Luke, I really wish that I had seen this before I bought 11 Suite when it was released. It's been over a year now and I find that I know next to nothing about my tools, overwhelmed by all the choices I have. I really enjoy your videos and the music you make.
Hiya Bryan! In cases like yours where you have too much choice, try to focus on simple tasks that you can accomplish with minimal tooling. Shoot for simple voices and fewer instruments, or try setting a hard limit on the number of tracks. Sometimes I make better progress when I say, “I’m going to write this track using only four main instruments.” And then I build out the bulk of the track in that limited way. Later I may choose to add more instrumentation but I do get a lot more done from the overall perspective if I keep the track count lower than I think I’ll need.
"The video Ableton wish did not exist." You humble me by what you get out of 3 tracks made entirely with Live Intro tools. I started using Live with their Suite trial last year, than opted for Reaper with lots of 3rd party tools, and now back into Live Suite. So I really had very little time using Live's scaled down feature set and I do admit I have not seen most of the devices you showed here. Inspiration hit me, I will work on this matter. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for sharing. Being new to all of this, what seems simple to the experienced is eureka to the novice. This also opened up the possibilities of layering effects on top of my other steep learning curve item, the Moog.
Absolutely agreed that Intro is a great starting place for anyone who wants to use Ableton Live -- it packs a huge punch for the price. I did find that there were a few things I wanted to do that I couldn't (needed Max). I got lucky, caught some good sales, and ended up saving a chunk of money -- I basically ended up with one level of the upgrade for free. BUT, I'll echo the thought that folks might do well to start with Intro, and only move up when they are sure they can't do something they want with Intro, and then watch for sales and specials before upgrading -- and really, only get Suite if they absolutely need it (or if the pricing makes it particularly compelling).
@@synthseeker I did it! Sounds exactly like yours! Now I've got to play around a bit with saws. 😄Can I replace Serum or Sylenth this way? I saw that Drift? has two oscillators, so ...
Ive had to be super minimal and smart with my instrument choices when working on bigger songs, using instrument racks and drum racks. Its been tricky but barely do-able. But I like it, makes me focus on the essentials.
Absolutely agree with you ! Too many marketing, extra features and finally we obtain just some noise... Where is music ? We just need basic but good analog synth (envelope and lfo), delay, reverb + pitch shifter, chorus, phaser, arpegiator and ... sequencer. Live Intro don't have a pitch shifter (to create a shimmer reverb) but there is free pitch shifter vst.
Could you explain where those several waveforms are to be found in Ableton Live, please? Do you mean that you slice up a sample? A hint, please!! Feeling stuck, very new to this.
There is a zip file of 100 waveforms here for you to use if it helps. github.com/VoidVertex/Single-Cycle-Waveforms/blob/master/100%20Void%20Vertex%20Single%20Cycle%20Waveforms.zip Save the contents of that file somewhere in your library and simply drag-and-drop whichever one you want to use into simpler to load it. :) hope that helps!
Good video. I've been thinking about starting over from scratch and learning what Ableton can do by itself. I have the Live 11 Suite so it's not like I have to start from square zero.
I've been preaching this for awhile as well. I do have Suite, but I am also a lowly guitar player, so I very rarely experiment with the witchcraft that is Operator or the thousands of other things available to me in Suite. The gripe I always hear is: But it is only 16 tracks! I mean, that's just a silly argument.
Howdy I want to try push 3 standalone for experimental noise/ harsh noise / idm/ music concrete music. Would push 3 standalone be worth it with ONLY intro ?
Push 3 standalone includes a license for intro. So it will work. But I’m not sure what sort of limitations you’ll run into when you try and move a live set from push three standalone to your computer.
Hey, I appreciate this vid! I'm deciding what DAW I'd like to commit to, and it helps to know I don't have to break the bank if I want to get into Ableton.
Hi great clip. There is something about Ableton Intro that I am trying to figure out. Since Ableton Intro does not have the "External instrument" plug-in found in Standard and Suite, will I be able to use my Roland Synth with Intro to its fullest capabilities? I have a desktop Windows pc and a Presonus interface to decrease the latency. Thanks.
@@synthseeker the comparison between the ableton versions on the ableton site do now show that Ableton intro does have a plug in for an external instrument. So it must mean that the new 12 version of intro has been updated with a ext.instrument plug in.
thx for the vid, what makes me struggle is that there are only 2 sends/bus channel for the intro version... I want more sends for reverbs, delays, and parallel compression :( is there any smart way to solve it? thank you.
We’ll the easiest way to do parallel processing in live is with multi-chain effect and/or instrument racks. Those are unlimited I believe. As for the sends and saving on cpu, you’re limited to two as you said.
