Composing sonic landscapes was never easy, until the advent of Max4Live devices, specifically the Sample Selector 1.0 crafted exquisitely by UnaVisionAgradable for Push 3. Not only does this device allow you to load any sample from the "Samples" folder within the Push 3 Stand Alone, but it also lets you do so swiftly and effortlessly, without using your computer. Moreover, the device doesn't warp the sample nor does it necessitate pressing the play button on the Push 3. Now that's what we call a splendid user experience!
The Sample Selector 1.0 can be loaded onto any Midi or Audio track on the Push 3 Stand Alone (P3 SA) and automatically detects the number of folders within the Samples/Folder/ directory in the Push 3 User Library. You can then effortlessly select the folder, and the sample reel adjusts to the total number of samples within said folder.
With its sharp and intuitive "Load A/B" dial, the Sample Selector 1.0 proudly loads any chosen sample into memory. Make the magic flow by upping the value of the "Slew" dial which executes a gradual, smooth transition between the initial sample and the new one. This provides your sonic creations an added layer of depth and dynamic texture.
For situations wherein you're craving something unexpected, the "Random" control rushes to your rescue! With a push, it loads a random sample from a random folder, thus sparking serendipitous discoveries. Using the "Playhead" dial, you can tweak the starting point of the sample. You can also retrigger the start with the "Trigg" control.
Push 3 users are in for a treat, as holding down the top button of the Push 3 to access the banks displays the name of the folder selected with the "Folder" dial. It updates its name dynamically, allowing quick reference and navigation.
Installation couldn't be simpler. Remember to place your samples in separate folders (no subfolders allowed) within "User Library/Samples/Folders/..." on the Push 3. A crucial point to note is that the "Folders" folder needs to be created manually on the P3, and within it all the folders we desire up to a total number of 127. An instance of this could resemble: "User Library/Samples/Folders/Serge Drones/", complete with all your WAV + MP3 files.
The Sample Selector 1.0 should operate seamlessly on MAC and Push 3 Stand Alone. While it is expected to function as smoothly on Windows, it has not been tested as of now.
Unleash the beast, in the guise of the Sample Selector 1.0, in your Ableton Live sessions. Create, inspire and touch the realms of the celestial with your music. With this device's dynamic control and endless features, the boundaries are truly limitless!
For more details and to have the Sample Selector 1.0 as part of your sonic arsenal, visit maxforlive.com/library/device/10306/push-3-sample-selector.
Example Usage
Imagine you’re setting up for a live performance using your Push 3 controller, and you want to impress your audience with a diverse palette of sounds. You have your Ableton session open, and it's time to introduce the 'Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0' into your workflow to seamlessly switch between samples without touching your laptop.
Let’s load a variety of ambient pads into the 'User Library/Samples/Folders/Ambient Pads/' directory on your Push 3. Now follow these steps:
- Import the 'Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0' device into an empty MIDI track in your Ableton Live session.
- On your Push 3, select the track where the device was loaded.
- The device will automatically detect that you have one folder named 'Ambient Pads' with the samples loaded in it.
- Turn the 'Folder' dial on the device in Ableton Live until you select the 'Ambient Pads' folder. The name of the folder will dynamically display on the Push 3 screen.
- Use the 'Sample' dial to scroll through the samples. As you turn it, the dial will update to show you the total number of samples and the current sample selected.
- Once you find a pad sound you like, use the 'Load A/B' button to load the sample into memory for instant playback.
- To add variety, tweak the 'Playhead' dial to change the sample's start point, creating a unique texture on-the-fly.
- If you want to introduce another sample with a smooth transition, increase the 'Slew' dial and then select a new sample, creating overlapping soundscapes.
- For a surprise element, hit the 'Random' button to load a random sample from your Ambient Pads folder.
By having the 'Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0' as part of your Ableton Live set, you’re now able to perform more dynamically than ever, triggering ambient textures that set the mood, without the need to approach your laptop. This setup perfects your stage presence and keeps your focus on your live performance.
