Processors

WHAT?

Processors are used in clips to change the way the whole track sounds, unlike effects where they come in afterwards. The way to tell a processor from an effect is that effects have a Dry and wet control where as processors don’t. Some examples of processors are Auto filter, Compressor and the EQs.

I have used a few processors in my track on of which is EQ eight this enables me to take out the frequencies in clip.I have taken the drum part of the track and used the processor to add gain to everything apart from the very high frequencies. This also gives the clip a more mastered feel which is what im looking for.  To do this i have turned down the high a frequencies a tad and turned the mid up a notch.

you can add an EQ by clicking on live devices and selecting the processor you wish to use and drag and drop it onto the channel you want below is the picture of the EQ i used.

As you can see i added gain to the mid band and decreased the high to block out the nasty frequencies.

WHY?

people use the EQ to master the track and also add gain to the track, you can sharpen up a instrument or bass by simply adding gain to certain frequencies.

WARPING

WHAT?

Warping is a technique that can be applied to audio clips only to sync them in time with the tempo of your project.

HOW?

Before warping an audio clip you must first drag a sample from the file browser, and drop it onto one of the slots on the session view .

double clicking the clip will bring up the clip view as seen below.

In the sample display they will be a warp button, but before turning this on its good to listen to your audio with the metronome on to make your own judgement on how the timing will need to be adjusted. The metronome is an audible beat which plays to the exact tempo of your set to help you keep time. The metronome on/off button is located in the top left of Ableton and will appear yellow when switched on, as can be seen below.

to begin warping, turn on the warp button in the sample display. Above the audio waveform in the clip view, several tempo markers will appear. The process of warping simply consists of changing the position of any of these markers according to the beat timing of your audio. To change the position of a single marker, simple double click it. If you do not double click it first, you will move all of the markers even if you just drag one. If matched correctly, this will change the timing of your audio to suit the tempo of the warp markers and your overall project.

Above is an example of a drum sample warped from the file browser.

I  warped the sample so it was bang on bar with the tempo.

WHY?

I use the warping tools basically to ensure my drumbeat is on bar and sound good and clear, warping is only good for some drum samples and maybe vocal if its recorded on a different tempo to what your working with,but you don’t need to warp on every sample because it might go better with the beat ( some audio clips warped may sound messy).

Welcome to the Creative Skills Academy “Digital Sound” blog!

You will be using this page to present the work done on your final projects, leading up to a performance at the Media Centre on Friday 7th March.

Over the next month, you will be posting at least 11 entries on this page, giving examples of how you have made use of a variety of techniques within your projects. Techniques you will need to cover include Warping, Working with MIDI Clips, Adding Effects, Building Scenes and Setting Up a Controller Keyboard, as well as an “Area of Expertise” of your own choice.

Tips For Completing Your Blog:

• Each of your entries should focus on what YOU wanted to achieve in YOUR project. Always try to give reasons or say why you did what you did, rather than just giving a general description.
• Remember that pictures and sounds speak louder than words. Use screen captures, photos and musical examples wherever you can (especially if you find it hard to get your ideas into words).
• Last time, people tended to think that writing more would get them more marks – not true! Short and to the point is always best. Remember that other people will be reading…
• Finally, don’t be afraid to include problems you came across, and how you got over them. Part of what your blog should show is how your skills have improved during the course.

Blog Deadlines:

In order to encourage you to keep on top of your project, you will need to meet the following deadline dates:

Blog deadline 1 – 08th Feb – 3 entries.
Blog deadline 2 – 15th Feb – 3 entries.
Blog deadline 3 – 22nd Feb – 2 entries (inc your “area of expertise”).
Blog deadline 4 – 29th Feb – 3 entries.

Each deadline date is a Friday and the cut off point for submission is 4:30pm. For each set of blog entries not in on time you will lose 5% of your overall mark. This also means that if you do get them all in on time, you will be guaranteed an easy 15%!

Note: Entries must be completed to a decent standard – it is not good enough just to submit something you knocked together in the last five minutes just to try and get some easy marks!

Examples Blog Entries:

Here are some good examples from past students of the course:

Bayano Kennedy shows how she created variations on one of her clips. Bayano gives solid reasons for the settings she chose and describes how each variation was intended to work in her arrangement. This post also makes excellent use of screen captures.

Stephen Giscombe shows how he assigned the MIDI Keyboard for his final performance. Stevie’s post makes very good use of photos and describes how the controls were used to enhance the final performance.

Beverly Addy describes the process of recording her own vocal clips for her project. This is Bev’s detailed post for her “Area of Expertise” which does a good job of summing up the new things she learned, including technical terms and how to go about the recording process in Ableton.

Inspiration:

Shaun Pelton Roll Your Own Loops:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL4MMJMXEFk

Shaun Pelton Beat Massage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGVLG349JpM

Kid Beyond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfBh3lZZi8Q

Turntable Loop Pedal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW4iIk14_Pc

German Drummer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnPnKDUcH-o

Drum Pad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8VL1TVwjW0

$10 Footcontroller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxaClh7FACw

Robert Makes Rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL4MMJMXEFk

Darren Perry Multi-Track Loop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoSWT1m0efA

The Performance:

Finally, please invite as many people as you can to the performance on Friday March 7th. The full address of the venue is: Cafe Ollo, The Media Centre, 7 Northumberland Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1RL. We are intending to make the night into an open evening, so if you know anyone who would like to sign up for future Level 3 courses please invite them. If all goes well, your performances will be an inspiration for others!

Good luck!

Graham.