Sidebar
Ableton User Group
tuning.ableton.com
This is another good free resource for exploring and creating alternate tuning systems.
## Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 7 - Paid Production Resources ### Paid Sample Libraries As mentioned above, you don't really need to buy any additional samples. However, if you want some premade drum sounds or need to acquire licensed samples for a project, here are some options. - [ASDR Sounds](https://www.adsrsounds.com) - [Cymatics](https://cymatics.fm/pages/free-download-vault) - [Decent Samples](https://www.decentsamples.com/?orderby=price) - [Ghosthack](https://www.ghosthack.de/Categories/Sample-Packs) - [LANDR](https://samples.landr.com) - [Loopcloud](https://sounds.loopcloud.com) - [Loot Audio](https://www.lootaudio.com) - [Producer Loops](https://www.producerloops.com) - [Samples From Mars](https://samplesfrommars.com) - [Splice Sounds](https://splice.com/sounds) ### Recommended Paid Plugins I'd advise watching videos / researching anything you are thinking about buying, as it is likely that there is something similar that is free. Note: Many companies consistently go on sale for 50% off or more (iZotope). I'd advise making a list of plugins you want and waiting for a sale - some sites also offer educational discounts. Try asking! Also, if you buy Waves plugins, you ~~are probably going to~~ will regret it. - [Arturia - Pigments](https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments/overview) - Wavetable synth - can also be used as a randomized arpeggiator / sequencer. - [Cableguys - Shaperbox](https://www.cableguys.com/shaperbox.html) - A bundle of plugins that can be used to modulate and shape audio in a variety of ways. - [FabFilter - Pro-Q 3](https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-q-3-equalizer-plug-in) - A very powerful EQ with a lot of options. - [iZotope - Neutron](https://www.izotope.com/en/products/neutron.html) - Mixing plugin. - [iZotope - Ozone](https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone.html) - Mastering plugin. - [iZotope - RX](https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx.html) - Audio repair tool. Technically a standalone program - highly recommended for cleaning up recordings. - [Kilohearts - Multipass](https://kilohearts.com/products/multipass) - A modular effects plugin that allows you to chain effects together in a variety of ways. - [Kilohearts - Phaseplant](https://kilohearts.com/products/phase_plant) - Extremely modular synth - can handle virtually every type of synthesis. - [Native Instruments - Reaktor](https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/synths/reaktor-6) - Modular synth. Can be used to create your own synths and effects. - [Oddsound - MTS-ESP Suite](https://oddsound.com/mtsespsuite.php) - Full version of the MTS-ESP microtuning plugin. - [Plogue Chipsynth - MD](https://www.plogue.com/products/chipsynth-md.html) - A bit accurate emulation of the Sega Genesis synthesizer. - [Plogue Chipsynth - SFC](https://www.plogue.com/products/chipsynth-sfc.html) - A bit accurate emulation of the Super Nintendo sampler. - [Plugin Boutique - Scaler 2](https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/3-Studio-Tools/93-Music-Theory-Tools/6439-Scaler-2) - A music theory plugin that can be used to generate chord progressions and melodies. - [Sonic Academy - Kick 2](https://www.sonicacademy.com/products/kick-2) - A plugin for creating kick drums. - [u-he - Diva](https://u-he.com/products/diva) - Queen of analog modeling synths. - [Valhalla DSP - Valhalla Delay](https://valhalladsp.com/shop/delay/valhalladelay) - Plugin consisting of various delay / echo units. - [Valhalla DSP - Valhalla Room](https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-room) - Room reverb plugin with 12 algorithms. - [Valhalla DSP - Valhalla VintageVerb](https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-vintage-verb) - Plugin consisting of classic hardware digital reverbs. - [Xfer Records - Serum](https://xferrecords.com/products/serum) - Wavetable synth. *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*
## Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 6 - Paid Learning Resources ### Paid Ableton Classes / Tutors Some people swear by finding a tutor you like, and paying for a pre-recorded course or lessons. These can get very expensive (see Berklee classes), but if you find one that seems like a good fit for you, it might be worth it. - [Bassgorilla](https://bassgorilla.com) - [Beatlab Academy](https://www.beatlabacademy.com) - [Berklee Online](https://online.berklee.edu) - [Brian Funk](https://brianfunk.com) - [hobo-tech](https://hobo-tech.com/lab) - [Letsynthesize](https://letsynthesize.teachable.com) - [Mercurial Tones](https://www.mercurialtones.com) - [Mr. Bill](https://live.mrbillstunes.com) - [Noise Lab](https://www.noiselab.io) - [Point Blank Music School](https://www.pointblankmusicschool.com) - [Rachel K Collier](https://maryspender.teachable.com/p/how-to-produce-music-in-ableton-live) - [Seed to Stage](https://www.seedtostage.com) - [Slynk](https://www.slynk.net) - [Splice Skills](https://splice.com/skills) - [Subaqueous Music](https://www.subaqueousmusic.com) - [Warp Academy](https://www.warpacademy.com) - [You Suck at Producing](https://www.yousuckatproducing.com) ### Paid Music Theory Books / Websites These are good... allegedly. Presumably also dated. - [Ableton Live Power!](https://www.amazon.com/Ableton-Live-Power-Comprehensive-Guide/dp/0692061355) - [Computer Theory for the Computer Musician](https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Theory-Musician-Rick-Snoman/dp/1598635034) - [Dance Music Manual](https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Music-Manual-Tools-Techniques/dp/1138319643) - [Dave Conservatoire](https://www.daveconservatoire.org) - [Music Theory for Computer Musicians](https://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Computer-Musicians-Bk/dp/1598635034) - [Music Theory for Electronic Music Producers](https://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Electronic-Producers-progressions/dp/172786302X) - [The Secrets of Dance Music Production](https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Dance-Music-Production/dp/0956446035) *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*
## Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 5 - Bonus - Other Interesting YouTube Channels These channels may feature some Ableton Live tutorials, but are not primarily focused on them. Some may feature music theory, generalized production advice applicable to any DAW, synthesizers and other interesting hardware, or other music related topics. - [8-bit Music Theory](https://www.youtube.com/@8bitMusicTheory) - [Adam Neely](https://www.youtube.com/@AdamNeely) - [Andrew Huang](https://www.youtube.com/@andrewhuang) - [Bad Snacks](https://www.youtube.com/@badsnacks) - [Benn Jordan](https://www.youtube.com/@bennjordan) - [CSGuitars](https://www.youtube.com/@CSGuitars) - [Dash Glitch](https://www.youtube.com/@dashglitch) - [David Hilowitz Music](https://www.youtube.com/@davidhilowitzmusic) - [Dylan Tallchief](https://www.youtube.com/@DylanTallchief) - [Hainbach](https://www.youtube.com/@hainbach) - [JHS Pedals](https://www.youtube.com/@jhspedals) - [Jon Makes Beats](https://www.youtube.com/@jonmakesbeats) - [Knobs](https://www.youtube.com/@knobs) - [LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER](https://www.youtube.com/@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER) - [Mass Appeal - Rhythm Roulette](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5beOi0pyaU&list=PL_QcLOtFJOUgNxURr8B4lNtf_3e9fWZzl&ab_channel=MassAppeal) - [musictheoryguy](https://www.youtube.com/@musictheoryguy) - [once upon a synth](https://www.youtube.com/@onceuponasynth) - [plgDavid](https://www.youtube.com/@plgdavid) - [Red Means Recording](https://www.youtube.com/@redmeansrecording) - [Rob Scallon](https://www.youtube.com/@robscallon) - [Signals Music Studio](https://www.youtube.com/@SignalsMusicStudio) - [SonicScoop](https://www.youtube.com/@sonicscoop) - [TÂCHES TEACHES](https://www.youtube.com/@tachesteaches) - [Taetro](https://www.youtube.com/@taetro) - [Wintergatan](https://www.youtube.com/@wintergatan) *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*
## Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 4 - Production Resources ### Sample Players / Plugin Hosts Recommended free sample players and plugin hosts. Some of these are needed to play the sample libraries listed below. - [Decent Samples - Decent Sampler](https://www.decentsamples.com/product/decent-sampler-plugin) - Plugin to play Decent Samples libraries. - [Native Instruments - Komplete Start](https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-start) - Bundle of free plugins. Contains Kontakt Player and Reaktor Player, which are needed to play some free libraries and instruments. Also contains Komplete Kontrol, which is a plugin host that allows browsing / loading presets from NKS compatible plugins. Bundle contents can be installed individually. - [Plogue - Sforzando](https://www.plogue.com/products/sforzando) - Free player to play SFZ and SoundFont libraries. ### Sample Libraries Most of the samples you need can likely be recorded yourself, or are already available in Live. Maintaining a large sample library can take a lot of work, so I would recommend only downloading samples you know you will use. I would also recommend organizing your samples into folders by type (e.g. kicks, snares, hats, etc.). When using samples that aren't included in Live, using the 'Collect All and Save' feature is generally a good idea so you don't misplace project files. You should always check the license of any sample library you use in your productions. Some of the libraries listed below may not be licensed for commercial use. If you are unsure, contact the creator of the library. - [99 Sounds](http://99sounds.org) - [Caelum Audio](https://www.caelumaudio.com/CaelumAudio/?Page=FreeSamples) - [Cymatics](https://cymatics.fm/pages/free-download-vault) - [Decent Samples](https://www.decentsamples.com/?orderby=price) - [Free Sound](https://freesound.org/search) - [kb6 Drum Samples](https://samples.kb6.de/downloads.php) - [LANDR](https://samples.landr.com) - [Music Radar](https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/free-music-samples-royalty-free-loops-hits-and-multis-to-download) - [Producer Loops](https://www.producerloops.com/download-products-by-type/index1.html?&sort=price&sort_direction=0&ppp=32) - [Sample Focus](https://samplefocus.com) - [Sample Swap](http://sampleswap.org) - [Samples From Mars](https://samplesfrommars.com/collections/free) - [Sounds Resource](https://www.sounds-resource.com) - [Pianobook](https://www.pianobook.co.uk/packs) - Decent Samples format (see Decent Sampler above). - [Virtual Playing Orchestra](http://virtualplaying.com/virtual-playing-orchestra) - SFZ format format (see Sforzando above). - [Versil Studios Freeware](https://vis.versilstudios.com/products.html#freeware) - SFZ format format (see Sforzando above). ### Plugin / Live Device Sources You don't need to buy plugins to make good music - the stock plugins in Live are more than enough. If you get into plugins, you might develop a problem, spend tons of money, and spend all your time managing files. But if you want to get plugins, here are some places to look. Note - M4L devices require Live Suite. - [Audio Plugins For Free](https://www.audiopluginsforfree.com) - Site that hosts free plugins. - [Fabrizio Poce](http://fabriziopoce.com/download.html) - Developer of Ableton Live devices. - [iZotope](https://www.izotope.com/en/products/free-audio-plug-ins.html) - Developer of audio plugins, highly regarded for mastering and audio cleanup. Will be absorbed into Native Instruments in the near future. - [Kilohearts Essentials](https://kilohearts.com/products/kilohearts_essentials) - Awesome