Picture this scenario: You're on stage, Push 3 at your fingertips, and you need to inject fresh energy into your set. The crowd's energy is waning, and it's time to revitalize the atmosphere with an unexpected shift in your sonic palette. Enter the Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0, your tool for instant, on-the-fly sample manipulation.
You've loaded the device on an empty MIDI track, and your 'Serge Drones' samples are organized meticulously in the 'User Library/Samples/Folders/Serge Drones/' on the Push 3. Now, as your track is playing out, you decide it’s time for a texture change.
You navigate to the Sample Selector device on the Push 3, which automatically populates with all the folders in your 'Samples' directory. You swiftly scroll to the 'Serge Drones' folder using the 'Folder' dial, with each twist revealing a new potential palette of sounds.
While your current drone is creating a brooding atmosphere, you want to transition smoothly to a more pulsating sample. So, you decide to use the "Slew" control. As you engage the 'Slew' dial, you turn it up just in time with the beat. You can hear the current drone gradually morphing into the next, maintaining a seamless sonic journey but switching the vibe of your set.
The crowd starts responding to the evolving sound. To capitalize on this, you decide it’s time to introduce a more rhythmic sample. With your 'Playhead' control, you scan through the replacement sample to find the perfect starting point that aligns with the rhythmic structure of your track. You set the 'Playhead', then with the 'Trigg' button, retrigger the sample in perfect sync. The dance floor erupts with renewed vigor as the new drone, a rhythmic and compelling texture, propels the set forward.
Feeling adventurous, you opt for an element of surprise with a random sample selection. You hit the 'Random' control, and the device does its magic — selecting a random file from within your folders, loading it into memory without you needing to browse through a list.
As you manipulate these sounds, adding effects from Ableton, the Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0 proves itself to be an essential device for performers who love to improvise, keeping your creative process flowing and your audience captivated.
Further Thoughts
Imagine yourself in the middle of a live set, surrounded by an audience eagerly awaiting your next auditory surprise. With Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0, you are ready to deliver a captivating performance that defies the conventional boundaries of electronic music sampling.
Start by syncing the Push 3 Sample Selector with your Ableton Live session and confirm it's ready by looking at the Push 3 screen, where your sample folders are listed thanks to the device's innovative folder detection feature. Before the show, you meticulously organized your samples into genre-specific folders within the "User Library/Samples/Folders/" directory. For example, one of your folders is named "Vocal Chops," another is "Field Recordings."
As the beat you've crafted creates a steady pulse, it's time to introduce a textured layer. Using the Sample Selector, you skim through the folders and settle on "Vocal Chops." The audience hears the first vocal sample looping seamlessly with your track. Now, it's time to display the true prowess of the Sample Selector.
You initiate a gradual transition to another sample by tweaking the "Slew" dial. The current vocal sample slowly morphs, blending perfectly into an ethereal new sound, creating an evolving atmosphere that captures the crowd's awe.
Feeling the energy rise, you decide to inject a shot of randomness into your set. A flick of the "Random" control and suddenly a crisp, unexpected sample from "Field Recordings" weaves its way into your mix, surprising and delighting the audience with its unanticipated entrance.
But let's not stop there. As the new sample takes hold, you manipulate the "Playhead" dial to alter the start point, creating a stuttering effect that rhythmically syncs with the beat's kicks. This subtle yet powerful control adds a dynamic edge to your performance, further engaging your audience.
Using the "Trigg" control, you execute a start retrigger to accentuate a drop. The crowd responds with exhilarated cheers as the newly introduced sample re-fires precisely on cue, adding a punchy emphasis that rounds out the build-up.
Lastly, you hold the top button to switch banks on the Push 3, and the folder names dynamically shift on the screen, providing a visual reference that keeps you locked in your creative flow. The audience remains oblivious to your behind-the-scenes sorcery as they are immersed in the sonic story you're telling.
Through the innovative use of Push 3 Sample Selector 1.0, you've transcended typical performance limitations, delivering a set that not only showcases technical skill but also the boundless possibilities of live sampling artistry.