Split Wizard +, by OSTINSOLO, is an advanced audio separation tool designed to imbue Ableton Live users with the power of Demucs v4's state-of-art source separation model. This innovative Max4Live device emphasises high-quality audio separation, allowing you to deconstruct audio stems into up to six distinct elements. Whether you need to separate drums, bass, vocals, guitar, or piano, Split Wizard + provides seven specialized models, including the Hybrid Transformer Demucs technology, for superior separation quality.
The Split Wizard + is implemented so user-friendly that it doesn't require in-depth knowledge to operate. The installation is seamless using the 'Setup' button on the device, and the separation process is intuitive starting with the selection of the right model for your audio clip, and triggering the 'Start' button. Once the separation is done, you can easily import the stems into Ableton Live.
Key features on the device are the provision to toggle GPU usage, manage memory constraints by defining segment lengths, regulate audio clipping modes and increase shifts for enhanced audio quality albeit with slightly longer processing times. Segmentation and shifts offer a play on resource allocation and audio quality, striking a balance between computational efficiencies and overall output quality. Additionally, Split Wizard + provides a clipping mode option, enabling users to choose between rescale and clamp modes.
And if you have specific needs from each of the seven models, Split Wizard + has you covered. Models like 'htdemucs' and 'htdemucs_ft' harness the essence of Hybrid Transformer Demucs, while others like 'mdx' and 'mdx_extra' are trained exclusively on high-quality datasets. There’s even a dedicated model 'inaki' for drum-kit separations.
Despite its sophisticated features, it is worth noting that Split Wizard+ is strictly meant for OSX and Windows 10/11 users. However, it's clarity of design and implementation ensures a smooth experience for users of all levels of expertise, inviting creative exploration while ensuring that your potential copyright issues are minimized. The developer explicitly disclaims any responsibility for violations of intellectual property rights and misuse of the software.
It's safe to say that with an ethos deeply rooted in fostering an environment of learning and creative expression; Split Wizard + not only evolves Ableton live experience with utter ease but also respects the copyright laws making it a tool designed for innovation and education.
You can purchase Split Wizard + from the Official OSTINSOLO Gumroad Page, but keep in mind that it's a commercial license, hence redistribution of Split Wizard for commercial purposes or indulging in reverse engineering activities is strictly prohibited.
Split Wizard +, once installed and adopted, is certain to unlock new realms in your music production process, a tool that is truly reshaping how we manipulate audio tracks.
To access this fantastic tool and elevate your Ableton Live experience, purchase your copy of Split Wizard + at https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10349/split-wizard-plus.
Example Usage
As a budding music producer, you've probably encountered the challenge of wanting to remix a song but can't find the individual stems—or maybe you want to sample a clean vocal or drum beat from a track. With the Split Wizard Plus, you can easily extract these elements without having painstaking searches or settling for subpar audio quality.
Let's walk through a simple example to get you started. Imagine you have a track with a stunning piano riff that you want to use in your production. However, the riff is mixed with vocals and drums, making it hard to isolate. Here's what you can do with Split Wizard Plus:
- Once you have Split Wizard Plus installed in Ableton Live, load the device onto an audio track containing the song from which you want to extract the piano part.
- Select 'htdemucs_6s' from the model menu, as this model specializes in separating up to six stems, including piano.
- Before you begin processing, if you're using a GPU, check the 'GPU' toggle to ensure faster processing. If you're worried about memory constraints, set your segments to 10 seconds under the GPU settings to manage the load.
- With everything set, click on 'Start' to begin the separation process. The device will work its magic, splitting the audio into separate stems.
- After the separation is complete, you'll see icons prepped for dragging and dropping. Locate the piano icon and simply drag the newly isolated piano stem into a new track on your Ableton Live session.
- Voila! You now have a clean piano stem to work with. Create a new MIDI track, add some drum loops or basslines, and incorporate the piano riff into your own unique composition.
Remember, experimentation is key. Try out the various models Split Wizard Plus offers, like 'inaki' for intricate drum separation or 'mdx_extra' for a full sonic palette. Dive in and discover the endless creative possibilities this tool can offer to revitalize your productions.
Let's dive into an intermediate-level exploration of OSTINSOLO's Split Wizard Plus, using the power of Demucs v4 for audio separation in an Ableton Live session.
Imagine you're working on a remix and you come across a full mixed track with a groovy bassline that you desperately want to isolate and tweak. With Split Wizard Plus, you can extract that bassline with precision. Here's how:
- Load the full mixed track onto an audio track in Ableton Live.
