Synth Tutorial/How to get inspired quickly (Free Ableton Rack / Ableton Tutorial)
How to get inspired quickly (Free Ableton Rack / Ableton Tutorial)

How to get inspired quickly (Free Ableton Rack / Ableton Tutorial)

Audioreakt14 min23 févr. 2020
11 chapitres
  • Introduction to the Ultimate Effects Rack(0'001'53)
    This rack is part of a series called 'Rack series by the clear rack' with four videos so far that combines concepts from Burton and computer stuff.
    • Finding fresh reverb presets that don't sound the same • Difficulty getting new and fresh sounds from favorite plugins • Overcoming sound design blocks and creative fatigue
    Creating a bank of different chains with different types of presets and effects to inspire new ideas and feelings rather than tweaking the same presets repeatedly.
    Allows producers to quickly add reverb, EQ, and other effects to shape sounds inside synthesizers differently than usual, providing inspiration during the creative process.
  • Building the Basic Effects Tool(1'533'28)
    • Different types of reverb • Multiple EQ options for sound design • Various delay types • Different distortion options
    Quickly add effects to presets that are too dry, serving as a base when shaping sounds inside a synth and allowing rapid workflow in the creation process.
    The first work was called 'distortion rack' with reverb, delay, stereo delay, and the principle was then expanded to create the ultimate ethics rack.
    Use as a starting point when feeling blocked creatively, but not on every track to avoid getting tired of the same sounds and losing freshness.
  • Ultimate Ethics Rack Controls and Features(3'283'40)
    • Distortion type with dry/wet control • Delay type with dry/wet control • Reverb type with time and amount controls • EQ type selector
    Each effect type has multiple presets divided in ranges: distortion from 1-10 and 11-20, delay variations, reverb options from short room settings to long-tail reverbs, and multiple EQ types.
    The rack can be expanded beyond the six presets shown, potentially going up to 127 different variations if needed.
    This is a rack inside the rack with macro controls that change all parameters together, designed to improve workflow speed and efficiency.
  • Distortion Options and Implementation(3'405'18)
    From value 1-10 you get the first kind of distortion, and from 11-20 you get another kind, with the last one at approximately 60.
    Move the distortion type selector through different ranges to access different distortion effects and experiment with various textures.
    Each distortion is set up with specific architecture and reasoning, fully explained in a separate film about how the rack is made.
    Quick access to multiple distortion types allows for rapid experimentation without diving deep into individual plugin settings.
  • Delay and Reverb Customization(5'186'19)
    Multiple delay types available through the delay selector macro, allowing quick switching between different delay effects.
    • Reverb time from around 300ms for drums to 600ms for room-like effect • Around 200ms for more time-like settings suitable for drums • Middle range options for keys • Long tail reverb for pads and atmospheric sounds
    The reverb type macro allows changing the character and tone of the reverb effect to shape the overall sound differently.
    All reverb and delay controls are assigned to single macro parameters for unified control across all devices.
  • EQ Types and Sound Shaping(6'197'20)
    All EQ type macros work on the same principle with ranges: 0-10 for first preset, 11-20 for second, 21-30 for third, and so on.
    The EQ type significantly changes the character and type of sound you get, offering varied tonal shaping options.
    Different EQ types work well with pads and various sound design needs, allowing experimentation with different tonal flavors.
    Multiple EQ presets available to apply different frequency shaping without manually adjusting individual bands.
  • Internal Rack Architecture and Macro Mapping(7'208'02)
    The rack has been transformed to use just two main macros while maintaining the same functionality as the original.
    • All presets are organized as different chains • Chain selector assigns each product to every 10 values • Values 0-10 enable one chain, 11-20 enable another • Only active chains consume CPU resources
    Toggle buttons on each device are applied inversely, turning devices on within their range and off outside it, reducing CPU usage.
    All dry/wet parameters of all devices are assigned to a single macro, so moving one control changes all effect amounts uniformly.
  • Control Assignments and CPU Optimization(8'029'41)
    Different handling for EQ, delay, and reverb: reverb has its own decay time control for independent experimentation with room reverb and long decay combinations.
    By turning off inactive devices when not in their selected range, the rack saves CPU resources compared to having all plugins active simultaneously.
    When changing the dry/wet macro, all devices are affected equally at the same percentage amount, enabling coordinated effect application.
    Users can add more distortions, reverbs, delays, and other favorite plugins to the chains as desired, following the same organizational principle.
  • Practical Usage Tips and Creative Workflow(9'4110'11)
    Starting from scratch with zero effects is difficult, but adding some reverb and delay immediately makes it easier to come up with fresh ideas and different sounds.
    • Select a reverb or delay type to establish initial character • Begin shaping sound differently than usual • Experiment with various effect combinations • Build creative ideas on top of existing effects foundation
    The rack provides multiple reverb types, different delays, and various effect processors that are powerful for overcoming sound design blocks and inspiration blocks.
    This is version 2 of the basic effects tool, much more elaborate than the original, with expanded variety and more sophisticated effect processing options.
  • Preset Bank Organization and Alternative Workflow(10'1111'42)
    The preset bank includes the Veit, Tripod, and other configurations organized systematically within the rack structure.
    Users can drag presets from the bank and drop them into the device, such as taking the dry preset and dropping it to create a super dry starting point.
    • Manual preset selection allows direct modification of effect devices • Can be customized specifically for each sound • Dragging presets provides a quick starting point • Tweaking afterward allows creation of unique personal variations
    The author prefers manually selecting each effect device and modifying them for the specific sound rather than relying solely on preset organization.
  • Creative Experimentation and Final Thoughts(11'4214'08)
    Start with a bit of reverb and delay as foundation, then bring everything down gradually to discover fresh inspiration and avoid creative blocks.
    After establishing a base with the rack effects, users can tweak and modify everything to create their own unique sound design.
    The ultimate ethics rack is described as very powerful and elaborate, with multiple reverb types, delays, and effect processors designed specifically for overcoming creative blocks.
    The rack is available for free with a link provided in the video description.