Are Ableton Live 12 MIDI Tools Worth The Hype?

Ableton Live 12 has just been released and there are already Max for Life devices that are better than the original tools built by Ableton.

The new features are compared to the existing strumming feature, raising questions about tool quality and necessity.

Are the new MIDI tools really useful unless you're not good at creating patterns?

The video will explore generative tools and demonstrate how to create melodies and chords using the new features.

Copy a baseline to the lead channel, pitch it up an octave, shorten all the notes, and use the connect feature to generate patterns.

Spreads the notes across your piano roll.

• Right determines how many notes are in the pattern • Density adds more connecting notes while changing the pattern

Plays with note length while not changing the pattern. Manual editing of notes is encouraged for creative control.

Once you set the key and scale, all the MIDI tools will generate notes in key, which is especially useful for producers who often have 808s out of key.

Can make chords from scratch but is limited in functionality.

• A free Max for Life device that appears as a transformation tool • Contains every chord that ever existed with nine pages of different variations • Requires basic knowledge of chords like minor and major to use effectively

The device has various different inversions for each chord, greatly expanding the possibilities for chord voicings.

A new way to create arpeggios without using MIDI effects and recording the output. Select all notes, go to transform tool, and click Abate to choose rate and style.

Sometimes arpeggios can feel too generic, but the tools provide options to customize.

A transform tool that scrolls through patterns and can help generate new ideas when stuck creatively.

• Max for Life and transform tools open up significant possibilities • Human imperfections cannot be replaced by one-click solutions • Useful for beginners and those learning music theory, but experienced musicians should maintain creative control