developer of audio plugins. All free effects can be incorporated into paid Kiloherts plugins, or used individually. - [KVR Audio](https://www.kvraudio.com/plugins/the-newest-plugins/vst-plugins/vst3-plugins/free/most-popular) - Hosts a large database of plugins. - [MeldaProduction](https://www.meldaproduction.com/MFreeFXBundle) - Developer of audio plugins. MFreeFXBundle is a large bundle of high quality plugins. - [Native Instruments](https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/free) - Developer / purchaser of plugins - recommend downloading Komplete Start listed above. Has a free section. Big music. - [Plogue](https://www.plogue.com/products) - Great developer of audio plugins. Developers of Sforzando (listed above), as well as several accurate reproductions of classic synthesizer, vocoder, and console audio chips. - [Plugin Boutique](https://www.pluginboutique.com) - Massive plugin store / developer of Scaler. Has a free section. - [ReaPlugs](https://www.reaper.fm/reaplugs) - Stock Reaper DAW plugins. - [Spitfire Audio](https://www.spitfireaudio.com/pages/free-instruments) - Developer of high quality orchestral instruments. Has a free section. - [Splice Plugins](https://splice.com/plugins/free_plugins) - Plugin and sample store / host of Rent-to-Own plugins. Has a free section. - [Tokyo Dawn Labs](https://www.tokyodawn.net/tokyo-dawn-labs) - Developer of audio plugins, some of which are free. - [Valhalla DSP](https://valhalladsp.com/shop) - Developer of audio plugins - some are free. ### Recommended Plugins / Live M4L Devices Always ensure compatibility with your DAW and operating system version before purchasing plugins. M4L devices require Live Suite - some require version 11. - [A1 Audio - A1 Trigger Gate](https://a1audio.alexhilton.net) - Trance gate plugin. - [Ableton - Live 8 Compressor](https://sidebrain.gumroad.com/l/lqJxo) - Old style Ableton Live 8 compressor device. - [asb2m10 - Dexed](https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed) - FM synthesizer plugin based on the Yamaha DX7. - [Cableguys - Pancake 2](https://www.cableguys.com/pancake.html) - Panning plugin. - [Caelum Audio - Tape Cassette 2](https://www.caelumaudio.com/CaelumAudio/?Page=TapeCassette2) - Tape emulation plugin. - [Camel Audio - Camel Crusher](https://www.audiopluginsforfree.com/camelcrusher) - Distortion plugin. - [CodeFN42 - Chordz](https://www.codefn42.com/chordz/index.html) - Chord generator plugin. - [d-16 group - Frontier](https://d16.pl/frontier) - Limiter plugin. - [Fabrizio Poce - J74 HarmoTools](http://fabriziopoce.com/HarmoTools.html) - Harmonizer / chord detection device. - [Integraudio & Sixth Sample - Deelay](https://sixthsample.com/deelay) - Delay plugin. - [iZotope - Ozone Imager](https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone-imager.html) - Stereo imager plugin. - [iZotope - Vinyl](https://www.izotope.com/en/products/vinyl.html) - Vinyl emulation plugin. - [Klanghelm - MJUCjr](https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/MJUCjr.php) - Variable-tube compressor plugin. - [Klanghelm - VUMT](https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/VUMT.html) - VU meter plugin. - [Martin Lueders - PG-8X](https://sites.google.com/site/mlvst0) - Digital synthesizer plugin based on the Roland JX-8P. - [ODDSound - MTS-ESP Mini](https://www.oddsound.com/mtsespmini.php)- Microtonal tuning system. There is also a paid version with more features available. - [Random Preset Generator](https://seedtostage.gumroad.com/l/NUGQh) - Ableton Live 11 random preset generator devices from Seed to Stage. - [Slynk - Duck Buddy](https://slynk.gumroad.com/l/duckbuddy) - Sidechain / LFO device. - [Sound Magic - Piano One](https://www.supremepiano.com/product/piano1.html) - Piano plugin. - [Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover](https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/bbc-symphony-orchestra-discover) - Orchestral sound library plugin. - [Spitfire Audio - Labs](https://www.spitfireaudio.com/labs) - Various sound library plugins. - [Steven Atkinson - Neural Amp Modeler](https://github.com/sdatkinson/NeuralAmpModelerPlugin) - Neural network guitar amp modeler. - [Surge Synth Team - Surge XT](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io) - Open source synthesizer plugin. - [Thomas Mundt - LoudMax](https://loudmax.blogspot.com) - Limiter plugin. - [Trackbout - Ripchord](https://trackbout.com/ripchord) - Chord generator plugin. - [Tritik - Krush](https://www.tritik.com/products/krush) - Bitcrusher plugin. - [u-he Tyrell N6](https://u-he.com/products/tyrelln6) - Analog style synthesizer plugin. - [Valhalla DPS - Space Modulator](https://valhalladsp.com/shop/modulation/valhalla-space-modulator) - Chorus / flanger / phaser plugin. - [Valhalla DSP - Supermassive](https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-supermassive) - Reverb plugin. - [Valhalla DSP - ValhallaFreqEcho](https://valhalladsp.com/shop/delay/valhalla-freq-echo) - Delay plugin. - [Vital Audio - Vital](https://vital.audio) - Popular wavetable synthesizer. - [Voxengo - SPAN](https://www.voxengo.com/product/span) - Spectrum analyzer plugin. - [Xfer Records - Delta Modulator](https://xferrecords.com/freeware) - Bitcrusher plugin. - [Xfer Records - Dimension Expander](https://xferrecords.com/freeware) - Stereo expander plugin. - [Xfer Records - DJMFilter](https://xferrecords.com/freeware) - DJ-style Filter plugin. - [Xfer Records - OTT](https://xferrecords.com/freeware) - Multiband compressor plugin - based on the Multiband Dynamics device preset. - [Youlean - Loudness Meter](https://youlean.co/youlean-loudness-meter) - Loudness meter plugin. **Plugins in the right folder but aren't appearing in Live?** - If this happens to you, try clicking the Rescan VST folder button holding down shift. This will force Live to rescan all plugins in the folder. *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*
## Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 3 - Learning Resources ### YouTube Channels ([youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com)) Classic free learning resource. Some of these channels also have private sites and offer paid courses. - [Ableton Tips](https://www.youtube.com/@abletontips) - [Ableton](https://www.youtube.com/@Ableton) - [Alice Yalcin Efe](https://www.youtube.com/@aliceyalcinefe) - [ARTFX](https://www.youtube.com/@artfxdnb) - [Au5](https://www.youtube.com/@au5music) - [Audioreakt](https://www.youtube.com/@audioreakt) - [BeatAcademy](https://www.youtube.com/@beatacademy) - [BrianFunkMusic](https://www.youtube.com/@BrianFunkMusic) - [Bunting](https://www.youtube.com/@buntingmusic) - [Collective Intelligence](https://www.youtube.com/@collectiveintelligencemusic) - [Cycling '74](https://www.youtube.com/@cycling74com) - [Decap](https://www.youtube.com/@decapmusic) - [EDM Tips](https://www.youtube.com/@EDMTips) - [ELPHNT](https://www.youtube.com/@elphnt) - [Julien Earle](https://www.youtube.com/@julienearle) - [Letsynthesize](https://www.youtube.com/@letssynthesize) - [LNA Does Audio Stuff](https://www.youtube.com/@LNADoesAudioStuff) - [Mr. Bill](https://www.youtube.com/@mrbillstunes) - [Multiplier](https://www.youtube.com/@multipliersounds) - [Ned Rush](https://www.youtube.com/@nedrush) - [Peaks of Valleys](https://www.youtube.com/@peaksofvalleys) - [Point Blank Music School](https://www.youtube.com/@PointBlankMusicSchool) - [Rachel K Collier](https://www.youtube.com/@RachelKCollierRKC) - [Reid Stefan](https://www.youtube.com/@ReidStefanMusic) - [SadowickProduction](https://www.youtube.com/@SadowickProduction) - [Seed to Stage](https://www.youtube.com/@seedtostage) - [Slynk](https://www.youtube.com/@slynk) - [Stranjah](https://www.youtube.com/@stranjah) - [Subaqueous Music](https://www.youtube.com/@subaqueousmusic) - [Tom Cosm](https://www.youtube.com/@TomCosmNZ) - [Virtual Riot](https://www.youtube.com/@virtualriot) - [Warp