Sequencing Ableton with Digitakt - Program Change

Roger · 2023-09-22T17:55:49.214Z

I want to use Ableton as a sound module for the Digitakt.

My current task is establishing a workflow for program changes.

I’m using the Chain Select feature, mapping it to Macro 8 and mapping that to the Digitakt’s default CC for Encoder H, 77.

The problem is that upon observing the MIDI data in MIDI OX I can see that the CC is being sent after the note, so the instrument change doesn’t take effect until the next note.

A solution on how to accomplish proper p-locking workflow, where the CC’s are sent before notes, ensuring that the effect isn’t delayed or glitched, would be ideal.

What I really want is a seamless solution for instrument changes though, keeping in mind Ableton doesn’t support Program Change messages. Preferably without having to make a Max4Live device.

orionka · 2023-09-22T18:02:27.896Z

Did you check the order of the other MIDI signals coming from the DT MIDI channel? If so you could use this instead, however not without some sort of utility… M4L or Retrokits Rk002 if you don‘t use USB MIDI

Edit: what‘s with MIDI channel? You then would have to have a track per channel in Live… not ideal but maybe sufficient?

Roger · 2023-09-22T18:46:51.938Z

orionka:

Did you check the order of the other MIDI signals

Just did and it didn’t make a difference.

I might look into event-reordering with RK002, which I have…

Yeah I’ve thought about just using 8 tracks. It doesn’t really satisfy my desire for precise p-locking, basically to get as close to an integrated experience as possible… I have to wonder if people use the Digitakt’s MIDI features for much more than very simple stuff…

orionka · 2023-09-22T18:48:21.150Z

What‘s with the Midi channel encoder? Channel messages should be sent with the MIDI note

Roger · 2023-09-22T18:58:33.588Z

I don’t think that can be p locked.

Roger · 2023-09-23T05:42:59.750Z

I came up with a reasonable workaround; use a 2nd track and shift anything I want to happen before the note slightly to the left.

shigginpit · 2023-09-23T05:53:26.812Z

Roger:

The problem is that upon observing the MIDI data in MIDI OX I can see that the CC is being sent after the note, so the instrument change doesn’t take effect until the next note.

Any workaround is a good workaround but what you’re describing seems to be a known issue that elektron has acknowledged. I think there’s some proposed workarounds in various threads but I’d have to take a look.

Yeah I just looked there’s a ton of data, so much so that to try and copypasta bits and pieces is probably going to be less productive than letting you just take a look. I think it will help you find some workarounds if what you came up with doesn’t prove to be sufficient.

Roger · 2023-09-23T05:59:03.272Z

So far it seems good enough. Ableton can switch instruments really fast so changing sounds per trig is possible, I was happy to find out.

orionka · 2023-09-23T07:26:11.451Z

Another method would be to introduce a short note delay of around 1ms either through M4L or with the Rk002.

Roger · 2023-09-24T01:05:00.620Z

Thank you for this great suggestion. I accomplished what I want with a device off of maxforlive.com called Note Delay. No more wasted track

Ableton’s official Note Echo does not work correctly for this purpose. It seems to shorten notes drastically with low time settings.

Roger · 2023-09-24T14:50:59.675Z

I’ve been having fun adding devices to my chain and trying them out.

Ableton’s built-in devices aren’t that much fun, kinda fiddly and limited. No AM/FM support in Analog? LFO’s don’t go into audio rate? Pfft. Thor is more fun.

Gonna try using ClyphX to map PC to the chain selector and free up a macro.

It would definitely be cool to discuss tips and tricks with other people who have done or are doing this!