Using LTC Timecode in Ableton Live

*Download my free LTC template for Ableton Live!

Want to perfectly sync your video and lighting to your tracks? You're going to use Timecode, but how do you use LTC timecode in Ableton Live?

In this video, Ableton Live Certified Trainer helps demystify the process of using LTC Timecode in Ableton Live, and shares a top secret, free resource used by the pros to make this happen!

Learn to control almost anything with Ableton Live:

Download my free LTC template for Ableton Live!

Generate FREE LTC files to use in Ableton Live:

Add files/folders to Live's Browser:

#ableton #ltc #timecode

[lynngrant]

The el-tee-see site is cool. I was using BWF Timecoder, which generates an LTC file as long as your input file, but it requires a BWF input file, so you have to take your WAV file and run it through BWF Meta Edit to add a BWF header first. This is much easier.

[gurumonkey]

I understand the code length being 5 minutes, but what does the 58 minute start mean?

[ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

Very interesting. I work on a touring show and we use LTC to control the lighting rig. I will use for my own stuff. One question. I need a file for the entire length of my gig? is it one single file for the whole show, let's say 2 hours. Or I can copy and paste a short LTC file? Or maybe needs to be a continuous signal? Thanks for the explanation.

[EchoDrift-cb]

Remember to unlink the LTC file from the master Tempo by clicking "Warp". Hope this helps someone.

[MrSRellz]

Great tutorial. A few weeks ago I was asked to create a file of music on the left timecode on the right for an LD to programme to. Once that was done I got the gig to run a software called Showkontrol to sync a Pioneer DJ setup to the lighting console. Learning to use timecode in Ableton really helped. That gig went well that I've been asked to run Showkontrol to sync video for another artist! Learning to be a playback engineer via your site has opened the door to a new career. Thank you

[RegistroDomini-ly]

The video content is very interesting! I am a little confused: someone sent me a usdt and I have the recovery phrase. How do I extract them?

[dva]

is there a way to add timecode to very long sound files that were already recorded into ableton? a couple weeks ago i was asked to do audio for a reality show pilot and we couldn't rent a timecode generator in time, so now I'm trying to figure out how to add timecode in post.

thanks for your tutorial it was so helpful I learned a lot ! I'm excited to learn more about using timecode for live performances

[poppinpoppi]

I created an audio for sale but don't know how to set markers for people to click on the song. What software do I need?

[fernandopablopinedarojas]

Great tutorial, Thank you!! I wonder if is Ableton live able to read ltc from a signal striped on a tape track. Do you think is it possible without an expensive hardware?? Thanks again!!

[kamesound]

Thanks, great tutorial, I was clueless before seeing it. I was hoping you say something about warping in Ableton, does it affects the timecode? I play in a band that accelerate the songs depending on the situation, will it affect the time code? Thanks in advance, I've seen many of your tutorials loved them all.

[Gosewriter]

So I'm having an issue with audio drift when I place audio files from Ableton Live into Final Cut Pro X. I'll upload an audio file and line it up, but as it plays along with the video, the audio will slowly start to drift until its completely out of sync. Wondering if this might help weith that? Or if you know of a different solution for that problem?

[toothpickproductions]

Thanks for this, great info! Do you know of any hardware devices/ media servers that can work with this? IE Take the LTC and spit out synced video?

[TylerDickeyMusic]

Is there a possibility of doing this with MIDI Timecode or is there any reason as to why you would rather use MIDI Timecode vs LTC?

[CoolOutSessions]

Hey I have a midi controllers with endless knob. I am trying to use those knobs for my fx but the knobs are either crazy fast, slow or jumpy. How do I control the speed of the knobs and keep them from going haywire?

[zachjurkovich]

Okay, I understand that LTC syncs lights & video to tracks being played on Ableton. & I'm assuming a lighting director/technician is still needed to create the lighting cues (where they move, what colors, strobes, etc). I don't know much about lighting consoles, but does the LD "write" the cues on automation that gets played in sync with Ableton's LTC, thus enabling them to sit back while the song is playing live?
My original thought is that this would remove the job of an LD altogether, but from what I can imagine, it looks like they're much needed in the rehearsal process but not much during the show as everything is already programmed beforehand & will play automatically because of LTC?
Thanks!

[doerrjams]

Thanks, Will. The tip on the LTC Site is super helpful. In the past, whenever I've needed to do SMPTE, I've had to use MOTU's DP or AudioDesk since it generates LTC internally. Having an embedded LTC audio file in Ableton is a little more comforting. One question though. You recommended nudging the LTC file forward in time to give the some time for everything to lock. Wouldn't that create an issue with the timing of the video? If the LTC is moved forward 1 measure, then it seems that the video (once it locks) would be playing back one bar ahead of where you really want it playing. I suppose the video could have 1 bar worth of black added to the front end of it so that the timing is straightened out again. Just wanted to make sure I'm understanding this correctly.

[SergioHerculano]

Great Tutorial, thank you for sharing your experience with us !!

[ben]

Such a great tutorial. Thanks so much!

[MBusse]

Why start at 00:58:00:00 and not at 00:00:00:00?

[DPLawlorFilms]

so now all we have is an annoying sound on our track. How does this help us sync up video?