Simpler +

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Simpler + is a Max for Live device that will gives advanced control to the Simpler in Ableton Live Suite.

With this device you can map you controller or create dummy clips that will control the next similar sample of your simpler.

Features:

Full-Control of the Warping algorithms used by the Simpler Device

Mappable Scroll of Similar Samples

Location of the Simpler device

• Project: All Simplers of the project
• Track: Simplers on the track where this device is based
• Chain: Simpler in the Audio Rack or Drum Rack

Example Usage

Imagine you've just loaded up a sample of a funky bass guitar into Ableton Live's Simpler instrument and you're itching to experiment with it in a new track. You've sliced the sample to perfection and laid out a groovy bass line that's truly the soul of your track. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Simpler + to easily scroll through similar samples and inject some generative flair into your bass groove:

Step 1: Drag and Drop Simpler + First, find Simpler + in your Max for Live devices folder, then drag and drop it into one of your MIDI tracks in Ableton Live Suite, right beside your existing Simpler with the bass sample.

Step 2: Set Your Location In the Simpler + interface, decide where you want the device to look for the Simpler instances by selecting either 'Project,' 'Track,' or 'Chain.' For beginners, it's easiest to start with 'Track' to affect the Simpler on the same track.

Step 3: Map Your Controller Take full advantage of Simpler + by mapping a knob or slider on your MIDI controller to the scroll function of Simpler +. This allows you to move through similar samples live, adding an element of performance to your production.

Step 4: Explore Warping Algorithms With 'Full-Control' over Simpler's warping algorithms at your fingertips, experiment with different warp modes to see how they affect the playback of your bass samples. You might find that 'Complex Pro' gives you that extra smoothness, or 'Beats' mode adds a rhythmic feel.

Step 5: Create Dummy Clips Get creative with generative music by creating dummy clips in your MIDI track. Program changes in the clip envelopes that tweak the Simpler + device settings. Watch in amazement as your Simpler cycles through different samples in ways you wouldn't manually think to, creating fresh variations of your bass line.

Using Simpler +, you can explore new dimensions in your Ableton Live projects with ease and creativity. Its powerful yet beginner-friendly interface unlocks a playful approach to sample manipulation that can lead to unexpected and inspiring musical moments.

Imagine you're an intermediate producer with a penchant for glitchy, ambient textures. You've collected a series of field recordings—glass shatters, wind chimes, and gravel crunches—and loaded them into Simpler instruments within Ableton Live. You want to create a generative soundscape that evolves over time, utilizing your recordings in a musical way, manipulating them with intricate variations without manual tweaking for each instance. This is where Simpler + comes into play.

Firstly, insert a Simpler + device onto the same track as one of your Simplers that contains a glass shatter sound. Assuming you've already sliced the sample into various segments that can be triggered separately, let's explore how Simpler +'s features can be creatively employed:

1. Mappable Scroll of Similar Samples: This feature allows you to cycle through segments of your glass shatter sound, giving the impression of new textures being introduced without manually selecting them. Map this to a knob on your MIDI controller and record a slow, continuous modulation within an 8-bar loop. This will cycle through different sample segments, creating a varied texture that doesn't repeat itself too quickly.
2. Full-Control of Warping Algorithms: Simpler + provides access to fine-tune the warping algorithms. Switch the warp mode to 'Texture' for the glass shatter sound, and automate the 'Grain Size' and 'Flux' parameters to create a more granular and evolving texture that blends smoothly with your soundscape.
3. Programmatic Sample Control: Let’s add a layer of generativity. Create a MIDI clip with a sequence of C3 notes (assuming that’s the root key for your sample slices) and use a Max for Live LFO to modulate the starting position of the Simpler +. This way, each note hit will trigger a slightly different part of the sample, introducing more variation without direct user input.

Next, by selecting the 'Chain' location, Simpler + will affect only the Simpler within a specific Audio Effect Rack. Incorporate this setup into a rack along with reverb and delay to create a spacious effect. The Simpler + will control the samples while the rest of the chain processes the evolving sound.

Finally, to create a cohesive performance, map the Simpler + controls across your different Simpler instances. Assign the same MIDI controller knob to the 'Mappable Scroll' function on each Simpler + device. Now, with a twist of the knob, you're cycling through varying textures across different samples throughout your entire track or live set.

Use this setup as a jumping-off point for your generative ambient piece. With some creativity, you can expand upon this technique, combining it with other instruments and effects to craft a unique atmospheric experience. Remember to experiment with different mappings, modulation rates, and warping settings to discover new soundscapes with Simpler + and your collection of Simpler instruments.

Further Thoughts

Building a Generative Soundscape with Simpler +

In this detailed scenario, we will construct a generative soundscape using multiple instances of Simpler, each being manipulated through the capabilities of Simpler + to create a dynamic, ever-evolving auditory experience.

1. Creating a Sample Pool: Begin by collating a collection of atmospheric samples—these could be field recordings, synthesized pads, or textured noises—ensuring they are varied yet cohesive. Load these into separate Simplers across several tracks in Ableton Live.
2. Deploying Simpler +: Place the Simpler + device on each track, immediately after its corresponding Simpler. This will allow direct control over each sample's playback and processing without the need to manually adjust the parameters within the Simpler itself.
3. Mapping Similar Sample Scroll: Within Simpler +, use the mapping feature to assign the 'Scroll of Similar Samples' to a rotary controller on your MIDI device. This will enable you to move through the samples hands-on, or sequence changes via automation.
4. Configuring the Warping Algorithm: Since each soundscape is unique, take advantage of the Full-Control of the Warping algorithms option to tailor the playback to suit your sounds. For ethereal pads, you might select the 'Texture' mode to stretch and blend the grains of sound, creating an ambient texture that breathes.
5. Automation for Evolution: To bring life to your soundscape, draw in or record automation for the 'Scroll of Similar Samples'. By subtly moving through the samples, each Simpler will evolve independently, ensuring that the soundscape is never stagnant.
6. Interlinking Tracks and Simplers: If you're aiming for a cohesive movement across all tracks, use the 'Project' or 'Track' mapping within Simpler + so that changes in one instance can affect multiple Simplers. You might, for instance, program a sweeping change across all tracks, causing a wave-like motion throughout your project.
7. Utilizing Dummy Clips: Create dummy clips that send specific MIDI control changes to the Simpler + devices, allowing for changes in sample selection, warping, and even playback reversal at predetermined moments. This can be especially captivating when combined with the existing automation.
8. Dynamic MIDI Integration: For a hands-on approach, MIDI map the controls of Simpler + to a hardware controller's knobs and sliders. Use this in a live performance scenario to intuitively and dynamically sculpt the textures and samples on the fly.
9. Recording Output: Lastly, once your setup is in motion, start recording the output of your tracks into a new audio track in Ableton Live. This will capture the generative soundscape, which can then be further edited or integrated into a larger composition.

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