Simpler or Sampler?

Simpler or Sampler?

Live offers two powerhouse tools for audio sampling: Simpler and Sampler. But what‘s the difference between them?

Simpler is ideal for fast, single-sample manipulation. It’s perfect for quick audio sample tweaks using features like slicing, looping, warping, and applying envelopes. Use Simpler to create melodic loops, vocal chops, or experiment with textures using its easy-to-grasp interface.

Simpler

Sampler, on the other hand, is for multi-sample manipulation. It offers advanced modulation features for your samples with versatile sound design and synthesis capabilities. Use Sampler to create your own instrument by mapping samples across multiple zones on the keyboard.

Sampler

Check out this video for a more in-depth description of both devices.

Parallel Compression
in FOUR simple steps

Use this technique with vocals and drums to give your tracks a more punchy, impactful, and defined sound. Here it is in brief:

  • ONE: Firstly, duplicate the track you want to compress, and apply a compressor on it. In Ableton Live, you can use the Compressor or the Glue Compressor from the Audio Effects.

  • Two: Set a high compression ratio, such as 8:1 or 10:1, with a fast attack time to catch the transients, and a medium release.

  • Three: Lower the threshold until you achieve a noticeable compression effect, which will emphasize the details and make the sound denser and more cohesive.

  • Four: Blend the compressed track with the original track. The trick is to find the right balance between them. The compression should add punch and clarity without completely squashing the original dynamics of the sound.

For drums, this technique can give more body and definition to the kick and snare. For vocals, it helps keep them prominent without compromising their naturalness. Here is a video for further demonstration.

Parallel Compression

3 Habits To Become a Full-Time Music Producer

Eddie Anders from the Youtube channel ‘Beautiful Beats’ shares 3 habits that turned him into a full-time music producer making 6 figures of income. Here they are:

  1. Time Management You might not need to quit your current job in order to excel in music, you just need to manage your time better. Cut down the distractions and focus on producing more and better music. Limit your useless phone and social media use, and say no to unnecessary distractions. Also, maintain a balanced lifestyle.

  2. Social Media Are you posting enough content about your music on your social media? You need to reach out and advertise your work and services to people. It will take a lot of effort but once you start posting consistently it will get easier and you will get better at it.

  3. Push Through The music journey can be challenging and sometimes lonely, how do you bounce back from your worst days? Surround yourself with friends who share your goals and vision to help you stay focused. Also, take care of your body and mind to help you get through tough times and always stay on-track.

[Workflow Trick]
Use ‘Collections’ in the Browser

Organize your browser for optimum efficiency by creating Collections of your most-used libraries, effects, and instruments. You can have your favorite delay effect applied to tracks in a double-click!

How to do that?
Simply right-click on any device (or sample) and assign a color label for it.
You can show/hide collections by clicking ‘Edit’ when hovering over the Collections tab, and also rename the collections themselves.

‘Collections’ section in Live’s browser

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