Our Next Event!
12Feb2012 : Next Free Meet Up Meet-Up Event Link
15feb2012 : Warping workshop at iComputer. This is part of our monthly series (payment page) and supporting Meet-Up Event.
Warping Workshop w/Marc and Lawhead
by Marc on Dec.15, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings
POSTPONED! – new date here.
Ableton Fundamentals and Warping with Chris Lawhead and Marc W
- When: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Where: iComputer, 605 Grant St. Denver CO 80203
- Cost: $10 pre sale (link below), $12 at the door
Description: Start making music with Ableton Live now! Learn the basics and then some. Insert beats, play synths & drums, use Ableton for production or live performance, and warp music for dj sets, production, and LivePA hybrid. Start using Live as a primary esp for instrumentalists.
New to Ableton Live, this class will jump start the thump! Warping is the root of all work in Ableton and it is important to learn this correctly from the start!
Lawhead:
- Warping defined
- How warping works
- Basic warping
- Warp engine selection
- Workflow
- File Handling
- Warping file information hierarchy
Marc :
- DJ/LivePA warping methods
- Choosing what warping method to use and why
- How to warp fast, the bare minimum approach versus over warping
- Platter and sandwich creation (warping for DJ performance)
- Extreme warping to stretch your sound design
- End Game Best practice
- Intro to envelope modulation and low CPU methods for increasing your sound possibilities
Presented by Chris Lawhead – LawheadMusic.com and Marc W – djnsm.com
This is the first of many workshops that Chris will be leading the way on the education as he is our education front man for our user group. Welcome him, tell him what you want to learn.
Some new stuff out there…
by Marc on Oct.09, 2011, under Knowledge, News, Resources
My friend Scott over at Curios Inventor and VMter.net open sourced this unit :
The Fader provides 16bit control over 16 PWM channels for LED or motor speed control via RS232 level serial, 5V TTL serial, or SPI. Completely open source--code, kicad, BOM are all below.
This sort of product, although slightly obscure in the context of this blog, is one of the many offerings that are creeping towards simple interoperability. The migration to open-source is important and to be celebrated. Keep watching!
New site to watch http://gieskes.nl/ -- I picked up on this via Oliver’s post here. Oliver was playing with an analog A/V module. Here’s a video:
There are a lot of sexy gadgetry on Geiskes site. I need to sit down and read through more.
Damian Taylor, who has quite the resume including work with Bjork on projects such as Biophelia. He has been speaking out more on what he is doing and released a Max patch. His interview on Cycling 74′s site and his Woodpecker patch.
I will give Peter the bump on this one as I have been getting news on this from all over the place. Here’s a point of entry for this paragraph. In short, Madrona Labs (think Aalto software -- visit Mark’s blog on for Aalto) has a new controller. The broad stroke goes like this:
Kinda diatonic, X+Y+Z axis, like a KP3 but sexy and with more potential. Definitely a new twist requiring time to decide what can really be done.
A video -- think about the possibilities:
More soon, cheers!
--Marc
Mark Mosher + UltraNova + Dummy Clip Modulation
by Marc on Aug.30, 2011, under Documentation, Knowledge, Locally, Video
Just a quick shout out for Mark Mosher‘s new video on modulating the UltraNova (or any external synth or device) using dummy clips in Ableton to send discrete data.
Here’s the short video:
Special thanks to Mark for putting this video up as he is showing how we (as Ableton artists or modern DJs) can incorporate quality gear into our set and escape form the confines of what the LCD screen has to offer.
Further support form Mark on the UltraNova is available on his site.
Follow Mark on Twitter here.
Max MSP Workshop at IComputer Denver
by Marc on Aug.18, 2011, under Documentation, Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings
Thank You everyone for coming out to our Max/MSP/Jitter workshop hosted by David Alberto Viramontes at iComputer Denver.
It is so great to see some of the pros sharing the knowledge with our User Group and others who are interested in learning ground breaking and modern technology. This is one of many classes we have hosted with iComputer Denver and there are so many more to come!
