By Peter J Harris

As an electronica producer for over 10 years, I’ve worked with all kinds of software platforms and hands down, one app rises above the rest for both production and performance — Ableton Live. Whether you’re new or looking for alternatives, Ableton should be the first app you consider; I’m certain it will be your last.

Using Ableton Live for Production

This beautifully designed program has an incredibly flexible interface, allowing you to get basic ideas fleshed out within minutes, quickly selecting from scores of preset synthesizers, real instruments and drum sets. If using analog sounds is your preference, no problem. With Live you can record your favorite synths quickly and add unique effects to dress it with the perfect sound. Need vocals? Simply hook up your digital audio hardware in Live’s preferences and record quickly and effortlessly.

If you want to extend the built-in sound library or effects, that’s absurdly easy too. The extended Ableton Suite has hundreds of unique instruments, synths and drum sets to choose from. Additionally there are many freelance developers like Pure Magnetik releasing distinctive sound packs to please just about any individual need.

Using Ableton Live for Performance

If you want to perform your original tracks live, there’s never been a more robust and stable system. There are several ways to set up a Live set for performance. The first mimics DJing, in a manner similar to Traktor or Serato, where you mix finished full-length songs. However, the most common technique is to break up your tracks (synths, bass, drums, etc) into unique “clips” where you can remix your tracks on the fly, smoothly mixing from one song to the next during the course of your performance.

Mixing from your laptop requires additional hardware, and fortunately there are a number of controllers and DJ mixers that work seamlessly with Live to trigger clips, mix pans and volumes, create sound layers and apply effects. I originally worked with Allen & Heath’s Xone 3D as it combines a regular DJ mixer with additional Ableton controls. More recently there have been several equipment releases like the Akai APC40 which appears to be the best controller yet for performing with Live (it was developed in partnership with the Ableton team).

Almost all DJ controllers that work with Live are designed to be used like traditional DJ mixers where you can monitor tracks in your headphones without the audience hearing. If you do a YouTube search you can find many videos of producers and performers describing their experience with their favorite controller — without a doubt you can find a piece of gear that suits your unique performance style.

The author is a house and breakbeat DJ and electronica producer. Read more of his work about finding the best DJ headphones and how to DJ electronica.

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I recently found Live Control which is an open source template for TouchOSC that incorporates user midi remote scripts just like the APC40.  It’s a really phenomenal tool, because it basically allows you to turn your iPad into an APC40.  At least the python script was written to interact with Ableton Live in much the same way giving an insane amount of control with minimal effort.  In fact, it communicates both ways with your computer via wireless wifi connection, so you can even see what the names of the songs are right on your iPad without having to ever look at your computer.

Not only do you get the great launch grid view, but you also get a mixer, labeled device knobs, a sequencer, an assignable XY pad, drum pads, and keyboard.  In some ways it’s better than using the APC40, because you can see the names of the perimeters you’re controlling more easily.  It also has some functionality that isn’t included with the APC40 by default like the step sequencer. (which works great by the way…)

It was a little tricky for me to figure out how to start using Live Control properly.  It took some fiddling around to get everything installed and configured, although it was well worth it.  The best part is Live Control is free open source!  All you need is an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch with the TouchOSC app which is very affordable, and you suddenly have a powerhouse of controllerism right at your fingertips.

The Hercules DJ Control MP3e2, is another controller specifically designed to make mixing MP3′s easy. If you deem a computer equipped squirrel a sound card, amplified speakers, your favorite harmony tracks again a USB port you are ready to crush the abode with your personalized mixes. Hercules, the head in portable DJing solutions for computers and manufacturer of entertainment hardware unveils their latest DJ creation, the Hercules DJ Control MP3e2.

This larger DJ controller is designed for teens and adults, who want to experience the feeling of since a Pro DJ, or anyone enthralled with the cosmos of DJing, digital music besides the latest remixes. Users can create their own mixes reserve the Hercules DJ Control MP3e2, which features two decks to mix music tracks on and offers the ultimate mobility.

One of the installation features of this DJ Mixer, is the bent to have multiple user accounts, making substantive resplendent for anyone who shares the equipment. This can sell for beneficial being aggregation owners who have multiple DJs using their machine through each DJ rap store their settings on an account, making it easier to resolve set up between sets. Anyone who plays different styles of music may also enjoy the different accounts since it’s possible to set one maturing owing to each style of music.

For the money, the DJ Mixer, combines a lot of the best humor from some of the more expensive mixers absent compromising on quality. Four cross-fader stereo channels can reproduce used considering either deck or CD systems and count on up to 12 dB of compensation each as well being an EQ impair switch per angle. The wide variety of settings this mixer contains allows any DJ to let their adept shine easily. The DJ Mixer, offers profuse of the texture of the upper end mixers continuance still being affordable because almost any budget. The DJ Mixer, offers many of the features of the higher end mixers while still being affordable for almost any budget. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned DJ, this mixer offers the best features for the money.

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The Hercules DJ Control MP3e2, is another controller specifically designed to make mixing MP3′s easy. If you deem a computer equipped squirrel a sound card,

One of the installation features of this DJ Mixer, is the bent to have multiple user accounts, making substantive resplendent for anyone who shares the equipment.

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