Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction. Welcome to Ableton Live

Chapter 1. Background Information
The Ableton Live Digital Audio Workstation
Ableton Live History and Evolution
Audio Basics: Waveform, Frequency, and Amplitude
Converting Audio to Digital Format
Ableton Live Configurations
Cross-Platform Issues
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 1. Selecting Your Audio Production Gear

Chapter 2. Getting Started with Ableton Live
Target Systems
Registering Your Software
Software Installation and Operation
Ableton Live File Structure
Starting Ableton Live
The Ableton Live Menu Structure
Ableton Live Views and Sections
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 2. Identifying Ableton Live Views

Chapter 3. Ableton Live Basic Controls
Playback in Arrangement View
Clip Editing in Arrangement View
Zooming in Arrangement View
Grid Editing in Arrangement View
Time Scales and Rulers in Arrangement View
The Scrub Area in Arrangement View
Performance Control Features
Modifying Devices and Clips
Using the Info View
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 3. Identifying Primary Tools and Controls


Chapter 4. Creating Your First Live Set
Creating and Configuring a Live Set
Working with Tracks
Controlling Playback
Saving, Locating, and Opening Live Sets and Projects
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 4. Creating a Live Set

Chapter 5. Importing and Working with Media
Considerations Prior to Import
Import Methods
Other Methods of Importing Audio Files
Importing Video
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 5. Importing Audio

Chapter 6. Working with MIDI
MIDI Basics
MIDI in Ableton Live
Setting the Tempo and Time Signature
Preparing to Record MIDI
Enabling the Metronome
Using Virtual Instruments
Recording a MIDI Performance
Creating and Editing MIDI Performances
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 6. Working with MIDI

Chapter 7. Making Your First Audio Recording
Before Recording
Preparing to Record
Recording and Managing Audio
Organizing after Recording
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 7. Recording Audio

Chapter 8. Selection, Navigation, and Configuration
Using the Arrangement Overview
Making Selections in the Arrangement View
Zooming and Scrolling the Arrangement View
Adjusting Your Live Set
Working with Locators (Arrangement View Only)
Navigating the Arrangement
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 8. Recording, Configuring, and Adding Locators to an Arrangement ...

Chapter 9. Editing Your Media
Selecting Playback Options
Using the Edit Grid
Editing Clips
Moving and Resizing Clips in the Arrangement View
Undoing Your Work
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 9. Editing Audio

Chapter 10. Mixing and Creating a Bounce
Basic Mixer Terminology
Mixing in the Session View
Automation
Using Devices for Mixing
Backing Up Your Session
Creating a Stereo Mixdown
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 10. Automating Shared Effects and Exporting a Stereo Mix

Final Project. Creating a Musical Arrangement
Powering Up
Getting Started
Creating New Tracks
Working with MIDI Data
Working with Audio Data
Recording from Session to Arrangement View
Finishing Your Work
Appendix A. Ableton Live Audio and MIDI Effects
Appendix B. Ableton Live Software Instruments
Index
About the Authors

About the Author

ERIC KUEHNL (Berkeley, CA) is a Director of Partner Programs at NextPoint Training, Inc., an Avid Master Instructor, and Co-Director of the Music Technology Program at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California. Kuehnl is a composer, sound designer, and educator. Previously, he was an Audio Training Strategist in the Avid Education Department, and a Senior House Engineer for Sony Computer Entertainment America. He holds a Master s degree from California Institute of the Arts, a Bachelor s degree from Oberlin Conservatory, and studied composition at the Centre Iannis Xenakis in Paris. ANDREW HAAK (San Francisco) is a producer, sound designer, and engineer who is passionate about the infinite possibilities of digital audio. A graduate of Pyramind's Sound for Pictures and Games program, he's currently pursuing his artist career as an electronic music producer and helping fellow musicians and producers express their creativity as a sound design instructor. Formerly a full-time communications and PR professional, Andrew took a sudden turn into the realm of music after discovering the potential for self-expression and learning that modern music digital audio workstations (DAWs) enable and hasn't looked back. FRANK D. COOK is a musician, entrepreneur, author, and trainer. He has worked in publishing and education for more than twenty years and has authored numerous publications related to digital audio and music production. He has been a consultant for Avid for over twelve years, developing textbooks and curricula for Avid s official certification programs. Cook teaches audio production at American River College and Sacramento City College and is an Avid Master Instructor.