PE Tracker Control 1.0, innovatively crafted by inz1, is a Max For Live MIDI device for Ableton Live that unlocks the full potential of Polyend’s Tracker and Tracker Mini workstations. By offering precise control, alongside an ingeniously structured randomization engine, the device opens up unchartered terrains of creativity, pushing the boundaries of the Tracker workstations.
PE Tracker Control 1.0 is a comprehensive toolkit of features facilitating precise control, randomization, automation, and modulation of Patterns, Effects, and Mixer of the Tracker and Tracker mini workstations. It allows for controlled randomization of these parameters, either individually or as a group, providing a tangible level of control over your sound.
Another significant feature to highlight is the device's integration with Ableton Push, although this has been primarily tested on the Push 2 so far. AWorthy of note is the ability to set the range for all controls and randomizations, offering a fine level of precision and versatility for shaping your music.
Furthermore, the 'sync' function adds a new level of control, allowing you to manipulate parameters globally or per section. For those who are fond of experimentation and diversity, the device also permits mixing and matching different patterns, including those of different lengths.
With PE Tracker Control 1.0, it's all about having extensive control and flexibility, where you can select all or small subsets of parameters to exert simultaneous control over. The badly needed 'reset' buttons also come in handy for quickly initializing range settings.
Positioned as a user-friendly device, it is ready to be customized with full theme support and has two expand or collapse points to cater to the workflow requirements of different users.
To setup this device, you need to position the PE Tracker Control.amxd on a MIDI channel in Live. Subsequently, the MIDI channel should be arranged to send MIDI to Tracker. Ensure the Tracker is in perform mode to manipulate patterns and FX parameters. The sync buttons will allow you to resync the device's parameters when re-entering perform mode.
The device requires Ableton Live 11 Suite or Standard with Max for live. It's also advisable to set Config > MIDI > CC In and Config > MIDI > CC in channel, adhering to the way how MIDI is transmitted from Live to your Tracker.
On October 27, 2023, the PE Tracker Control 1.0 was first made available to the public and can be downloaded via inz1's gumroad page. Tagged under 'drum', 'sequencer', 'hardware', and 'push', this MIDI device serves to be a valuable addition to the music production toolbox for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.
In conclusion, the PE Tracker Control 1.0 for Ableton Live with Max4live opens up a realm of creative possibilities by enhancing the capabilities of Polyend's Tracker workstations. With a plethora of customizable parameters, this device excels by offering flexibility and control, inspiring unforeseen pathways for music creation.
Example Usage
Example Usage:
To illustrate how PE Tracker Control 1.0 can unlock creative possibilities, let's look at a novice-level usage example. Imagine you have a drum pattern on your Polyend Tracker workstation that you want to add more variation to. With PE Tracker Control, you can easily achieve this.
First, make sure you have downloaded and installed PE Tracker Control 1.0 for Ableton Live with Max4Live from the official website: [Download Link](https://inz1.gumroad.com/l/trackercontrol). Ensure you have Ableton Live 11 Suite or Standard with MaxForLive installed.
Next, open Ableton Live and create a new MIDI track. Load the "PE Tracker Control.amxd" device onto the MIDI track. Set the MIDI channel of the track to send MIDI to your Polyend Tracker workstation.
Now, let's apply some randomization to the drum pattern. Open the PE Tracker Control device's interface, and you will see various parameters for controlling patterns, effects, and the mixer. For now, focus on the "Pattern" section.
Click on the "Randomize" button for the "Pattern Length" parameter. This will randomly change the length of the drum pattern every time it loops, adding variation to your composition. You can experiment with randomization for other pattern parameters as well.
If you want more control, you can manually set the range of randomization by adjusting the high and low values. This allows you to fine-tune the degree of variation that is applied to the pattern.
Additionally, PE Tracker Control lets you apply randomization to individual parameters or groups of parameters. Play around with different combinations to create unique drum patterns.