Academy](https://www.youtube.com/@warpacademy) - [YanCook](https://www.youtube.com/@yancook) - [You Suck at Producing](https://www.youtube.com/@yousuckatproducing) ### Tutorial / Course Websites Most tutors only offer paid courses, but some offer free content on their websites and YouTube channels. I will also include a list of paid resources at the end of this post should you insist on going that route. - [ADSR](https://www.adsrsounds.com/category/ableton-live-tutorials) - [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org/search?query=ableton) - [Seed to Stage](https://seedtostage.com/workshop) - [Sonic Academy](https://www.sonicacademy.com/courses/free) - [Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?price=price-free&q=ableton%2F&sort=relevance&src=ukw) ### Music Theory / Ear Training Websites - [Music Theory Academy](http://www.musictheoryacademy.com) - [Music Theory Blog](http://www.musictheoryblog.blogspot.com) - [Music Theory Videos](http://www.musictheoryvideos.com) - [MusicTheory.net](http://www.musictheory.net) - [Teoria](http://www.teoria.com) - [Theta Music Trainer](http://trainer.thetamusic.com/en) - [Tonedear](http://www.tonedear.com) ### Production Books / Blogs - [Abletunes](https://abletunes.com/blog) - [Bedroom Producers Blog](https://bedroomproducersblog.com) - [Brian Funk](https://brianfunk.com/blog) - [Making Music - 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers](https://makingmusic.ableton.com) - [Mattias Westlund](https://mattiaswestlund.net/?page_id=29) - [Patches Zone](https://patches.zone) - [Pianobook Stories](https://www.pianobook.co.uk/stories) - [Seed to Stage](https://www.seedtostage.com/blog) - [Sevish](https://sevish.com/blog) *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*
## Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 2 - Getting Started ### Official Ableton site ([ableton.com](https://www.ableton.com)) - [Ableton Live Manual](https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/welcome-to-live) - The official Ableton Live manual. - [Ableton Live Packs](https://www.ableton.com/en/packs) - Note: Packs can also be downloaded from within Live. - [Live Keyboard Shortcuts](https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/live-keyboard-shortcuts) - The official Ableton Live keyboard shortcuts. - [Learning Music](https://learningmusic.ableton.com) - An interactive site to learn the basics of music making. - [Learning Synths](https://learningsynths.ableton.com) - An interactive site to learn the basics of synthesis. ### Max for Live (M4L) - [Max for Live Documentation](https://docs.cycling74.com) - The official Max for Live documentation. - [MaxforLive.com](https://maxforlive.com) - Community site for Max for Live. ### Live Extensions - [Live Enhancement Suite](https://enhancementsuite.me/download) - Highly recommended. LES is a free and open-source Ableton Live extension that adds a collection of workflow enhancements and automations for Ableton Live. *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*
### Ableton User Group Resource Thread - Part 1 - Introduction This is a collection of resources for Ableton Live / Push / what have you. Based on learning resource threads on Reddit - but in the spirit of Lemmy, focused on free resources. (Yes, I realize Ableton Live isn't free, but the resources can be! 🙂) There will be a section of recommended paid resources at the end should you want to spend money. When I started this list, I was planning on more or less doing a copy / paste from the Reddit version - however, I ended up doing a bit of a rework... it took longer than I'd care to admit. Please let me know if you'd like to recommend any updates - maybe I missed something, or maybe I've accidentally included someone who has done something terrible (or is just a bad teacher). There is an edit button, so I'm open to suggestions. Hopefully this is helpful to someone! *Note: this collection of resource threads will be converted to a single post once the character limit is increased.*