Hi Luke, Thanks for that, I was wondering about that, have several free copies of Live Lite. I'll go one better than the Intro price - and wait for the next sale, BF is not far away. Just upgraded to Cubase 12 @ 40% off ... May still not need Live :) - but it has some compatible functions for some hardware.
@@synthseeker Based on your video, I don't have to spend money. Late reply, but I was waiting for BF and 20% off. BUT. From my googling it is not recommended to "upgrade" from Lite to Intro. Lite is a free version licensed by third party hardware vendors - I have at least 5 licenses for it. It is nearly the same thing, about the only difference is 8 vs 16 tracks. "Upgrade" to Intro not worthwhile for $100. FYI
@@cameirotorpedo5861 - sure thing. I had planned on doing a video for that in a few days. This weekend most likely. You are going to need to download and install the Nord Sample Editor 4.0 ( www.nordkeyboards.com/software-tools/nord-sample-editor-4 )
Been tempted to get Push 3. Maybe intro is enough. I make experimental noise music , harsh noise, power electronics. I could use stand alone devices, modular, sampler. But I want an all in one box. Any advice ?
@@synthseeker I have owned a make noise black and gold, but always feel like it wasn’t noisy enough or needed another module for this and that… ; had a 10k modular system also but I got sick of it; owned an Octatrack; Lyra 8, etc. I even tried with Op1 Field- too many bugs and thangs that would be distracting in person. Now I just want one thing. I’ve used push 2 before ( I am not into the lap top for music). Most of the time, the push 2 was a dull experience. I just want one…two tops pieces. So tired of the cables…ha. I did enjoy the poop out of myself designing with operator in ableton. I just don’t like presets too much.
@@synthseeker haha..iv’e been asked that before. Truth is: it feels like no matter what you do on that thing, it just sounds good no matter what-no risk, no reward. But maybe I should revisit. I like the ethos of samplers: steal music in a sense…sample gear demos, etc. they’re very punk rock. I’ve been a fan of Prurient for decades. He was strictly analog years ago. Now he uses ableton live and some controllers. Funny how things change. But back to LYra…umm, maybe you’re right…Lyra and pulsar 23…or Enner and pulsar. Then you want an external reverb, etc. maybe I can build something in modular but if I push 3 could do all of it for me, it would be fokn great, mate. Oh, and Terra sounded too pretty. And its ugly haha
I am new to creating music on a DAW (Being "old-school", I am not sure I would want to ever call myself a "music producer". That label has been watered down quite a bit). I've read a few opinions that Intro is still very limiting and not really worth the upgrade from Lite. My plan is to exploit Lite to its fullest potential until I am sure I need something better. What are your feelings on Lite vs. Intro?
@@synthseeker With a Lite license, Ableton Live Standard is now $239 for an upgrade, while Intro is $79. That is really tempting for unlimited tracks and scenes, and 10 extra send and return tracks.
After half arsedly bumbling around in Reaper for years, I decided to try roland zenbeats as it all kinda fits zencore ecosystem / roland cloud and my Jupiter X ... and i love the idea of being able to work on a track on a phone or an ipad and then beam it to my studio PC ande vice versa ... at first i thought it was a bit of a toy - more an app than a DAW, but I am yet to find anything that I want it to do that can't be done, and I find it incredibly easy and intuitive... i nicknamed it the daw for dickheads... in other word it was made for me hahaha when I'm feeling a bit more confident I might give Ableton a crack
Thanks a lot I got live 11 lite with my midi controller and I really like the way Ableton is structured. Was thinking of getting Standard but I'll first get Intro as I can see that you can get great results from it.
Lol - nothing wrong with that! Tons of people DON'T like Ableton Live. It's normal to use the tools you like and ignore the ones you don't. For the people who decided they want to buy Live, my video topic is that they may not need to pay a lot for the Suite and even Standard. Are you a DAW-person? If so, what do you like? I use several other DAWs myself from time to time. I just spend a lot of time in Ableton Live. Renoise, Reason, Logic - and there are what...like five other big names...Bitwig, FL Studio, Cubase, Sonar/Cakewalk...the list gets longer every year. Or perhaps you are purely DAWless and go all hardware? What's your story? What kind of music do you make?
Luke, I really wish that I had seen this before I bought 11 Suite when it was released. It's been over a year now and I find that I know next to nothing about my tools, overwhelmed by all the choices I have. I really enjoy your videos and the music you make.