Remember to save your changes in Ableton Live to preserve the randomized drum pattern.
By using PE Tracker Control 1.0, you can quickly and easily add creative variations to your drum patterns on the Polyend Tracker workstation. The device's precise control, randomization capabilities, and integration with Ableton Push make it a powerful tool for expanding your musical possibilities.
Are you excited to explore the endless creative potential offered by PE Tracker Control 1.0? Install the device, experiment with different parameter settings, and let your imagination run wild. Happy music-making!
Usage Example:
Let's explore an intermediate-level usage example of PE Tracker Control 1.0 for Ableton Live with Max4Live. In this example, we will focus on using its precise control and randomization capabilities to create dynamic drum patterns.
- Start by placing the PE Tracker Control.amxd device on a MIDI Channel in Ableton Live. Make sure to set the MIDI channel to send MIDI to your Polyend Tracker workstation.
- Open the Polyend Tracker and set it to perform mode to control patterns and FX parameters.
- Now, let's experiment with randomizing a pattern. Select the pattern you want to work with on your Polyend Tracker.
- In PE Tracker Control, enable the randomization feature for the pattern. You can either randomize all parameters individually or as a group. Adjust the range of randomization according to your preference.
- Hit the play button in Ableton Live and observe the randomized pattern on your Polyend Tracker. Each time the pattern loops, you'll experience a unique variation, adding excitement and unpredictability to your music.
- To add more depth to your drum patterns, let's apply modulation to the FX parameters. Select the desired FX parameter you want to modulate, like filter cutoff or delay amount, in PE Tracker Control.
- Enable the modulation feature and set the modulation range. You can experiment with different modulation shapes and speeds to create evolving and dynamic drum sounds.
- Play your drums in Ableton Live, and your Polyend Tracker will now respond with expressive modulated FX parameters that bring life to your beats.
Remember, PE Tracker Control also allows precise control and automation of other sections, like the mixer. You can explore these features to further enhance your music production with the Polyend Tracker.
With the power of PE Tracker Control, you can unlock endless creative possibilities by extending the capabilities of your Polyend Tracker and infusing randomness and modulation into your drum patterns. Let your imagination run wild and experiment with the various controls available to create unique and inspiring electronic music compositions.
Further Thoughts
One way to unlock creative possibilities with PE Tracker Control 1.0 for Ableton Live is by using its controlled randomization feature. By applying controlled randomization to Patterns, FX, and the Mixer of Polyend's Tracker and Tracker Mini workstations, you can introduce unpredictable variations and generate unique musical expressions. Here's how you can take advantage of this feature:
- Start by placing the PE Tracker Control.amxd device on a MIDI Channel in Live and ensure that the MIDI channel is set to send MIDI to your Tracker. It's crucial to have the Tracker in perform mode to control patterns and FX parameters effectively.
- Once the device is set up, locate the controlled randomization feature within PE Tracker Control. This feature allows you to randomize parameters individually or as a group with custom selection, giving you precise control over the range of randomizations.
- To apply controlled randomization, select the desired parameters you want to randomize. You can choose sets of parameters or individual parameters, depending on your creative vision.
- Next, set the range of control and randomizations for the selected parameters. This step determines the boundaries within which the randomization engine will operate. Experiment with different range settings to achieve varied results.
- Now, activate the controlled randomization. PE Tracker Control provides a highly configurable randomization engine that can add subtle variations or transform your patterns and effects completely. Let your intuition guide you as you explore the vast creative possibilities that controlled randomization offers.
Remember, PE Tracker Control 1.0 is compatible with Ableton Push 2, allowing you to control all parameters directly from the controller. Take advantage of this integration to create dynamic performances and manipulate your Tracker effortlessly.
Overall, the controlled randomization feature of PE Tracker Control opens up exciting avenues for sonic exploration and experimentation. Embrace the unpredictability and let your creativity flourish with this powerful Max4Live device.