Macs for Life Devices Tutorial

In this video, I'm going to be showing you some Macs for Life devices. There are actually quite a lot of free Macs for Life devices, especially effects coming out that you can download for free and use to enhance the features of Push. I've checked them all out, selected my favorites, and I'm going to show you them right now.

1. MMS Ableton PUSH Aftertouch Device

This device allows you to:

• Map a chosen parameter to the aftertouch of the pads on Push.

It's a MIDI effect. All you need to do is:

1. Click this device.
2. Click the parameter that you want to choose.

Example

• I've chosen the Simpler Length because it shows quite nicely how it works.

Chooser Options:

• Macro: Choose this when you want to map the aftertouch to a macro.
• Live Meter: This can be mapped to anything in a track (volume, panning, sends).

Example with Parameters

• Let's try mapping it to the dry/wet parameter of the reverb.
• We could also map it to the Send B, but notice that it only works from the center to the right.

Mapping issues with panning:

• Might not work too well; you might have to turn it all the way to the left and map it again.

If you choose interesting parameters, you can get really cool results!

2. Push Global Quant

• A wonderful effect that lets you set the global quantization on Push (not possible otherwise).
• This one goes onto the master track.

How to Add:

• Drag it into Live or add it via Push.

To Change Global Quantization:

1. Press Select.
2. Move the Tempo Encoder.

Now you can change the global quantization with all values available that you would have in Live!

3. Push Master Volume

An audio effect that you can place anywhere in your Live set, generally on the master track.

Functionality

• It blocks the encoder for the master volume, preventing accidental changes.
• Press and hold Select to adjust the master volume safely.

Additional Option:

• To adjust the Q volume, press and hold Select and Shift, then turn the master volume encoder.

4. Push Color Picker

This effect allows you to change the colors of clips in a session view on Push.

How to Use:

1. Make sure you're in Session Mode.
2. Press and hold Select + Arrow Up to access color options.
3. Choose a color (e.g., purple).

Options for Color Changing:

• Select + Arrow Up: Changes all clips in the selected track.
• Select + Arrow Down: Changes all clips in the selected scene.
• Select + Arrow Left: Changes the currently selected clip.
• Select + Arrow Right: Colors the whole scene.

Remember, you have to be in session mode for this effect to work!

5. Push MIDI Clip Transposer

This MIDI effect allows you to transpose MIDI clips.

How to Use:

1. Add it to the MIDI track you want to transpose.
2. In note mode, hold Select and use the arrow buttons:
   • Up: Transpose up an octave.
   • Down: Transpose down an octave.
   • Left: Transpose down a semitone.
   • Right: Transpose up a semitone.

6. Futility

A MIDI effect that sets a fixed value to aftertouch and adds mod wheel functionality.

Usage

• Useful for filtering out unwanted aftertouch triggering and allows modulation.

7. Save Push Performance

An audio effect for live performances.

Setup:

• Place it where you won't accidentally touch it during a performance.
• Choose functions on Push to deactivate them, both in note mode and session mode.

Demonstration:

1. Switch to note mode and deactivate functions (e.g., Tap Tempo, Master Volume).
2. Press Save to keep these settings.
3. Repeat in session mode.

Function Switching

• Toggle Mode: Activates functions when you hold Shift + Select; deactivates when pressed again.
• Momentary Mode: Functions activate only while holding; revert once you let go.

Note

The cue volume trick can be a bit tricky as holding Shift could also change the master volume.

Now, you have an overview of the Macs for Life devices and their functionalities! Enjoy enhancing your Push experience!