> the beginner’s guide to live
Audio Effects
REVERB
Live’s stock reverb effect is a fairly
straightforward algorithmic affair with low-
pass and high-pass input filters, high and
low diffusion network filters, and a choice
of Quality settings. Your average modern
computer won’t be taxed much by Reverb,
so we suggest switching the Quality mode to
High right off the bat.
SATURATOR
It might not look like much, but Saturator is
enormously useful. Applying small amounts
of Drive can manage a signal’s peaks and
optimise loudness, with more extreme
settings creating obvious distortion effects.
It also boasts a powerful Waveshaper – see
Saturator’s custom Waveshaper on p136.
SIMPLE DELAY
Simple but effective, this stereo delay
provides separate left and right channels
with independent (but linkable) Delay times
that can be synced to the host tempo or set in
milliseconds. Set the Dry/Wet level to 100%,
then turn the Delay time of one channel down
to 1ms and the other to under 20ms for a
quick stereo widening effect.
32 / ABLETON LIVE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE 2015
SPECTRUM
A spectral analyser with automatic Y-axis
scaling, Spectrum is ideal for visualising
the frequency content of a signal. For more
detailed examination, you can enlarge it
by clicking the Toggle Display Location
button, which pops the Spectrum Display
out into its own panel. This is particularly
handy for identifying the frequencies of
specific partials.
UTILITY
One of Live’s most useful effects, Utility
can be used to mute channels, filter out DC
offset, adjust gain, swap the left and right
channels, use only the left or right channel,
adjust pan position, control width, and invert
the polarity of the left and right channels
independently. When you want to automate a
channel’s volume level or pan position, using
Utility, rather than automating the track
directly, means you can still offset the track’s
parameters easily during the mixdown stage.
VINYL DISTORTION
Longing for the
familiar grunge and
grit of a battered LP or
12"? Vinyl Distortion
creates even harmonic
distortion and adds
crackles to the source signal. It even comes
with adjustable intensity, making it easy to
get the perfect retro effect.
VOCODER
Live’s Vocoder device is an absolute stunner.
To create the classic robo-voice effect, put it
on an audio track with a vocal on it, set the
Carrier input to External, and pick a track
with a synth on it in the Audio From panel.
Try automating the Bandwidth and Formant
controls for bizarre morphing effects, and
activate the Enhance button to get a
brighter sound.