The Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0, authored by Dennis DeSantis, is an exceptional addition to the array of inventive Max4Live devices. Designed specifically for Live 12 or higher, this variable-length parameter sequencer is designed to propel musical sequencing right into the future. It accomplishes this by introducing an eight-step sequencer where each step can be individually activated or deactivated, and up to eight parameters can be independently modulated. With an array of advanced features, this device enables users to transform their conventional sequences into a dynamic symphony of versatility and creativity.
Strikingly, every trigger in the sequencer advances each time it receives a MIDI note, leading to a fresh sequencing experience every time it is used. However, the spotlight feature of Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 is the newfound support for true parameter modulation. This ability breaks away from the constraints of rigid programming, permitting parameters to be manually adjusted and automated. It adds an unmatched level of fluidity to your sequences, allowing them to breathe and progress in an entirely organic fashion.
Complementing the already formidable true modulation is the update that introduces automation to the min and max controls. The newly available mapping targets pave the way for an elevated degree of refinement. By sequencing parameters and their ranges, producers gain a remarkable level of control over their sequences.
Building on this device's impressive versatility is the 1.1 update that introduced randomization controls. Now, you can randomly assign values, toggle switches, or both. This creates a unique scenario every time the sequencer is played, allowing you to surprise yourself with unprecedented sequences.
However, with innovation comes a few quirks. These mainly entail a few issues with button mapping and automation timing. In particular, if a MIDI note or computer keyboard key is mapped to 'Reset Now' or the randomization buttons, every other press will be ignored, working best with a footswitch. It's also worth noting that the MIDI automation trails slightly, and you should place your automation slightly before the actual required timeline.
Mindful of these caveats, Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 remains a standout offering in the Max4Live devices collection, standing as a harmonic bridge between your creative ideas and resulting sequences.
Intrigued? The Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 is available for download from https://dennisdesantis.gumroad.com/l/notetriggeredmodulator-l12 or https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10058/note-triggered-modulator-l12. So, grab it, explore it, and let your sequences evolve elegantly along with your music!
Example Usage
Creating a Simple Modulated Bassline with Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0
Imagine we have a bassline we want to animate with some parameter modulation, such as opening and closing a low-pass filter cut-off to add movement and interest to the sound. Here is how you can use Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 to achieve this effect.
- Begin by creating a MIDI track in Ableton Live 12 and loading up your favorite bass synthesizer. For simplicity, let's use Ableton's built-in Operator instrument.
- Next, place the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 device directly after the Operator in the same MIDI track.
- We want to modulate the filter cutoff, so map one of the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0's modulation targets to the filter cutoff parameter in Operator. You do this by clicking the 'Map' button in the modulator, and then clicking the filter cutoff knob in Operator.
- Now, let’s program the sequencer in the Note Triggered Modulator. Enable all eight steps by clicking on the step buttons so that they light up.
- Adjust the modulation values for each step to create a dynamic filter movement. For example, set the first step to a lower value for a closed filter sound and increase values gradually up to the last step for an open filter effect. These values are scalers to the range set by your mapped parameter's min and max.
- Play a note or sequence in your MIDI track. With each incoming MIDI note, the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 will advance to the next step, modulating the filter cutoff and giving life to the bassline.
Make sure that the tempo is reasonable so that the filter modulation has time to be expressive. You can also adjust the minimum and maximum values for the modulation to taste, ensuring you have just the right amount of modulation.
That's it! You've now set up a simple but effective dynamic modulation sequence to enhance your bassline, all thanks to the easy-to-use Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 Max4Live device. Enjoy experimenting with different modulation sequences and parameters to discover new sound textures and rhythms in your music productions.
Imagine you're in a live performance situation, and you need your synths to evolve dynamically in response to rhythmic patterns that you play on a MIDI controller—in this example, we'll use the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 to bring life to a static pad sound. You have a lush pad governed by Ableton's Wavetable synth—a preset that's pleasant but somewhat stationary in texture.
First, let’s assign several Wavetable parameters to the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0. Assign the filter cutoff, resonance, oscillator position, and unison amount. Set the parameter scaling to have varying ranges, with the cutoff having the widest range to maximize the tonal shift, and tighter ranges for oscillator position and unison to add subtle motion.
Now, play a MIDI keyboard to send notes to the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0. Each note you play advances the sequencer one step, alternating and layering the parameter changes uniquely across an eight-measure loop. To add movement, toggle a few steps off in the sequence, crafting a rhythm for your parameter changes to follow.
To take it a step further, randomize the step values during your performance to introduce variation—just enough to add an element of unpredictability without diverging too much from the original vibe of the pad. Use the device’s randomization controls for values to change the settings of the steps you've activated, bringing a fresh take to each loop cycle.
Throughout your performance, engage the 'Reset every x' function to synchronize changes with your set's tempo or particular musical phrases. Setting it to reset every 32 notes played can lock the modulation to a specific part of your performance, ensuring a predictable pattern which can be manipulated in real-time for dramatic effect.
As the set progresses, manually tweak the min/max controls, which are now automation targets. Prepare some automation curves for sections where dramatic build-ups or drops are needed—this is all while maintaining the ability to jam live with the MIDI notes triggering the modulations.
This intermediate approach of using Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 in a live context emphasizes the device's power in transforming static sounds into dynamic elements, giving you on-the-fly control for improvised fluctuations that keep the audience engaged.
Further Thoughts
Imagine crafting an evolving ambient soundscape where the texture and movement are key. We will employ the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 to impose dynamic modulation on a lush pad, played out by Ableton’s Wavetable synth, connected to a reverb with an enormous decay time.
Set up your session by creating a MIDI track with Wavetable and insert the Note Triggered Modulator L12 1.0 onto the same track. Route a clip with a random pattern of long-held MIDI notes that fits your ambient piece’s tonality.
In the Note Triggered Modulator, map one of the eight available parameter slots to the Wavetable’s oscillator position and the second slot to the filter cutoff. Now, let’s create an undulating wave of modulation. Set the min/max values in the first slot to subtly modulate the oscillator position, simulating the natural ebb and flow of textures. Adjust the scaling to taste.
For the second slot controlling the filter cutoff, consider a wider range to introduce dramatic sweeps that cut through the reverb-drenched atmosphere. On the sequencer section of the device, toggle every alternate step to ‘off’ to enable a sparser modulation, intensifying the suspense between sweeps.
We'll now harness the device's randomization feature. Right before a pivotal moment in the track, record enable automation and click the randomize controls for values on both mapped parameters, introducing an element of unpredictability that revitalizes the soundscape.
Concurrently, utilize an additional MIDI track to send notes to the Note Triggered Modulator to reset the sequence at chosen intervals. This will synchronize the modulation with specific sections of the arrangement, ensuring the dynamic changes align with the emotional peaks of your composition.
As you build up the track, automate the min and max controls for both parameters, allowing for the range of modulation to evolve as the track progresses. You may want to start with a tighter modulation range that gradually opens up, mimicking a story arc that develops from a calm, mysterious beginning to a powerful, wide-open climax.
Lastly, for an interactive performance element, map a MIDI controller's knobs to the Note Triggered Modulator’s randomness controls. During a live set or a recording session, you can manipulate these in real-time, injecting your human touch and ensuring no two performances are ever quite the same.