Rhythmism.com

In the last class of Level 2, we were asked what we wanted to focus on in Ableton Live Level 3 Design and Modulate, and start the last eight classes with questions that our instructor will answer over the course of the next eight weeks with 'one on one' training sessions throughout each day.

I had the following questions / requests:

*how to warp tracks in Live 8 to use Ableton Live in a DJ context

*focus on how to master a track to get it ready for play out a venue, and or send to a record label.

*how to set up Ableton Live to record various instruments / microphone (sound levels, input)


Because Ableton Live version 8 was released while our classes were in session, and our instructor Jon was writing his follow up book Ableton Live 8 Power!: The Comprehensive Guide we touched upon all of the new updates from version 7, and spent time on the AKAI Professional APC40 Ableton Performance Controller.


Jon Margulies pointing out APC40 as a MIDI Device

Ableton Live 8 Power! an all-inclusive guide to making music with Ableton’s revolutionary live performance and studio software, Live 8. Written for all Live users, from digital audio beginners to seasoned pros, this book explores each fundamental feature in Live. The book provides power-user tips and insider tricks for integrating Ableton Live into your home or professional studio). You can pick it up at a Guitar Center or order it at Amazon:http://amzn.com/1598639757



Goes well beyond the Ableton User Manual

AKAI APC40 seamlessly works with Ableton Live because its creation was specifically designed by both companies, and overcomes the problem of having large banks of launch clips that other controllers struggle with. I am planning to purchase the AKAI APC40 later in the year, as Jon recommended, it's not only great for performing Live, but can also work efficiently as a recording studio tool along with your MIDI keyboard.


http://www.akaipro.com/apc40


During the final eight weeks all of my requests and questions answered, I learned how to warp tracks in Ableton Live version 8 to set up songs for a DJ set; focused on the EQ Eight Audio Effects to master the quality of my track; and understood how to set up Ableton Live to record instruments and microphones at studio-quality levels. The one on one teacher to student approach worked out great because every student in my class had a different direction they wanted to go, and this gave each of us the time and attention we needed to get everything out of our instructor. Additionally, when Jon as out of town, it was great to have Henrich Zwahien substitute one of our classes to get a fresh pair of ears on what we were working on.


Jon Margulies focuses on students track

While I have started to produce music, I have added a lot of equipment to my home recording production studio, from a big investment in studio monitors (Mackie HR624mk2) to a inexpensive item called the KB Cover for my Mac keyboard. By simply laying the thin KB cover on top of my keyboard, it visually shows all of the color coded shortcut commands to control Ableton Live – a terrific tool that eliminates the delay of continually opening up Ableton reference manual.


www.kbcovers.com

After I completed my course, DubSpot updated their Ableton Live 8 Certified Training program - now there are two packages: A (levels 1,2,3) and AA (levels 4,5,6). I believe the new class structure improves upon the way I learned; you can choose how fast you want to take the classes: three times a week for 3 months, or twice a week for 6 months, or once a week over a year. Plus you can now receive a DubSpot Producer Certificate in Ableton Live. Here are the details:

Package A teaches you everything you need to know to produce electronic music: how to use one of the best software packages in the business along with all the fundamentals such as Beat Production, Analysis of different styles, Synthesis, Sound design, Live performance strategies and Remixing.

Package AA The new advanced Ableton modules are part of a complete update and expansion of DubSpot's Live curriculum. Covered are advanced performance techniques, rhythmic analysis, complex composition, sound design and generation strategies, detailed examination of instrument and effects racks, and more.

https://www.dubspot.com/pages/ableton.jsp

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Jass DubSpot testimonial:
"I had an idea of the music I wanted to create, I understood that Ableton Live is one of the best music production tools to use, and I went to DubSpot to learn the tools to build my musical ideas into actual songs - if I had not gone to DubSpot - I would still be thinking about music instead of creating it."

Finally, I would like to thank Betty Kang for creating the idea of having me blog about my experience at DubSpot, Dan Giove of DubSpot for agreeing to the idea, Brian at Rhythmism for hosting The DubSpot Blog, and finally all of you who have read and supported me through this blog. On a personal note, the last year was a tough one, my mother passed after a long slow battle to breast cancer, and I am learning to turn that emotional experience out in musical experimentations rather than vent it out in after-party excursions. Look forward to an upcoming .thejass. mix, and more productions.