Do You Really Need a Midi Controller?

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Modern DAWs like Ableton have in built tools that allow you to create notes chords and modulation very quickly. We also now have a plethora of plugins that can create loads of complex modulation. So it begs the question, are midi controllers becoming obsolete? In this video I show how you can use knobs or faders on your controller to create parameter edits rapidly and with style. Midi controllers put the fun back in editing. I also show how you can quickly edit your edits using "simplify envelope" and other useful tips.

00:00 - Intro
0:46 - Midi Preferences
2:40 - Basic Midi Mapping
4:49 - Simplify Envelope
8:37 - Delete Envelope
9:38 - Control Surfaces & Racks
12:30 - Skew Envelope
13:52 - Playable Sub Drops
16:00 - Editing Pitch Bend Data
17:09 - Conclusion

[Skettalee]

I have to tell you man, as a tutorial creator myself on software like Ableton and more I have to say you are the perfect teacher. You first learn for yourself exactly how to do something which is sad to say not what the majority of tutorial creators do. But you learn exactly why whatever thing is happening and then make sure to explain it all to the viewer. You make it all simple to understand and you have a good personality. Im sure you've heard it all before but I just wanted to say it to you anyway. Great job at trying to make the world smarter and more creative!

[Artek]

Great stuff, as always! Perhaps one additional tip you could've mentioned is to right-click on track's header to reveal automation lanes for all used parameters, so that they can be viewed and edited in context.

[DiMK_]

I am a big fan of Dj Mandragora. This guy uses no midi keyboards and in an untreated room he makes all these unbelievable projects with the KRK Rokit 7. I mean if you have it inside you, you just have it and you are a shining star, a very bright one!

[therealajnelson]

I'll admit I haven't see the whole video.. but speaking as a guy who has used "just your mouse" for years.. get a freaking controller. Yes, you can do ALOT with just your mouse, but the versatility of a controller is just unmatched.

[Noldy__]

1:03 also turn on takeover mode. It'll make the faders/knob pick up whatever you're controlling smoothly without jumps.

[vicsardou]

Thanks. Though I knew how to map controllers, you really expanded my horizons with using multiple controllers at the same time.

[LeytonSmith]

needed to see this after spending money on a Minilab3 and feeling like i am not using it for its full potential - thanks

[peepoopsplash]

I know people who make crazy good music being clickers. I'm a drummer with minimal theory knowledge and produce by ear, and my push is my most used controller. I think its all about personal workflow and how you like to make tunes. ❤

[fabianwolf]

Got an amazing vintage controller (Roland Edirol PCR-800) for 80 bucks on eBay. My life is just better since then.

[Gome.o]

Can you tell me how I save my ableton push from becoming a glorified paper weight?

[MultiRockGamer]

Hey! Instead of using a midi controller, or mouse and keyboard, could you use only your keyboard, without a mouse? (Like by using supercollider or sonic pi as a midi controller for ableton live? 🤪)

[benjaminlliclenin]

I got the akai midimix, and it has so much knobs and sliders. i like it, but it is not cheap, cost around 80-100 €.

[airfixx_]

Anyone recommend a way of using the X/Y control via midi-control device?

[panicmanwalters]

I thought the Control Surfaces chapter was really interesting. Is it only available in Ableton Live 12 to get the blue hand on the instrument rack? I use Ableton 11 Suite and I would love to use my Novation Launch Control XL to have macro knobs be automatically mapped

[shyboy]

The answer is yes. Learn to play, people

[KHNIsTunes]

Dont even need to watch the videov the answear is 100% yes! Even more than one controller.