Ableton Live 101

Learn the basics of producing music with Ableton Live software. Ableton Live has become one of the most popular platforms for music production since its introduction in 2001. Its intuitive interface allows beginners to make music right away, while offering deep functionality to satisfy even the most advanced user. Ableton Live 101 and the included online media files will guide you through the fundamentals of music production, including: studio setup and configuration, using basic Ableton Live controls, creating Ableton Live sets, importing and working with audio and MIDI files, recording audio and MIDI, making selections and navigating, editing audio and MIDI, and basic mixing and exporting. Mastering these basic skills is the first step toward becoming an Ableton Live expert. Get started on your path to modern music production today with Ableton Live 101!

Eric Kuehnl is a composer, sound designer, and educator. He is the Director of Partner Programs for NextPoint Training, and the Co-Director of the Music Technology Program at Foothill College. Previously, Kuehnl has worked at Avid Technology and Sony Computer Entertainment America. He holds a master's degree from California Institute of the Arts and a bachelor's degree from Oberlin Conservatory, and studied composition at the Centre Iannis Xenakis in Paris.

Acknowledgments
Introduction. Welcome to Ableton Live
Chapter 1. Background Information
The Ableton Live Digital Audio Workstation
Ableton Live History and Evolution
Audio Basics: Waveform, Frequency, and Amplitude
Converting Audio to Digital Format
Ableton Live Configurations
Cross-Platform Issues
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 1. Selecting Your Audio Production Gear
Chapter 2. Getting Started with Ableton Live
Target Systems
Registering Your Software
Software Installation and Operation
Ableton Live File Structure
Starting Ableton Live
The Ableton Live Menu Structure
Ableton Live Views and Sections
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 2. Identifying Ableton Live Views
Chapter 3. Ableton Live Basic Controls
Playback in Arrangement View
Clip Editing in Arrangement View
Zooming in Arrangement View
Grid Editing in Arrangement View
Time Scales and Rulers in Arrangement View
The Scrub Area in Arrangement View
Performance Control Features
Modifying Devices and Clips
Using the Info View
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 3. Identifying Primary Tools and Controls
Chapter 4. Creating Your First Live Set
Creating and Configuring a Live Set
Working with Tracks
Controlling Playback
Saving, Locating, and Opening Live Sets and Projects
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 4. Creating a Live Set
Chapter 5. Importing and Working with Media
Considerations Prior to Import
Import Methods
Other Methods of Importing Audio Files
Importing Video
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 5. Importing Audio
Chapter 6. Working with MIDI
MIDI Basics
MIDI in Ableton Live
Setting the Tempo and Time Signature
Preparing to Record MIDI
Enabling the Metronome
Using Virtual Instruments
Recording a MIDI Performance
Creating and Editing MIDI Performances
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 6. Working with MIDI
Chapter 7. Making Your First Audio Recording
Before Recording
Preparing to Record
Recording and Managing Audio
Organizing after Recording
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 7. Recording Audio
Chapter 8. Selection, Navigation, and Configuration
Using the Arrangement Overview
Making Selections in the Arrangement View
Zooming and Scrolling the Arrangement View
Adjusting Your Live Set
Working with Locators (Arrangement View Only)
Navigating the Arrangement
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 8. Recording, Configuring, and Adding Locators to an Arrangement ...
Chapter 9. Editing Your Media
Selecting Playback Options
Using the Edit Grid
Editing Clips
Moving and Resizing Clips in the Arrangement View
Undoing Your Work
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 9. Editing Audio
Chapter 10. Mixing and Creating a Bounce
Basic Mixer Terminology
Mixing in the Session View
Automation
Using Devices for Mixing
Backing Up Your Session
Creating a Stereo Mixdown
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 10. Automating Shared Effects and Exporting a Stereo Mix
Final Project. Creating a Musical Arrangement
Powering Up
Getting Started
Creating New Tracks
Working with MIDI Data
Working with Audio Data
Recording from Session to Arrangement View
Finishing Your Work
Appendix A. Ableton Live Audio and MIDI Effects
Appendix B. Ableton Live Software Instruments
Index
About the Authors