David is is one of many great people we have met who helps make out community so awesome. In this workshop he is bringing in the basic ideas of working in Max and the language in general. This is the same core knowledge and approach required to work in Max for Live (M4L). Patching, triggering events, handling responses, making audio and video do stuff to meet your specific needs.
There are many great applications out there that rely on Max partially or completely. A few great examples include:
- Livid Instruments Editor and CellDNA (VJ software) – both written in Max.
- MLRV from Parallelogram running as an independent audio platform
- Many of the Monome applications accessible via the community section
- Robert Henke (Monolake) released the Granulator in 2011 – a very amazing application.
Just to name a few!
So keep on warping and dropping the hash-bangs. If you have an idea we should present on or want to present please contact Marc marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com
Ill Gates Workshop and Performance July 2011
by Admin on Jul.13, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, News
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14July2011 Update : $75 for both workshops has been added! Same links, now with more sugar, honey, and cooking oil!
http://illmethodologydenver-jul30.eventbrite.com/ and/or http://illmethodologycontrollerismworkshop.eventbrite.com/
Ill Gates is returning to Denver to play Cervante’s Masterpiece Ballroom on 29July2011. Super dooper thanks to our friends at Euphonic Conceptions for handling this event and adding so many great artists to the ticket. Facebook Link for this show.
We are proud to host another round of workshops here in the Denver area.
Special Bonus! We will install the Petting Zoo for increased interaction in the back room for both days.If you want to get up to speed consider attending our Warping Workshop
(continue reading…)
An Evening with Erin Barra
by Marc on Jun.20, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, News
Details : Next Meet Up 26June2011 w/Erin Barra. Lucid Gallery. ALL AGES AND FREE!!! APC40 template training IS ON THE SCHEDULE. ALL DETAILS ARE HERE INCLUDING THE RSVP!!!
Simple Envelope Tip for Difficult Loops
by Marc on Jun.10, 2011, under Knowledge, Resources
I reworking some Beastie Boys classics I found a track that was perfect but the 8 measure loop I liked was not so friendly.
When the sample folded back to the beginning there was a noticeable loop repeat – volume and tone change. Here is one easy solution to the problem using Ableton’s clip envelope. In this case, just the volume is modulated.
The method is nothing more than using a 1/4 note deepening envelope “divots” at the end so when the loop folds over the volume and tone change does not become noticeable. Take a look :
Now take a listen to the finished track via this Soundcloud sample:
This simple method can save considerable time in avoiding a larger fight with the loop in reconstruction, massive envelope etch-a-sketching. This loop is not perfect (yet) but this easy technique can move a mix ahead very quickly.
–Marc
DJNSM
APC40 Template pre-party (Friday June 3 2011)
by Marc on Jun.01, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, Releases
This is a super casual hand on pre-release of my template. I will be at Lucid Gallery (719 West 8th Denver Google Maps) at 4:30 to hang and introduce people to this method. (I playing music in the evening)
This is specifically a gathering to get this template in people’s hands and into a discipline for live performance. This template uses the platter (aka 9 box) method. You will need to use this method for the template.
Platter defined : 4 column wide *.als set containing mastered, correctly leveled wave files with no effects, no send/return, and no MIDI. WAVE FILES only! Each platter should be “Collect All And Saved” (see below)
A platter looks like this:
Notice : Only wave files, no FX, nothing – just the wave file with warping. Left to right, each column:
- X : eXtra channel – good for what ever you need!
- M : Melody channel : mids, melody, etc.
- B : Bass or percussion and support (depends on your genre – no bass proper in Techno usually)
- D : Drum track – this is the main beat.
Everything in the template uses this 4-wide XMBD method.
You will need to COLLECT ALL AND SAVE EVERYTHING TO THE PROJECT FOLDER!
File > Collect All and Save > yes to everything!
Bring your laptop, platter file(s), and your APC!
Allowed actions in platters (technically speaking):
- Follow actions
- Warping and warp algorithm settings
- Envelope modulation on the sample
- Launch settings
- Loop/start/stop settings
Keep it simple – trust me!