Hiya Bryan! In cases like yours where you have too much choice, try to focus on simple tasks that you can accomplish with minimal tooling. Shoot for simple voices and fewer instruments, or try setting a hard limit on the number of tracks. Sometimes I make better progress when I say, “I’m going to write this track using only four main instruments.” And then I build out the bulk of the track in that limited way. Later I may choose to add more instrumentation but I do get a lot more done from the overall perspective if I keep the track count lower than I think I’ll need.
Great video! Its easy to get lost in this DAW. This is a great reminder to keep it simple for a good outcome. Thanks!
Anytime. I hope it was helpful! Thanks for the response. Have a great day. ☀️
"The video Ableton wish did not exist."
You humble me by what you get out of 3 tracks made entirely with Live Intro tools. I started using Live with their Suite trial last year, than opted for Reaper with lots of 3rd party tools, and now back into Live Suite. So I really had very little time using Live's scaled down feature set and I do admit I have not seen most of the devices you showed here. Inspiration hit me, I will work on this matter. Thanks a lot!
I think they might like it as it gets their foot in door?
@@synthseeker Fair enough, every upgrade from Lite is another potential long term customer.
Thanks for sharing. Being new to all of this, what seems simple to the experienced is eureka to the novice. This also opened up the possibilities of layering effects on top of my other steep learning curve item, the Moog.
Have fun, glad to help. :) the new version of 12 has even more tools. :)
Great video. I've been using Ableton Intro for a couple years and I definitely learned some things!!! Also I love Valhalla Supermassive sooo much!
I’m glad you found something you could use and enjoy!
I have bought Ableton Live Intro today 😄 The interface is minimalist and very user-friendly and that is what I really like in Ableton.
Enjoy! Tools are tools… learn to use them well! ;)
Thank you bro. I swear every music producer that makes youtube videos has severe CTE. Totally convinced me.
Do you actually mean Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or is CTE a new synth/music acronym that I don’t know? ;)
This is amazing! The left to right in Ableton is making sense! Thank you!
Yay!
Thank you so much for this ❤🥹this was so helpful.
Ad a beginner this is much more than i need to start with.
✌🏽
I hope it helped. There are no perfect solutions but I try to help the viewer if I can. :)
I bought Live Intro months ago and it is entirely adequate for my needs, I do a mix of elecrronic and acoustic instruments
I’m glad if it serves you well. :)
Absolutely agreed that Intro is a great starting place for anyone who wants to use Ableton Live -- it packs a huge punch for the price. I did find that there were a few things I wanted to do that I couldn't (needed Max). I got lucky, caught some good sales, and ended up saving a chunk of money -- I basically ended up with one level of the upgrade for free. BUT, I'll echo the thought that folks might do well to start with Intro, and only move up when they are sure they can't do something they want with Intro, and then watch for sales and specials before upgrading -- and really, only get Suite if they absolutely need it (or if the pricing makes it particularly compelling).
I really enjoy using Ableton live, but I agree with many people in that it feels extremely expensive compared to other solutions.
I need to update this for live 12. :) LOTS more options in version 12.
suite for life! Started with lite. I love Ableton so much!
Haha, I’m happy for you!
@@synthseeker I was immediately hooked after trying live lite. All the other daws I tried were terribly confusing to me. Great video!
🤯 Holy moly! This is absolutely thicc!
Just three tracks :) you can do it too!
@@synthseeker I did it! Sounds exactly like yours! Now I've got to play around a bit with saws. 😄Can I replace Serum or Sylenth this way? I saw that Drift? has two oscillators, so ...
It's your music...go nuts! :) @@allanniklas5440
Ive had to be super minimal and smart with my instrument choices when working on bigger songs, using instrument racks and drum racks. Its been tricky but barely do-able. But I like it, makes me focus on the essentials.
Glad you found it useful and good luck / have fun!
Absolutely agree with you ! Too many marketing, extra features and finally we obtain just some noise... Where is music ? We just need basic but good analog synth (envelope and lfo), delay, reverb + pitch shifter, chorus, phaser, arpegiator and ... sequencer. Live Intro don't have a pitch shifter (to create a shimmer reverb) but there is free pitch shifter vst.
I mean, I advocate Live Suite, but not to noobs. ;)
Thanks a lot. Extremely helpful decision-support.
Glad it helped! Are the piano vids on your channel your performances or are they recordings that you enjoy?
@@synthseeker Oh no, ich did not create them. Just for enlightenment :)
Could you explain where those several waveforms are to be found in Ableton Live, please? Do you mean that you slice up a sample? A hint, please!! Feeling stuck, very new to this.
