Ableton Tutorial: Save CPU vs. Complex Pro Warp Mode

Full Tutorial / Much More

Complex Pro Warp Mode is the Best Option for DJs, but Man, does it Drain the CPU!!

In this short video tutorial I am going to demonstrate how much more Complex Pro Warp Mode draws form the CPU compared to Beats Mode. Then I am going to show you how to work around that issue if you are someone who needs to. That could be for live performances or studio sessions with a load of channels cranking out sounds at the same time!

Essentially, we want audio warped by the Complex & Complex Pro Modes, but without actually using them. Let me show you how to do it, and how to do it incredibly quickly!

First up, we need to know what Ableton has to say about these warp modes.

Beats Mode

Beats Mode works best for material where rhythm is dominant (e.g., drum loops as well as most pieces of electronic dance music). The granulation process is optimized to preserve transients in the audio material.

Complex Mode

Complex Mode is a warping method specifically designed to accommodate composite signals that combine the characteristics covered by other Warp Modes; it works well for warping entire songs, which usually contain beats, tones and textures.

Complex Mode is a rather CPU-intensive function, using approximately ten times the CPU resources required by the other Warp Modes. As such, you may want to freeze tracks (see 32.1.3) where Complex Mode is used or record (see Chapter 16) the results as a new clip to use as a substitute.

Complex Pro Mode

Complex Pro Mode uses a variation of the algorithm found in Complex mode, and may offer even better results (although with an increase in CPU usage.) Like Complex Mode, Complex Pro works especially well with polyphonic textures or whole songs.

The Process

Let's say you have a set segment that will be 100 BPM, but you have a couple tracks at 110 BPM that you want to fit in with that segment. You need to first warp the track like you normally would. Put the segment BPM at 110, and warp away.

Make sure you choose Complex or Complex Pro Warp mode and set the Global BPM to 100 BPM. Now you can play your track at the new BPM to make sure everything sounds right.

consolidate-media-file-ableton-live-short-cut
Consolidate, Right Click Pop Up Menu
If it does, you have a few options to choose from. You can bounce the audio into a new track, or render the new version. However, the quickest & easiest way, if you are only doing this for a couple tracks is to right click the track and select Consolidate.

This will re-sample the entire song to the global BPM. You can now add a couple warp markers to make sure everything is still lined up, especially that the first beat coincides with the play cursor. If it does, and it should, you can turn the warp mode to Beats Mode.

Now you have a track quickly and easily warped with Complex Mode, but being process by Beats Mode.

Also, you can navigate to the Sample Files inside the project folder to find the new file and save it for future use. Just make sure to make a note that it is an edit and has a new bpm. ;)

File Pathway to the new Version : Project Folder, Samples, Processed, Consolidate

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Joshua Casper Online:

[musikmaker]

This is brilliant! I never knew you could consolidate a track or selection of tracks to change their bpm, I thought consolidate was only for putting midi/audio slices in one clip for easier envelope use etc. Seriously fantastic tip, thanks for sharing on the FB Ableton group! Going to subscribe to your channel and keep my eye on your tips. Cheers!

[maxposadas]

damn! you just saved my gig, tomorrow night. Thanks so much! respect.

[Trvnyo]

Wicked info bruh !
Thx for all your work man !
Valeu amigo !

[agthaog]

can u save spu the sameway in FL studio