShifter 1.0 is its distinctive capacity for mixing different shifting ratios out of a base frequency. Delving into this functionality, it opens up a world of intricately crafted audio textures that can range from subtle detuned harmonies to extreme pitch manipulations. Furthermore, the easy-to-use interface makes it a potentially powerful tool for live performances, where on-the-fly pitch changes can add surprising flavour to your sets.
Another striking feature of unkRatioShifter 1.0 is its embedded downsample and bitrate control. These components give producers and sound engineers the liberty to craft their unique sonic signatures easily. Alongside, the damping LPF effortlessly removes any harshness, thereby offering softer transitions and seamless integration into your current projects.
To make the most out of this device, you require Ableton Live 11 and Max 8.1.5. It is designed to be simple to install, user-friendly and does not necessitate any license, making it readily accessible for all ambitious sound designers and producers. Also, being tagged 'effect' and 'other', it exhibits a great deal of flexibility and compatibility with various musical styles and genres.
The unkRatioShifter 1.0, added and last updated on April 13, 2024, as an audio_device type, is available for download at this link: https://unknowndevices.gumroad.com/l/RatioShifter. Subsequently, more information about this unique device can be found at the following link: https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10296/unkratioshifter.
In conclusion, if you are a music producer or sound designer with an inventive mind, the unkRatioShifter 1.0 could prove to be an indispensable tool in your production staple. The limitless possibilities it presents in the realm of pitch manipulation will undoubtedly push the boundaries of your creativity to new frontiers.
Example Usage
Imagine you've just recorded a simple melody line using a basic synth in Ableton Live, but you're craving some texture and sonic differentiation to make it stand out. Enter the unkRatioShifter 1.0 by unkdevices, your new go-to tool for pitch transformation that's about to change the way you think about modulation.
Let's start by adding this Max4Live device to your synth track. Click and drag the unkRatioShifter from your browser into your Ableton Live set, dropping it after your synth. Start playing your melody and open the RatioShifter. You'll notice a few intuitive controls at your fingertips, including 'Shift Ratio', 'Downsample', 'Bitrate', and 'LPF Damping'.
For a subtle but distinct effect, let's experiment by setting the 'Shift Ratio' to a fifth above your base frequency. As your melody plays, slowly increase the mix until you hear the fifth harmonizing with your original notes. Now you've got a richer, more complex sound with just one knob!
Next, let's play around with the 'Downsample' control to add a bit of a retro digital edge. Bring it up slightly until you hear a lo-fi characteristic creeping into your sound, careful not to overdo it or you might lose some of the musical quality of your melody.
If things start to sound a bit harsh, use the 'LPF Damping' to smooth out the highs, turning it up until your pitch-shifted melody blends seamlessly with your track, retaining its newfound character while keeping the harshness at bay.
And remember, throughout your sonic exploration, keep an ear on the overall mix, ensuring that your pitch-shifted layer enhances rather than overwhelms the original melody.
Congrats on making your first creative leap with unkRatioShifter 1.0! Your synth line now stands out with added pitch complexity and texture, all within a few minutes of tweaking this intuitive Max4Live device.
One of the most exciting features of the unkRatioShifter 1.0 is its ability to blend multiple pitch shifting ratios simultaneously, enabling a surreal and layered soundscape. Let's dive into a creative application that will showcase how intermediate Ableton Live users can employ this Max4Live device to manipulate a simple melody into a complex, evolving texture.
First, drop a melodic loop into a MIDI track and select a synthesizer of your choice. Once you have a pleasing melody, insert the unkRatioShifter 1.0 on the same track. Starting with the device's default parameters, hit play to hear the original melody.
To begin our manipulation, slowly raise the first ratio knob and listen to how the pitch of your melody changes in real-time. Since unkRatioShifter 1.0 allows for blending, introduce a second ratio. Try a perfect fifth (ratio of 1.5) and notice how it adds a harmonic layer over the original signal.
As these two ratios blend, let’s add a touch of the built-in downsampling to introduce a hint of retro digital texture. Adjust the downsampling to taste—be careful not to overdo it, as it can quickly dominate the mix. A subtle amount will provide just enough edge without sacrificing the clarity of the melodic elements.
Next, explore the bitrate control to soften or degrade the signal further. Lower bitrates will produce a lo-fi, crushed sound, which can be perfect for creating an atmosphere or adding rhythmic interest when modulated in real-time using automation lanes in Ableton Live.
Finally, any harshness introduced by shifting and downsampling can be smoothed out using the damping LPF (Low Pass Filter). Adjusting this to only remove the very high frequencies will maintain the brightness of the melody while ensuring that it sits comfortably in the mix.
As an intermediate exercise, automate the pitch shifting ratios and the LPF over the course of 8 or 16 bars to evolve the sound. This will demonstrate the dynamic potential of the unkRatioShifter 1.0, turning a static loop into a breathing, organic component of your track.
Once you are happy with the manipulation, consider duplicating the track and applying more extreme settings on the unkRatioShifter 1.0 for an additional layer. Pan one track hard left and the other hard right for a wide stereo effect. By mixing the direct signal with the processed ones, you’ll create a lush and complex soundscape that enhances the original melody.
By leveraging the blending capabilities and additional features of unkRatioShifter 1.0, you've transformed a simple melodic line into a rich tapestry of sound, showcasing the creative potential of pitch manipulation within Ableton Live.
Further Thoughts
Today, I’d like to walk you through the creative process of using the unkRatioShifter 1.0 inside Ableton Live to create an evolving, pitch-shifted texture perfect for ambient music or cinematic soundscapes.
Start by recording a simple, sustaining melodic line on a synth pad. It’s best if the sound has a long release time, so the effect can easily manipulate the tail of the notes.
Once recorded, load the unkRatioShifter 1.0 onto the track. Initially, set all the pitch ratios to the same value to create a uniform pitch shift. This will give us a point of reference. You might start with a +12 shift to create an octave above our original signal.
Now comes the creative part; slowly adjust the pitch ratios to different intervals. For example, you could set the first to +7 for a perfect fifth, the second to -12 for an octave below, and the third to +19 for an octave and a perfect fifth above. This instantly creates a rich harmonic spectrum that transforms the simple melody into something entirely new.
As you play with the ratios, automate them to change over time. You could, for instance, gradually shift from consonant to dissonant intervals during a track’s breakdown to build tension. As you modulate these, the texture of your synth pad will evolve, creating a sense of movement and interest.
Incorporate the downsample and bitrate control to introduce a lo-fi texture. Use automation to bring the downsample in and out for a dynamic bit-crushed effect that accentuates certain parts of your arrangement.
Next, engage the damping LPF to smooth out the high frequencies that might become too pronounced due to the pitch shifting. This is a great way to avoid harshness when you’re aiming for a softer, dreamier soundscape. Automate the LPF to open up during crescendos, allowing the full brightness of the shifted pitches to shine through.
To take the creative use of the unkRatioShifter even further, set up a send track with a large reverb and route the original synth pad to this track. Apply RatioShifter on the send, independent of the main track, to create lush, atmospheric trails that follow the harmonic content you’ve set with your pitch ratios.
Finally, record the output of RatioShifter on the send track as audio. Then reverse this new audio track and align it with your original synth pad. The backward, pitch-shifted reverb will add a hauntingly beautiful prelude to the notes you play, adding yet another layer of depth to your sound design.
By fully understanding and experimenting with the unique capabilities of unkRatioShifter 1.0, you can see it’s not just a pitch-shifting tool—it’s a gateway to immersive soundscapes and rich harmonic textures that can elevate your music to new heights.