Unlocking MIDI Power: A Guide to Using the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 in Ableton Live

The Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 by AbletonKurse is a high-powered device that augments a user's control over MIDI in Ableton Live. This unique pack is not merely a single device; rather, it's a suite of 8 Max for Live devices that provide multiple means to convert MIDI messages. The types of conversion within the pack include MIDI Notes to MIDI CC, MIDI Notes to Program Changes, MIDI CC to MIDI Note and MIDI Note to 2 MIDI CC messages, among others. It is compatible with Ableton Live 10 upwards and as such, offers forward-thinking musicians and producers the means to unlock the substantial potential of MIDI command conversion.

The power of the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 lies in its versatility and the potential it grants users in enhancing musical performance, sequencing, and control of both hardware and software. Now, any scenario requiring MIDI use becomes an opportunity for innovative programming and subsequently, creative freedom.

Let's consider some specific examples: converting MIDI notes into MIDI CC values can particularly be used to heighten expressive capabilities. This can also help in programming a smoother performance. Or consider converting MIDI notes to program changes. By assigning, for instance, note C3 to send program change 27 on bar 17, the user can easily sequence out the program changes for a piece of hardware or plugin throughout a song or an entire show.

One example of the practical application of this device at work is when employing a controller that sends only MIDI notes. Using the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0, the controller can be enabled to send out CCs that can be mapped or sent out to hardware or other software.

Another example is with hardware that can receive CCs to modulate or change parameters. By setting the hardware as the track output destination, MIDI notes coming into that track from an input or within MIDI clips can activate specific CC values, thereby changing the hardware's parameters when specific notes play. To illustrate, if a synth's cutoff is controlled by CC 4 and you want note A1 to turn the cutoff to 50% (value 64 in MIDI speak), then the device would be set up accordingly.

To realize these examples or any other creative use-case scenarios, the convert MIDI messages PACK 1.0 is available for download at AbletonKurse's official website along with free Max for Live devices, how-to and FAQ guides, and a host of other resources for enhancing your Ableton Live experience.

All in all, the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 is a powerful and handy tool to have in your Ableton Live setup. It offers the potential for detailed control and intricate programming, unlocking a whole new level of creative expressiveness for producers and performers.

Example Usage

To use the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 in Ableton Live, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 from the [official Ableton Drummer website](https://blog.abletondrummer.com/convert-midi-messages-in-ableton/).
  2. Once installed, open Ableton Live and create a new MIDI track or open an existing one.
  3. Drag and drop the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 device onto the MIDI track.
  4. Double-click on the device to open its interface. You will see a range of options for converting MIDI messages.
  5. Let's start with converting MIDI notes to MIDI CC messages. Choose the "MIDI Note to MIDI CC" option from the device's interface.
  6. Configure the settings for the conversion. For example, you can specify the MIDI note that triggers the conversion and the corresponding MIDI CC value.
  7. Repeat the process for other types of conversions offered by the device, such as MIDI notes to program changes or MIDI CC to MIDI notes.
  8. Experiment with different settings and configurations to achieve the desired MIDI message conversions.
  9. Once you have set up the desired conversions, you can use the MIDI track to send out the converted MIDI messages to other devices or software.
  10. Don't forget to save your Ableton Live project to retain the settings of the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0.

Now you have unlocked the power of MIDI message conversion using the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 in Ableton Live. Enjoy exploring new creative possibilities with your MIDI setup!

Example: Let's say you have a MIDI controller that only sends MIDI notes, but you want to use it to control parameters in Ableton Live or send MIDI CC messages to your hardware synthesizers. The Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 can help you achieve this.

Here's an intermediate-level usage example:

  1. Load the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 device onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live.

  2. Connect your MIDI controller to the MIDI input of the track.

  3. Set the track's output destination to where you want the MIDI CC messages to be sent. For example, if you have a hardware synthesizer that can receive CC messages to modulate parameters, set it as the output destination.

  4. Enable the track's input and set the desired MIDI notes to trigger specific CC values. For instance, if you want note A1 to turn the synthesizer's cutoff to 50% (CC value 64), follow these steps:

    1. In the Convert MIDI Messages device, select "MIDI Note to MIDI CC" mode.
    2. In the "Note" column, set the source note (A1).
    3. In the "CC Num" column, set the target CC number (e.g., 4 for cutoff).
    4. In the "CC Val" column, set the desired CC value (e.g., 64 for 50% cutoff).
  5. Now, when you play the A1 note on your MIDI controller, it will trigger the CC value, modulating the synthesizer's cutoff accordingly.

This technique allows you to transform MIDI notes into MIDI CC messages, expanding the capabilities of your MIDI controller and enabling you to control various parameters in Ableton Live or external hardware. Experiment with different mappings and values to add expressiveness and dynamic control to your performances or productions.

Remember, the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 offers other conversion options as well, such as converting MIDI notes to program changes, MIDI CC to MIDI notes, and more. Explore the device's features and unleash the full power of MIDI manipulation in your Ableton Live sessions.

[Note: Compatible with Ableton Live 10 upwards. You can download the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 from the official Ableton Drummer blog: [Download Link]. For more Max for Live devices and additional resources, visit [Official Website].]

Further Thoughts

Let's say you have a MIDI controller that only sends MIDI notes, but you want to map or send MIDI CCs to control hardware or other software. With the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0 in Ableton Live, you can easily achieve this.

First, enable the MIDI controller for track input in Ableton Live. Then, set the track output to the destination that needs to receive the MIDI CCs. For example, if you have a piece of hardware that can receive CCs to modulate or change parameters, set it as the destination for track output.

Next, you can use MIDI notes coming into that track from an input or from notes in MIDI clips to activate specific CC values and change the hardware's parameters when specific notes play. For instance, if your synth's cutoff is controlled by CC 4, and you want note A1 to turn the cutoff to 50% (value 64 in MIDI speak), you would set up the Convert MIDI Messages PACK as follows:

  • Choose the "MIDI Note to MIDI CC" device from the Convert MIDI Messages PACK.
  • Set the source note you want to trigger the CC value change (e.g., A1).
  • Set the destination CC number to 4 (synth's cutoff).
  • Set the desired CC value (e.g., 64 for 50% cutoff).

Once configured, whenever the source note (A1) is triggered, the Convert MIDI Messages PACK will convert it to the corresponding CC value (64) and send it to the designated destination (synth's cutoff). This allows you to control hardware parameters with MIDI notes, expanding the expressive capabilities of your Ableton Sets.

By utilizing the Convert MIDI Messages PACK 1.0, you can easily convert MIDI notes into MIDI CC values, opening up a world of possibilities for expressive capabilities and smooth performances in Ableton Live.

links

social