- Place the Split Wizard Plus device onto the same track. Ensure the device is properly installed as per the installation instructions.
- From the menu, select the htdemucs_6s model, which is capable of delivering up to six separate stems, making it suitable for such an intricate task.
- Toggle GPU processing on, which will leverage the processing power of your graphics card for faster results.
- Set the vocal/multi to 'multi' as you are not isolating vocals this time.
- Choose a segment length that balances the capabilities of your GPU with the desire for quality. A segment of 10-15 seconds might work well, keeping the GPU from being overburdened.
- Set the clipping mode to 'rescale' to prevent digital clipping after separation and preserve dynamic range.
- For shifts, select a value of 2 to increase the separation quality slightly without causing an excessive increase in processing time.
- Once you’ve configured the settings, select your audio clip and click 'Start' on the Split Wizard Plus device to begin the extraction process.
As the process completes, you will notice the icons representing the separate stems light up. You can then drag and drop the stems into new audio tracks within Ableton Live:
- Create a new audio track and name it 'Bassline.'
- Drag the bass stem icon onto the new track, dropping the isolated bassline into your session.
- You can now manipulate the bassline further; perhaps apply EQ to sculpt the tone, or add compression to give it more punch.
An extra tip for the creatives: dense mixes often have overlapping frequency content. To ensure the bassline doesn't bring along unwanted remnants of other instruments, consider using Ableton's EQ Eight or a similar plugin to perform additional cleanup post-separation.
Remember, Split Wizard Plus is a mighty tool in your audio manipulation arsenal, but it's not magic. The quality of the source material and the settings you use will impact the results. Spend time tweaking the parameters, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the other models available to find the best fit for your project's needs.
And that's how you can deploy the power of Demucs v4 within Split Wizard Plus to isolate and refine a bassline for your next remix, utilizing intermediate-level features to their full extent. Enjoy exploring the depth of your audio and creating something truly unique.
Further Thoughts
In this advanced usage scenario, we'll be exploring how to creatively utilize Split Wizard + in a live performance setting, aiming to dynamically segregate and manipulate audio in real-time to create a unique sonic landscape for the audience.
Setting up the working environment: - Load Split Wizard + into a new audio track containing a pre-recorded live set, which includes a mixture of drums, bass, vocals, and synths. - Since we anticipate real-time manipulation, we make sure that our OSX system is finely tuned, and we've enabled GPU support for rapid audio processing.
Live Performance Strategy: The performance will be structured around instantaneous stem separation and on-the-fly remixing.
1. Initial Separation: - Choose the htdemucs model due to its balance between quality and speed. - Trigger the separation process on the fly for the first song in our set. Given that we'll be using GPU with segments set at 10 seconds, our audience will experience a brief moment of the original mix before we start transforming it dynamically.
2. Real-Time Manipulation: - Assign MIDI controllers to the separated audio tracks (drums, bass, vocals, synths) for instantaneous volume, panning, and effect adjustments. - Introduce a series of audio effect racks tailored to each separated element, such as granular delays on vocals, heavy compression on drums, and lush reverbs on synths.
3. Stem Re-Imagining: - Employ the mdx_extra model for a higher quality separation on select parts, particularly where the vocals are intricate and require more delicate processing. - Generate a transition by isolating the vocals from the second song in the set, using them as a layered texture over the separated drums from the first song, creating a dense buildup.
4. Layering and Syncopation: - Prepare an additional audio track with the inaki model specifically for separating and re-composing the drum elements of a track. - Use rhythmic gating techniques to intermittently introduce and retract the separated drum elements of a song, achieving a syncopated effect that plays with the audience's expectations.
5. Final Showdown: - For the climax, deploy the htdemucs_6s model to separate a complex portion of the set with multiple instruments including piano and guitar, allowing for a full band breakdown. - Enhance the audience's experience by strategically reintroducing the full mix and then swiftly isolating each element one by one, creating a call-and-response pattern between the electronic and acoustic elements of the mix.
Throughout the performance, leverage the segmentation feature to intelligently manage the GPU load, ensuring seamless audio processing. The use of the shifting feature can be incorporated during less intensive moments to give the audience a taste of ultra-high-quality separation before diving back into the frenetic live mix.
This approach not only showcases the robust capabilities of Split Wizard + but also elevates the live performance by allowing unprecedented control over the individual elements of the mix. Producers and performers alike can captivate their audience with a bespoke and evolving sound environment, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in a live electronic music set.