Unleashing Human Expression with HumanToo 2.0: A Max4Live Device Review

Music is a humanistic expression, a blend of creativity, emotion, and spontaneity. But how do you maintain this sense of humanity while working within the digital environment of Ableton Live? Enter HumanToo 2.0, a Max4Live device, meticulously designed by floodcomics to infuse your electronic compositions with the unpredictability and subtle nuances often missing within the realm of digital music production.

Delve into a fascinating blend of technology and artistry with HumanToo 2.0. Proudly branded as a "humaniser" device, its unique offering lies in its ability to add or subtract a random value to any mappable parameter. The device is instinctive, springing into action with every MIDI Note IN, layering your Ableton session with intricate dimensions that mimic human inconsistency and artistry.

The device allows a generous range for either mild or total randomisation, catering to incremental subtleties or drastic dynamic swings to suit your style. Complementing this adjustable chaos is the offset dial, a thoughtful inclusion by floodcomics allowing for fine-tuning or automation of the parameter being humanised.

This Max4Live device, classified as a MIDI device, combines an effective blend of utility and effect, allowing you to shape and sculpt your sound. Rolling out with version 11.3.13 of Live and Max 8.5.5, it has already been downloaded a remarkable 42 times. Despite its recent addition to the Max4Live community in early January 2024, it has caught the attention of many digital artists striving for that immersively organic feel in their electronic opus.

Although it requires a user login to rate, the device's average rating is not yet available, indicating that its impact is yet to be fully explored and appreciated by the community. With no licensing constraints, users are welcomed to fully exploit the capabilities of the HumanToo 2.0 in their digital music endeavours.

For a more in-depth understanding, you can visit the YouTube link indicated alongside the device details. It provides an immersive tour into the functionalities and creative potential of this exciting tool.

In conclusion, HumanToo 2.0 carries the promise of an intriguing merger between human expression and digital precision. Its randomness engine and flexible controls are an invitation to experiment and discover new soundscapes within your Ableton Live Sessions. A potent tool for MIDI devices, parameter mapping, and MIDI controller enthusiasts, it is carving a niche for itself in an increasingly humanised digital music world. Navigate through your sonic journey with the help of HumanToo 2.0, where every note you produce packs a random yet carefully curated punch of human touch.

Example Usage

Novice-level Usage Example:

  1. Open the HumanToo 2.0 device in Ableton Live and load it onto a MIDI track.
  2. Connect a MIDI controller to your computer and make sure it is properly recognized by Ableton Live.
  3. In the HumanToo 2.0 device, select the parameter you want to humanize. This could be something like the filter cutoff frequency.
  4. Adjust the "Range" dial to set the amount of randomization you want to apply to the parameter. Higher values will result in more extreme variations.
  5. Optionally, use the "Offset" dial to add a constant offset to the parameter. This can be used to fine-tune the humanization effect or create a specific bias.
  6. Play some MIDI notes using your controller, and you will hear the humanization effect being applied to the selected parameter.
  7. Experiment with different settings of the "Range" and "Offset" dials to find the desired level of expressiveness.
  8. To further enhance the effect, try mapping the HumanToo 2.0 device to other parameters in your Ableton Live session. This way, you can apply humanization to multiple parameters simultaneously.
  9. Have fun exploring the unpredictable and organic variations that HumanToo 2.0 brings to your music, adding a touch of human expression to your electronic compositions.

Imagine being able to add an organic, human touch to your MIDI performances effortlessly. Introducing HumanToo 2.0, a versatile Max4Live device created by floodcomics. This "humaniser" device is designed to inject controlled randomness into your MIDI notes, allowing you to infuse your music with an unparalleled sense of human expression.

One intermediate-level usage example for HumanToo 2.0 is to add subtle variations to a synth parameter through MIDI note input. Let's say you have a lead synth part with a sustained note. By utilizing HumanToo 2.0, you can add a touch of unpredictability to the sustain parameter, emulating the natural fluctuations a human performer might introduce.

To achieve this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Insert the HumanToo 2.0 device onto the MIDI track that hosts your lead synth.
  2. Ensure that the lead synth's sustain parameter is mappable within Ableton Live.
  3. Map the sustain parameter to the HumanToo 2.0 device's "Humanise" dial.
  4. Adjust the "Range" knob on HumanToo 2.0 to determine the amount of randomization applied to the sustain parameter.
  5. Set the "Offset" dial to introduce a consistent shift to the sustain parameter, further enhancing the humanization effect.
  6. Play a sustained MIDI note and marvel at the subtle, continually evolving variations in the sustain parameter.

HumanToo 2.0 grants you the power to simulate the human touch, transforming your compositions from robotic sequences into living, breathing musical performances. Experiment with different parameters, such as modulation depth or filter cutoff, to create ever-changing landscapes of expressive sound.

With 42 downloads and counting, HumanToo 2.0 has already captivated the Max4Live community. Its availability for Ableton Live 11.3.13 and Max 8.5.5 ensures it can be seamlessly integrated into your current setup.

Unlock the full potential of your MIDI tracks by exploring the limitless creativity offered by HumanToo 2.0. Add this MIDI device gem to your arsenal and witness your music come alive in unimaginable ways.

[Link to the HumanToo 2.0 Device](https://youtu.be/hGmrb8zeleM) (optional)

(Note: HumanToo 2.0 is released under a license, which can be found on the provided URL)

Further Thoughts

In a recent update, floodcomics has introduced the powerful and versatile HumanToo 2.0, a Max4Live device that promises to breathe life into your MIDI productions. This "humaniser" device is designed to add or subtract random values to a mappable parameter, triggered by each incoming MIDI note. Whether you're aiming to inject subtle variations or total chaos into your music, HumanToo 2.0 provides the necessary tools.

Let's explore the device's capabilities in a practical scenario. Imagine you have a simple MIDI melody that you want to infuse with human-like expressiveness. By applying HumanToo 2.0 to the parameter controlling the melody's velocity, you can create nuanced variations that mimic the imperfections of a human performance.

To get started, simply drop HumanToo 2.0 onto the MIDI track containing your melody. Next, map the device's "Randomness" dial to the velocity parameter of your MIDI instrument. By adjusting this dial, you can control the intensity of the randomization effect.

Suppose you're looking to maintain a certain level of consistency within your melody variations. In that case, you can also use the "Range" dial to define the upper and lower bounds of the randomization. With a narrower range, the generated values will stay within a more defined interval, offering controlled variation. Conversely, widening the range will introduce more extreme and unpredictable fluctuations.

One unique feature of HumanToo 2.0 is its "Offset" dial. This dial allows you to tweak or automate a parameter while it is being humanized. For instance, if you notice that the randomization is too subtle or overwhelming, you can use the offset to fine-tune the overall effect.

Experimenting with HumanToo 2.0 reveals endless possibilities. You can apply it to various parameters such as pitch, timing, or even add subtle random panning for a wider stereo field. Don't limit yourself to melodies alone; explore how HumanToo 2.0 can elevate your drum patterns, basslines, and other MIDI parts.

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive range of randomization options, HumanToo 2.0 proves to be an indispensable tool for infusing your music with the raw essence of human expression. Give it a try and unlock a new level of creativity in your productions.

[Note: HumanToo 2.0 is compatible with Ableton Live 11.3.13 and Max 8.5.5. For more information and a visual demonstration, you can watch this device in action on floodcomics' YouTube channel: (insert URL)]

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