Hello everyone,
there's something I'd like to do in Ableton but I haven't figured out a way to do it so I wondered if it's possible ? And if it is how to do it.

Here's my problem:

I have several instruments for which I would like to automate CC1 (which controls the dynamics). I would like all of them to follow the exact same automation. Is there a way to to automate for the whole group ?

Thanks

 

@ Zero-frag,

I think that if you set the 'MIDI CC1' ('Expression') to be effective for each of your desired Instruments, it will do the 'trick'...


You can perhaps find some valuable informations in this Article which is specific to 'Reaper' and for the 'MIDI CC7' ('Volume') instead.
Nevertheless, maybe you can apply the same principle, but with the 'MIDI CC1' ('Expression') and within your 'Ableton LIVE' as desired...

'Route MIDI CC 7 from multiple tracks/channels to single track/channel'


Hope this can help you in some way and Good Luck in your quest !

 

Well apparently it cannot be done in Ableton, as confirmed here
http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/multi-output-automation-in-ableton-kontakt.215974/

 

Ableton has always been rather weak on the MIDI side, although MIDI is a stone old standard still widely used today.

But:
Since you can set any track's input and output to any MIDI device, the only thing you need is a virtual MIDI router/Matrix that has enough inputs and outputs plus a MERGE function.

Say you have your CC1 automation track on channel (or input) 1 and two MIDI tracks on channels 2 and 3.
You would route 1+2 merged to output 2 and 1+3 merged to output 3, and set track 2's input to 2 and track 3's input to 3.
By doing this you make sure that the destination instrument receives both the original notes/CC *and* the CC1 data. You better not have CC1 on the original instrument's track or what you get will be quite a mess

There's bome's MIDI translator for Win and Mac that can do this, other solutions are waiting to be found by your favourite search engine.

It's a good idea to set this biggie up once and store it as an empty template project for future use.

Max4Live would be another option, but I haven't taken the time to learn it yet.

 

I think I understand how this would work. It seems like that would solve my problem Thanks ! I'll get searching

 

im not actually 100% clear on what your trying to accomplish and wether its in session view or arrangement. If your trying to do something that can't be done via automation then look for max for live devices to automate cc parameters. if it can and ur issue is you are trying to do automation for multiple tracks simultaneously...instrument rack the tracks u want together as though they were a group and macro a knob to the parameter in each device. good luck!

 

You're right, and that's an even more elegant solution.
Man, why didn't I consider racks? They're so powerful!

 

That seems like an even easier solution. I'll try later today, thanks !

 

(after i wrote this i read again and realize you probably are working on many tracks - still, here it is just in case)

if all parameters are on the same track :
1-first, you need to group all instruments & effects into one rack.
2-then open the macro of the group (2 rows of 4 macro button) click 'map',
3-click one of the knob you want to assign.
4-A green square appear in your instrument window, right click on it and choose 'map the macro
---Repeat 3 & 4 for all other parameters---
5-Click 'map' to close the macro mapping
6-click 'MIDI' (top right), click the macro knob , then move the control knob.

All controller on one knob ...

also : you can change the range of a control or invert it in the 'macro mapping window'

Good luck

 

Forget my comment above

Should work with most VST. (But not Kontakt)
just hit the midi button (top-right) then
click the instrument knob ( in the gui ) & move the controller knob (CC1 is Mod Wheel)
do it again for all other parameters

If you get conflict, it just means that these 2 parameters cannot be assign to the same knob


So if you are using Kontakt
1-In Kontakt GUI, right-click on the parameter you want to control and choose "LEARN MIDI CC# AUTOMATION
2-Move the controller knob
Repeat for all control and instrument you want
REMEMBER : Arm Session Recording ( the record button ) should be engaged for each track receiving controller changes.
OR if no sequence playing ( only live notes and control ) engage "monitor IN" instead of "AUTO"