CategoryProduction

My Ableton LP / Mixtape: Update

I’ve been working on my LP in Ableton for almost two years (!!!), but today, I’m excited to announce I’ve released my first mixtape. Why a mixtape, and not the album? Well, aside from a vocal sample I snagged for the intro, they are essentially one in the same. That is, the track selection and order are there. But instead of releasing 10 standalone tracks, one after the other, properly mixed and mastered, I was keen on getting this project out. Hear the mix below and read the steps I’ve taken to reach this critical, yet very personal, milestone.

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    When I stumble on a good mashup during an Ableton session, I just want to capture that shiz and share it. Mashups force you to split your roles to both DJ and Producer, making Ableton the ideal environment to play. On one side, you can be highly experimental and responsive in Session View; on the other, you're editing and mixing down the arrangement. Here are some…
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How I Mash Up – Part 2

In the first half of this series, I covered the importance of using Ableton’s Session View and Mixed In Key to creatively identify your mashup’s backing and supporting tracks. I also gave some tips for getting your raw material ready, and setting up a new Ableton session. We’re now switching gears from DJ to Producer mode, and I’ll be sharing specific Arrangement editing and mixing techniques I use for creating well-constructed, and well-mixed mashups.

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    I don't get any kick-backs from SoundCloud to promote their service, but I do find it to be one of the easiest and most valuable ways for DJs and producers to distribute their beats and mixes. Plus, I personally discover loads of new and emerging music on the daily. Here are some tips for maximizing your SoundCloud experience. Build…

Best Ableton Videos for DJ & Production

We’ve all spent days on YouTube watching Ableton videos – tips, training & walk-thrus. But with its right side “recommended / related” video list, I find myself getting easily distracted, ending up down a rat hole. What I’ve done here is collected the videos that have made the biggest difference for me with regards to using Live, learning new DJ methods, sound design tools & compression, bettering my workflow and processes, and hearing how the pros do it. Over the years, these videos have, without a doubt, boosted my Ableton DJ, producer and remix game. If you’re just starting out, or continuing your mastery of Ableton, I believe you, too, will find these to be priceless.

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    My audio interface has served me well, going strong for nearly five years now. The M-Audio Fast Track Pro has since been discontinued, but it's essentially a portable, USB-powered, 4-output audio / midi interface with a front headphone jack. The benefit here? Not only does it fit in a backpack, having the 3/4 channel allows you…

How I Mash Up – Part 1

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Moog Minitaur & Ableton MIDI Fix

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Quit Clipping

I’m always surprised to see red meters in other guys’ DJ sets. Even worse, in Ableton training videos on YouTube. Red is BAD, people. Your meters go from green to red for a reason. By pushing tracks beyond those maximum levels, your audio is actually getting destroyed in the process, adding crunch, noise and artifacts to your mix. Now let’s talk about how to avoid it altogether.

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