The ML-185 for Push 1.0, authored by Dibek, is a game-changer for sequencer lovers who use Ableton Live 11. What we have here is not just an updated version of the renowned 3st's RYK-style ML-185 sequencer, but an evolution that empowers composers with greater capabilities and seamless control.
The real magic happens when this Max4Live device integrates with Push 3 (either standalone or tethered) or Push 2. Once you select the device, it grabs the first row of the button matrix, transforming it into a visible chaselight of the sequencer. This ingenious feature gives you an intuitive and vivid representation of your sequence in motion. And worry not about your precious button matrix – it promptly reverts back to default settings as soon as you select another device or track.
Looking at controlling the device, Dibek has done a remarkable job in mapping all controls logically to banks in the display. This feature anchors the user-friendly essence of ML-185 for Push 1.0, making it a joy for any skill level to explore.
Believing in the philosophy "what's worth doing well, do it properly," the ML-185 for Push 1.0 comes with the tag 'sequencer,' making it a purpose-focused Max4Live device. It was released on January 9, 2024, and operates seamlessly on Ableton Live 11, provided you have Max version 8.1.5.
Vocal about its music-production enhancement, ML-185 for Push 1.0 is a midi_device that allows for flexible and creative sequencing without compromising on simplicity and functionality. As it's compatible with Ableton Live 11, you can utilize the device to elevate your sequences, whether in a live setting or during in-the-box productions.
Getting your hands on this Max4Live device is straightforward. You can download it from its dedicated page on Gumroad through the following link: 'https://discrete.gumroad.com/l/ML-185ForPush3'. And to make things even better, it carries no license; the creator has graciously made it freely available for everyone to explore, learn from, and enjoy.
In a nutshell, the ML-185 for Push 1.0 is a great addition to Ableton Live 11's sequencing environment. Its chaselight visualization, seamless integration with Push devices, logical mapping, and free availability validate its potential as a go-to in your Max4Live arsenal. Whether you are figuring out a complex bassline, crafting a rhythmic sequence, or adding those unique musical decorations, Dibek's creation can handle it all.
Example Usage
Starting your exciting journey with the ML-185 for Push 1.0 sequencer is simpler than you might imagine. Let's examine a basic usage example to help you get on track.
Step one: set up. First, ensure your Ableton Live 11 and Max 8.1.5 or newer versions are up and running. Download the ML-185 for Push 1.0 from the provided URL and install it into your Ableton Live.
Step two: unload. After the installation is done, navigate to the 'Max for Live' category on your Ableton Live browser panel. Locate the ML-185 for Push 1.0 and drop it onto any MIDI track of your project.
Step three: get tactile. Once deployed in a track, connect your Ableton Push controller, allowing the ML-185 to control the first row of the button matrix. The device takes over the first row immediately after selection, so the process is almost automatic.
Step four: let's sequence. Start your journey by creating a pattern. Engage in real-time sequence entry, or set steps manually to establish your sequence. Movement of the "chaselight" across the button matrix represents the progress of your sequencer.
Step five: explore and modify. With a simple pattern underway, delve into the creative part: modification. ML-185 excellently maps all controls to banks in the display, giving you comprehensive control over different parameters.
Remember, ML-185 allows you to quickly switch between its interface and the normal functionality of your Push controller. Just select another device or track, and the button matrix returns to its regular mode.
With these basics, you are now ready to explore the depth of ML-185 for Push sequencer. Enjoy the remarkable journey into the world of electronic soundscapes, laying foundation stone to unlocking its full potential.
In this example, we'll explore how to create an evolving arpeggio in 4/4 time signature, using ML-185 for Push 1.0 with Ableton Live 11. Make sure you have the Max4Live device installed and running in your Ableton session.
Once you've got your MIDI track set up, drag and drop the ML-185 device onto it. You'll notice the device interface appear in the bottom panel, and Push's button matrix will automatically display the sequencer control of the ML-185.
Start by choosing a synthesizer as the sound source for your arpeggio. For this example, we'll be using Ableton's Wavetable. Go ahead and add Wavetable onto the same MIDI track as your ML-185 device.
Next, you'll need to initialize the ML-185. Make sure all steps are active by pressing each button on the first row of your Push 1.0's button matrix. We are working with a 4/4 time signature, keep with the 16 steps allocated.
Press play to start the Ableton clock. At this point, you're not going to hear anything because we've not set any pitches yet.
On the ML-185 device interface, each vertical slider corresponds to a note in the sequence. Raise and lower these sliders to adjust the pitch of each step, changing these will alter the notes of your arpeggiated sequence. Initially, we will start with a simple pattern: - 1st step at C3 - 5th step at E3 - 9th step at G3 - 13th step at B3
Vary the velocities to add some rhythmic dynamics to the sequence, you can do this directly from the ML-185’s interface or from the Push's touch sensitive encoders. Don't forget the 'random’ function in ML-185, it can be a powerful tool for generating unexpected melodic developments.
Now you have created a simple, yet effective arpeggiated sequence with ML-185 for Push 1.0. Few tweaks to the synth sound, add some reverb and delay and you could easily end up with a captivating melody for your track. Do experiment with the pattern and sound characteristics to explore more possibilities. The key to mastering ML-185 lies in discovering all its nuances and how they can best serve your creative intentions.
Further Thoughts
Let’s venture into an expert-level usage example of ML-185 for Push 1.0 in the context of an Ableton Live 11 session, where we showcase not only how to use this ripe sequencer, but reinvent our musical expression.
For the purpose of this example, we're going to orchestrate a minimal tech house track layer with a pulsating bassline and rhythmic percussive accents entirely through the ML-185 pushed through Operator, Ableton’s FM synthesis powerhouse.
Step one requires loading the ML-185 device onto an empty MIDI track and then assigning our intended Operator preset of choice. To do this, we select the device and map it onto the first row of the button matrix—watch how it morphs into a chaselight of the sequencer. From here, we take control of all 8 steps in our sequence; this tactile approach fundamentally changes how we interact with our sequence, offering a more 'hands-on' approach.
Delving into the sound design, we’ll primarily focus on a heavily resonant low-pass filter that envelopes a simple sine wave—our bass—to add subtle movement and interest. Here's the interesting part: instead of drawing or clicking notes onto a static grid, we enable the sequencer, and begin to feel our rhythm in the tangible space of the Push controller.
As the sequence starts ticking, we can punch in our bass notes directly on the Push. The real power, however, lie in using the additional mapping capabilities of the device. Set one knob to govern our envelope's decay time and another to control the amount of resonance in our filter. As we alternate these controls in time with our sequence, we can regulate and diversify the colour and frequency response of our bassline.
Now, it's time to add depth to our arrangement. Find a percussive sound you appreciate and load another ML-185 onto its track. Repeat the note input process on your Push, but this time adding syncopated off-beat accents or hi-hat rhythms. Remember that the chaselight functionality isn't just for notation; it can also be used to pinpoint exactly where to place complementary accents for dynamic interplay between your layers.
Keep in mind, ML-185 for Push 1.0 is an update to the classic ML-185 stand-alone sequencer, built specifically for the phenomenal hands-on control that Push provides. Moreover, the tethered functionality allows the device to revert back to its usual Push functionality when we deselect the device, offering flexibility and practicality in a busy session.
What we've explored in this expert-level usage scenario is just the start. The ML-185 release provides an utterly transformative way to interact with your Ableton session, engaging the user in a captivating, hands-on sequencing environment.