How to record hardware synths using Ableton Live's 'External Instrument' device

In my last video, I covered my basic workflow for recording external synths in Ableton Live. One question that came up a lot in the comments for that video was, "Why don't you use the 'External Instrument' device in Live?" The answer is I do use it...sometimes. I figured I would make a video showing off the process and talking about the pros and cons of using it.

[MrOlish]

Thanks David! Both videos is so good and well explained! I finally know how to set up my monologue properly 😊

[grizcuz]

Thank you. This is a far better workflow than what I currently use [with separate midi and audio tracks for each external device]. Like your previous video, I couldn't understand the benefits of the 'external instrument device' as I'm constantly refining and changing the midi and audio on each track throughout a song. But having the 'external instrument device' routed to another audio channel now makes more sense.

[maffstenning]

This video has honestly saved my sanity David! Thank you beyond words mate and all the best from North Wales, UK :D

[S_e_a_n]

David thank you for posting. I really enjoyed both videos. You have a gift for teaching. Cheers!

[waldojams]

David, thanks for that! Really nice tutorials.

[Luke_Carberry]

Thanks David! These videos are so helpful and are also enjoyable to watch!! Patreon subscribed !!

[KordTaylor]

Great video. One of the great things about Ableton and you cover it so well. Now time to Share this with my son 😃. Thank you!

[teluig]

OK, I've watched a lot (too much ?) Ableton tutorials videos and after this one I will definitely focus on yours. Thanks for this crystal clear explanation.

[theblowupdollsmusic]

Very well explained and presented. Thank you!

[robertgrabowski]

Great and useful tip. I tried and used your first manually method but needed fix latency every time. This method with external device works much better.

[cedricscheibel]

Thanks for your videos! Really helpful - you explain everything very well :)

[jordiclaes]

in regards to the program change: imagine that your synth has patch banks of 128 each, calculate from there, and you should be spot on to find your desired patch

[NoReasonLiv]

Great video. I like your style a lot. I believe the 'External Instrument' is the way to go.

[CoreyLaGray]

Very Aphex Twin feel, love it. Thank you for making this, I'm brand new to Ableton.

[DMS]

Your videos are great mate, subbed, thanks

[SrSrSr]

Such a helpful video, thanks a ton. You are incredibly good at producing and delivering this clear and concise instructional content... you should be an instructor for this stuff, or put together some course :)

[choktmusic]

Thank you for these videos! I just bought a Moog Matriarch and looking for the best/most efficient way to get it to work with Ableton 🙏🏼

[silvermyth]

Thanks. I'd heard of the External Instrument but wasn't using it. I was still able to plug my synths and get them to play & record but this looks a lot more intuitive.👍

[florianmartini]

Hy David. Thank. U. This was the missing Puzzle Pic i needed:) Greetz Florian

[marcosrotllan]

1st part was great. 2nd one will be the seed for some new music in the world.