How To Adjust the Clip Preview Volume In Ableton

Lots of us producers have extensive sample collections. So we frequently find our selves searching through giant lists of samples, some of which are very loud and compressed.. If you work like me, your project's overall volume isn't all that hot so when we reach for a new sample, the loud one can blast you! But, fortunately there is a way to adjust the preview volume.

While in session view just take a look at your master channel. At the bottom there is a blue knob that controls your preview/cue volume.

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Making a Directional EQ in Ableton

A directional EQ is an amazing tool. It allows you to place certain frequencies in specific areas of stereo space. There are plug-ins out there that do this but there is no need for paying extra cash for something you can do with just Ableton's live devices.

Now, mind you, this is not perfect and can create some resonance if used excessively. So, be cautious and use sparingly. Less is more in this case.

You can download this audio effects rack on the downloads page.

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How to make an EDM Drum Kit

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Pseudo Broadband Compression

Broadband compression is where you allow only a certain range of frequencies to trigger your compressor. So, if you track is extremely bass heavy (like the one in the example) it allows you to not have the bass heavy kick drum trigger the compressor and make the rest of your track duck and pump when that kick hits. This is perfect for when you are mastering hip-hop or EDM. Take a look at the video.

You can check out the full song here...


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Multiband Sidechain Compression

Mulitband sidechain compression is where you use one audio signal to compress a certain range of frequencies of another. Why do this? Two situations where this can help you the most are trying to make a kick drum and bass guitar sit together and also getting vocals and guitars to sit well in the mix. The basic idea is to make the competing frequencies "duck" out of the way of each other so one doesn't mask the other. For example, we can make it so every time the lead singer is singing, the sidechain compression on the mid range of the guitars that shares similar frequencies get triggered to make way for the vocal. This way you can have guitars and vocals that are both in your face but aren't battling for space. Take a look at the video below to see how we achieve this.

You could even take this one more step further, by using the EQ8 and an audio effects rack you could split the signal into mid/side and have it only compress the mono data. But that's another video :)

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Plug-in Review: Thrillseeker VBL

Overview 

Released in mid 2013 by Variety of Sound, the Thrillseeker VBL emulates the old vintage broadcast limiters of the 50s. It's designed to give you that harmonic tube distortion we all love from vintage analog tube compressors while working in the box. The Thrillseeker VBL has fixed attack and release times that are slow compared to modern brick wall limiters. Regardless of the slower fixed attack and release times, I have put it to good use on many things from acoustic drums, electric guitars, bass guitars, vocals, synths and just about anything. Oh, and the coolest part, it's free.

Cool Features 

When you start to drive this compressor it will start to add some "analog" harmonic distortion, which is not harsh at all and can really fill out sounds very nicely.

Between your "Amp" and "Brilliance" controls you can dial in some great sounding "analog" distortion to fill out just about anything.

When heavily compressing your audio you will start to hear a "pumping" effect, you can turn up the "Emphasis" control to help tame it.

Turning up the "Bias" control can create more focus on high frequencies.

Rating: 5/5
Price: FREE
Format: 32-bit VST only

I would recommend Thrillseeker VBL to anyone working with audio, you will find something it does great no matter if you are producing, mixing, or mastering.

You can download Thrillseeker VBL HERE

Compression Basics

Knowing how to use a compressor is one of the most valuable pieces of knowledge you can have as a producer or engineer. Compression is a huge part of the sound of modern music and has been a huge part of music production and engineering for years. In this video I got over the four basic parameters you find on most compressors, whether its an analog unit or a plug-in, which are the threshold, ratio, attack and release. Check out the video below to hear my explanation of each one.