There is a zip file of 100 waveforms here for you to use if it helps.
github.com/VoidVertex/Single-Cycle-Waveforms/blob/master/100%20Void%20Vertex%20Single%20Cycle%20Waveforms.zip
Save the contents of that file somewhere in your library and simply drag-and-drop whichever one you want to use into simpler to load it. :) hope that helps!
I wanted some specific tools like Amp/cab and audio to midi, as well as infinite tracks, so Suite was right for me
That’s the model for sure. :)
Good video. I've been thinking about starting over from scratch and learning what Ableton can do by itself. I have the Live 11 Suite so it's not like I have to start from square zero.
You have all the options then!
I've been preaching this for awhile as well. I do have Suite, but I am also a lowly guitar player, so I very rarely experiment with the witchcraft that is Operator or the thousands of other things available to me in Suite. The gripe I always hear is: But it is only 16 tracks! I mean, that's just a silly argument.
We did a lot with a four track when I was 12. :)
AND guitar players aren’t lowly…they get all the chicks! :P
@@synthseeker I love synths. But If I am going to be on stage, I am going to be up front, soloing, on a guitar.
@@retroloungemusic Case in point! :)
Howdy
I want to try push 3 standalone for experimental noise/ harsh noise / idm/ music concrete music.
Would push 3 standalone be worth it with ONLY intro ?
Push 3 standalone includes a license for intro. So it will work. But I’m not sure what sort of limitations you’ll run into when you try and move a live set from push three standalone to your computer.
Hey, I appreciate this vid! I'm deciding what DAW I'd like to commit to, and it helps to know I don't have to break the bank if I want to get into Ableton.
You definitely have options.
What did you get?
Anyone else catch the Watership Down reference in the track title? One of my all-time favourite books…
Me too! Lol
How do i get that pad sample loaded?
It’s in the live intro sample list in the user library. Just drag it into the simpler device window.
Is the quantize feature available in this version?
Yes. All editions of Live support quantizing midi. :)
Awesome vid! Just to add, I think Valhalla vst is free aswell? Cheers
Supermassive and I think a modulation effect are available at no cost. Maybe others? :)
Hi great clip. There is something about Ableton Intro that I am trying to figure out. Since Ableton Intro does not have the "External instrument" plug-in found in Standard and Suite, will I be able to use my Roland Synth with Intro to its fullest capabilities? I have a desktop Windows pc and a Presonus interface to decrease the latency. Thanks.
Yes but you’ll need to setup distinct midi out and audio capture tracks. So it’ll be less efficient but it’s doable.
@@synthseeker the comparison between the ableton versions on the ableton site do now show that Ableton intro does have a plug in for an external instrument. So it must mean that the new 12 version of intro has been updated with a ext.instrument plug in.
Finally! That’s great news!
thx for the vid, what makes me struggle is that there are only 2 sends/bus channel for the intro version... I want more sends for reverbs, delays, and parallel compression :( is there any smart way to solve it? thank you.
We’ll the easiest way to do parallel processing in live is with multi-chain effect and/or instrument racks. Those are unlimited I believe. As for the sends and saving on cpu, you’re limited to two as you said.
Hey,just a quick question, is auto pan included with intro?
Yes. You can review which devices come with each edition here: www.ableton.com/en/live/compare-editions/
Hi Luke, Thanks for that, I was wondering about that, have several free copies of Live Lite. I'll go one better than the Intro price - and wait for the next sale, BF is not far away. Just upgraded to Cubase 12 @ 40% off ... May still not need Live :) - but it has some compatible functions for some hardware.
Tools are very personal…use the ones that lead you to enjoy making your music, right?
@@synthseeker Based on your video, I don't have to spend money. Late reply, but I was waiting for BF and 20% off. BUT. From my googling it is not recommended to "upgrade" from Lite to Intro. Lite is a free version licensed by third party hardware vendors - I have at least 5 licenses for it. It is nearly the same thing, about the only difference is 8 vs 16 tracks. "Upgrade" to Intro not worthwhile for $100. FYI
I wish you could trade in multiple “lite” licenses, sort of like tokens, and it would add up to a greater value. I feel for you!
Hi, I saw your video about nord synths. You said that you sampled a vst, can you show how to do it? Thanks!
Sure, for the Nord Wave 2 or in general?
@@synthseeker I wanna learn how to sample vst's, that way i can put them on my NE6D
@@synthseeker Because, as you know, NE6D synth/sample section is very limited
@@cameirotorpedo5861 - sure thing. I had planned on doing a video for that in a few days. This weekend most likely. You are going to need to download and install the Nord Sample Editor 4.0 ( www.nordkeyboards.com/software-tools/nord-sample-editor-4 )
Been tempted to get Push 3. Maybe intro is enough. I make experimental noise music , harsh noise, power electronics. I could use stand alone devices, modular, sampler. But I want an all in one box. Any advice ?
