Video: Using padKONTROL as Step-Sequencer in Live

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:27 pm

This video shows how a free Step-Sequencer is realized in Live using the PadKontrol :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJGYOIA8ZDc

Combining the free "PK [Squared]" (http://www.thecovertoperators.org/archives/208) with a free Ableton Live template done by Selthy (http://www.selthy.com/misc/Drum%20Seque ... ate1.2.als). The template had to be customized to work with PK [square]. This is just a first try, I'm sure it can be made even better. Some CPU spikes and hic-ups happening still.

PS: Sorry, I don't own a video-camera so this had to be shot via my mobile-phone's camera. (less)

nobbystylus · Post by **nobbystylus** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:01 pm

Looking good Timur.. i've played around with that step sequencer before but it didn't give me lights so i didn't bother delving too deeply.. care to share your new version?

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:15 pm

Sure, once it is working properly. I couldn't even save the Set I did this video with, cause it was done with Live 7 demo!

I will try to set this up with my Live 6 LE version. The glitches/CPU spikes are something to worry about, also have to look into this and find out wether it's a Live or a PK[sq problem.

Besides the original Sequencer template works without using PK[sq and I got it to light my pads, but it's a bit awkward to use, because you have to switch Midi channels (aka drum-tracks) via a combination of keys on the padKONTROL. The good thing about PK[sq is that it allows you to easily and quickly switched Midi channels!

nobbystylus · Post by **nobbystylus** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:23 pm

yes i tried to bring it in just now but i think there are some serious midi feedback issues going on as i'm getting horrific stutters with only one track of stuff..

This kind of thing would be really exciting if it was combined with the Covert Ops step sequencer with Hold, Roll and Flam keys for changing loop length, Reverse Loop etc..

Machinate · Post by **Machinate** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:20 pm

Awesome!

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 6:26 pm

Yes, quite nice!

It wasn't my work though but yours and especially that of Selthy.

If anyone else wants to try this, all you have to do is get PK [squared] running and change the ports of Selthy's template to use the virtual PK[sq ports for input and output on all Midi tracks.

The template does not react to velocity on pads, maybe that could be changed, but then the PK needs to get its Fixed Velocity switch back which is turned into CC by PK[sq. I will look into it later. Don't know yet if Live LE can use and save this.

v00d00ppl · Post by **v00d00ppl** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:50 pm

wow, that looks good. looks like i might end up getting a pad kontrol soon.

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:24 pm

I will make it better!

But I unfortunately it wont run in Live LE, so you either have to set this up yourself (it's not that hard with all the work done by Selthy already) or wait until next month or so when I have gathered the money to buy me a full version. I suggest you try it yourself if you are in a hurry.

mike holiday · Post by **mike holiday** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:36 pm

nice one

nobbystylus · Post by **nobbystylus** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:03 am

Machinate wrote:Awesome!

Any plans to tweak your covert ops step sequencer? Giving feedback to the lights on a PK with your Step Sequencer would be a somewhat powerful combination!

selthym · Post by **selthym** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:28 am

Timur, great work with the vid and thanks for the props. Your version is easier to use as less button presses are required to switch between drum hits.

I am happy for anyone to manipulate the original file and come up a simple, streamlined, CPU efficient step sequencer with visual feedback for the padkontrol.

This would be even better if it had velocity and note length for each hit. It will be brillian if you could hold down a pad, say step 1 then use knob 1 as velocity and knob 2 as note length for each step. Just like the shift button works with the excellent Total Kontrol Package.

I will try to answer any questions regarding the template as quickly as possible.

I would even be happier if you made it available free of charge... or at least flicked me a free copy.

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:41 am

I want to look into all of this, but I will have to ask a friend who owns a full version copy of Live to save it for me until I bought my own version.

Concerning velocity and note length your idea is different from mine, but probably yours is the better solution. I thought about making the step-sequencer react directly to pad-hit velocity and length. This would make programming a bit harder though because it asks for better control capabilities on the side of the player.

But I think once we have tackled how to get it running at at we may also be able to use both and make it possible to toggle it on/off.

I will also take a look the Covert Operator's step-sequencer and see if these two can be coupled.

nobbystylus · Post by **nobbystylus** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:55 am

Hello all .. following Timur's instructions and from Selthyms original i've put a copy up on my server (below) for those that want to have a play..

you will obviously need the pk squared software from Covert Ops working before this will work, and i am using the Macs IAC bus to get notes back to the PK..

http://homepage.mac.com/bighairmusic/ab ... WITHPK.zip

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:21 pm

Yeeha!

Now we all can try to improve it and most likely other people will come up with some nice additions before I can even start.

For those who got it working, please check if you get the same drop-outs in Live 6 that you get in Live 7 and report back.

For all Windows users: switch all virtual Midi ports and the padKONTROL ports to MME, these do not offer native DirectMusic drivers!

Timur · Post by **Timur** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:32 pm

Does anyone know what SuppaTriga does in this template? I don't have it installed, but it doesn't seem to make any difference?!