The template is built in Ableton 8.2.2 and I have tested it back to 8.1.3 – I suspect it is barley compatible with lite/free versions of Ableton (untested).
The template is SOLID and uses ghost tracks for bussing, drag-and-drop *.als file methods, the APC control surface, dummy clips, and chain selection.
But don’t worry – you only need to have you platters ready! No need to go under the hood until you are ready! Please contact me via Facebook OR email if you want to come – this is SUPER CASUAL!
I repeat, SUPER CASUAL!
marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com is the email!
Meet the Makers – Alesis-Akai-Numark Free Event
by Admin on May.31, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, News, Sounds
Sonic Sense Electronic Music Symposium
Featuring DJ, controller, and electronic music selections from:
Alesis, Numark, & Akai
RSVP LINK
When : Tuesday June 7, 2011 6-9pm
Where: 1500 West Hampden Ave, Suite 3-H Sheridan, Colorado, 80110 (This location is a little tricky to find – take a look at the Google Map link)
Directions :
Coming from the North:
I-25 South to Sante Fe South to Dartmouth.
West (toward the mountains) on Dartmouth 1-2 blocks to Platte River Road (First Light).
South (left) on Platte River road. 6 blocks to curve under highway.
Pull into lot on right. You’ll see our sign.
Coming From the South
Santa Fe north to Dartmouth.
See “From the North” above.
Coming form the East/West:
Hampden Ave (285) to Santa Fe
Santa Fe North to Dartmouth.
See “From the North” above.
Sonic Sense is a Denver based music equipment company that serves some of the most respected gear for audio perfection and modern music needs.
This is an ALL AGES event to meet, greet, and test out products form these manufacturers.
Evening highlights:
- New Rack Serato Controller DMC2
- Micron with I/O IO Dock for iPad & Ableton Live Light
- DM8 Pro with TransActive Drummer Monitor
- MPK49 and QX49 49-key Controllers
- Numark NS6 Controller
This FREE ALL AGES EVENT is a really fantastic crossover for the manufacturer representatives and the electronic music community.
DJs, controllerists, key players, and other aspects of the consumer electronic market will be at your fingertips!
I (Marc/DJSNM) will drop some demos using the Akai APC40 (featuring new my new template – simplified and stronger and re-released!!!) plus a final “full rig” demo using the Alesis Ion in conjunction with my scratch-box technology to close out the evening as a demonstration of livePA approach and post processing featuring the Scratch-Box.
I will also be available to answer any other questions regarding gear and Ableton through out the evening. If you have anything you want to know or check out come down and get in touch with the reps.
Please RSVP only if you are going – we ask this so we can not waste food and beverage and support the event as best as possible.
The schedule and stations:
DJ Equipment:
- Numark NS6 4-Channel Digital DJ Controller and Mixer
- MixDeck All-in-One Controller
- DMC2 Rack-mount Serato Controller
Electronic Music Production:
- Akai APC40
- Alesis Micron with I/O Express & Ableton Live Light
- MPK49 and QX49 49-key Controllers
Electronic Drums:
- Alesis DM8 Pro with TransActive Drummer Monitor
Schedule:
- 6:00: Introductions – Meet and Greet
- 6:30: General product overview
- 7:15: Hands on with the gear
- 8:20: Alesis DM8 Pro Demo
- 8:30: APC-40 Demo by Marc (aka DJNSM)
- 8:50+ Drawing and Wrap-up and Ion scratching
If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me directly using marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com
–M
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Ableton Denver / Colorado User group. Please be sure and join the meet up sites: This one is for free meet ups and similar events http://www.meetup.com/ableton-denver and http://www.meetup.com/Creative-Electronic-Music-Colorado/ is for less Ableton events as well as unique non-free events. If you have something for our calendar please contact us!
One more thing, officially, we are an Ableton User Group and in *NO WAY* affiliated with Ableton or any other company. This group is funded by the members, the community, and Marc's cash.
Hey - do **YOU*** want to start a kick ass meet up or electronic music user group in your area? We can help. Ideas, the truth, resources, and what we have learned since we started this thing way back in 2008-ish (has it been that long?). Feel free to contact us.
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