It’s certainly an option and capable of delivering, but workflow is very personal. How do you make your music right now?
@@synthseeker I have owned a make noise black and gold, but always feel like it wasn’t noisy enough or needed another module for this and that… ; had a 10k modular system also but I got sick of it; owned an Octatrack; Lyra 8, etc. I even tried with Op1 Field- too many bugs and thangs that would be distracting in person. Now I just want one thing. I’ve used push 2 before ( I am not into the lap top for music). Most of the time, the push 2 was a dull experience. I just want one…two tops pieces. So tired of the cables…ha. I did enjoy the poop out of myself designing with operator in ableton. I just don’t like presets too much.
You didn’t enjoy the Lyra-8? It’s a noise box to be sure. What about that new one from Soma…the Terra?
@@synthseeker haha..iv’e been asked that before. Truth is: it feels like no matter what you do on that thing, it just sounds good no matter what-no risk, no reward. But maybe I should revisit. I like the ethos of samplers: steal music in a sense…sample gear demos, etc. they’re very punk rock. I’ve been a fan of Prurient for decades. He was strictly analog years ago. Now he uses ableton live and some controllers. Funny how things change. But back to LYra…umm, maybe you’re right…Lyra and pulsar 23…or Enner and pulsar. Then you want an external reverb, etc. maybe I can build something in modular but if I push 3 could do all of it for me, it would be fokn great, mate. Oh, and Terra sounded too pretty. And its ugly haha
@@synthseeker also just came across a video on Japanoise thingy on ableton. Seems cool.
I am new to creating music on a DAW (Being "old-school", I am not sure I would want to ever call myself a "music producer". That label has been watered down quite a bit). I've read a few opinions that Intro is still very limiting and not really worth the upgrade from Lite. My plan is to exploit Lite to its fullest potential until I am sure I need something better. What are your feelings on Lite vs. Intro?
I have never had a license for lite so I cannot say, but skimming its feature list show that it has enough features to be useful.
@@synthseeker With a Lite license, Ableton Live Standard is now $239 for an upgrade, while Intro is $79. That is really tempting for unlimited tracks and scenes, and 10 extra send and return tracks.
I advocate the purchase of synths, but tools are very personal. Carry on as you feel you need to. :)
Thanks, I just upgraded from lite to intro. Your Video IS so helpful and motivating. Thank you very much!
No problem, have fun! And if you have Live Intro 11, it comes with a great new synth called “Drift”…check it out!
FU for not bothering to answer my Q. Omg
What question? You mean the question from three weeks ago you asked to a different commenter? I’m not sure what you mean.
After half arsedly bumbling around in Reaper for years, I decided to try roland zenbeats as it all kinda fits zencore ecosystem / roland cloud and my Jupiter X ... and i love the idea of being able to work on a track on a phone or an ipad and then beam it to my studio PC ande vice versa ... at first i thought it was a bit of a toy - more an app than a DAW, but I am yet to find anything that I want it to do that can't be done, and I find it incredibly easy and intuitive... i nicknamed it the daw for dickheads... in other word it was made for me hahaha
when I'm feeling a bit more confident I might give Ableton a crack
Use the tools that work for you. ;)
We have a pool and a pond. The pond would be good for you.
“Varmints.”
Thanks a lot I got live 11 lite with my midi controller and I really like the way Ableton is structured. Was thinking of getting Standard but I'll first get Intro as I can see that you can get great results from it.
I wish you success with your music!
16 tracks is enough but I need that unlimited
Then I add anticipate a future purchase or investment in another tool. :( sorry it didn’t work out!
Err...Ableton Studio == Ableton Live Suite. (Derp)
I don't know. I guess I am different than everyone else. I can't Stand Ableton.
Lol - nothing wrong with that! Tons of people DON'T like Ableton Live. It's normal to use the tools you like and ignore the ones you don't. For the people who decided they want to buy Live, my video topic is that they may not need to pay a lot for the Suite and even Standard.
Are you a DAW-person? If so, what do you like? I use several other DAWs myself from time to time. I just spend a lot of time in Ableton Live. Renoise, Reason, Logic - and there are what...like five other big names...Bitwig, FL Studio, Cubase, Sonar/Cakewalk...the list gets longer every year.
Or perhaps you are purely DAWless and go all hardware? What's your story? What kind of music do you make?
I guess my points is, you are welcome at the Synth Seeker channel, regardless of which DAW you use. :)
please, no need to say goodbye, just leave
Now now, be kind. :)