Connecting with Online Musicians

Split / Zero

I came across a very talented electronic musician named Ben L. through the use of an online auction site, which will not be named.
After a short correspondence with Ben, he revealed to me that, he too, is an electronic musician.

"What exciting news!", I proclaimed!  "An electronic musician in a faraway state who posts music online!"

My desire with this webpage has always been to find ways to incorporate others into the music making process.

Here is an excellent track by Ben of SplitZero:

My intention with this track, other than just to share the song in its original form, is to work with the MIDI notes and melodies that I can pick out and create a remix of the song.  Ben has graciously agreed to be an accessory to this kind of work and has expressed interest in taking a look at some of my music as well.  I am very excited to see how this will turn out.

You can check out more of Ben's Music here on his SoundCloud page.

Thanks again for reading!  This post will be updated as further work and correspondence is completed.

A New Device to Play BMSR! "Technics Turntable System"

Technics DC Servo Automatic Turntable System

Check out this short video review of a new turntable system I just bought!

How to make the "Technics - Automatic Turntable Sytem" maximize audio output

It took me a few days to figure out just what the hell I was doing with the record player.  

When I originally plugged it in via the provided RCA cables, I had to pump up the volume on my mixer and on my speakers.  It was kind of a bummer, man.  Not to mention that when it was turned the whole way up, it was still pretty soft.  :(

But!  I came up with a solution!  Hooray!  

I found an RCA to 2 1/4" adapter wire in my desk drawer and thought "Hmm!"

Luckily the RCA output on the "Technics" was interchangeable.  

I was able to plug in my RCA to 1/4" directly into two channels on the mixer.  

An added bonus of doing it this way is that I now have control over the 3-band EQ and can compress and add gain to the VINYL signal.  Really awesome.  Super happy.

Building a New Collection!

A Gift is a Precious Thing to Waste

I recently received a set of strategy guides for some really great games for next to nothing the other day.

Each guide I received (about 6 in total) are all published by BradyGames, with various authors.

Some of the guides I decided would be better suited to be sold straight away, just because of the cost that go with the buying the accompanying games.

Super Ghosts n' Ghouls - Super Nintendo

Last week, I purchased a small lot of retro games off of one of my local suppliers.

In that lot, there was one of my favorite Super Nintendo games.  "Super Ghosts n' Ghouls"

According to "The Angry Video Game Nerd", the original game, "Ghosts and Goblins" for NES is "Castlevania" and "Mega Man" all rolled up into one, and it is, for the most part, an "unforgiving adventure into the lowest rings of Hell!"  He's great!  I love his works and am also a fan of his buddy's Mike Matei's work as well.

In the BradyGames Strategy Guide Lot I acquired the other day, there was a strategy guide for three Game Boy Advances games, "Street Fighter Alpha 3", "Super Ghouls n' Ghosts", and "Megaman: Zero" respectively.  I used the guide immediately to help me through the last three levels.

***Up until I acquired this guide, I had been keeping my Super Nintendo on for fear of losing my place in this insanely difficult game.  (That's a no good for old systems!)

Even though the guide is technically for the Game Boy Advance version of the game, it was highly compatible with the original, Super Nintendo version of the game that I had.

Okay!  It's mission time!  

This is what I currently have pertaining to the guide:

• Super Ghouls n' Ghosts
• The 3 game Strategy Guide
• A working Super Nintendo

I have a Game Boy Advance arriving in the mail very soon (ordered from eBay).  

My mission, no, my duty, for the next few weeks is to complete the bundle!

Where there are missing games and platforms on which to play those games, the missing pieces will soon be filled in.  It might be a week or so before I can get it all worked out, but it's the goal, baby!  

Any interested people can contact me at christopher@stepdownliftoff.com for purchase information.  That is, of course, after the collection is complete!  Haha!  

Well, thanks for reading my thought for the night!  I love "Super Ghouls n' Ghosts" and "Mega Man" games.  "Street Fighter" is always a classic too!  After I complete the collection and enjoy the games, I would be delighted to pass them on to another retro video game fan for a fair price!  

-Christopher

Return to Log - Domain Name/eBay/Spiritual Affirmations

Hello Mr. Journal...

I haven't seen or talked to you in a while, but I'm sure this will be a great experience for both of us.

So, it turns out that I have been SUPER busy these last few weeks.  Working primarily on eBay, to promote and sell from my eBay User ID, "sdlogamesngear".  Also, I have been working hard to keep the creative juices flowing with Ableton and on my Yamaha keyboard.  (Mainly, figuring out how to play all of the parts of my Ableton tunes on the piano).  I also put together some roughly "completed tracks".  

In other news, I now have a domain name for StepDown/LiftOff.  The title of my website and my eBay company, "sdlogamesngear" is an allusion to the humbling process of being a recovering addict and having to start over again, and "lifting off" into a new realm of success.  

The sales have been good and so has my communication skills for the most part.  I had a lot of people say a lot of very nice things about my service, and I try to be equally kind to others that provide customer service to me.  

I had one customer, who's name I will not mention for privacy purposes, who bought a Playstation game from me.  She was somewhat rude and said that the game I sent her didn't match the description I had written.  I tried to be very nice to her and work something out, but she ignored my messages and left me harsh and negative feedback.  I found it to be rather malicious.  It hurt my feelings because I really truly do work very hard to satisfy all of my customers.

The silver lining of the situation is a lesson for the future.  I will, of course, be very clear in my descriptions (althought the game in question was "flawless" in my opinion).  The situation with the customer also inspired lyrics for a song that I've been working on recently.  So, thank you to that unnamed customer.  Even though your words initally hurt my feelings, I have learned a valuable lesson.  I appreciate your business and am sorry that you were unable to communicate effectively with me.

Soooo. What's next?  

The money coming in from the eBay project has been helping a lot to get my debts paid down and in building up my sales inventory.  I haven't really used any of the profit to buy myself anything (other than the games that returning customers have requested, which I will play and then sell).  

The goal though, is to purhcase a new (to me) car or new studio equipment.

I also want to talk about my experience in Easton, PA over this last weekend.  I met a man named "Angel" who works at "The Game Gallery" in Easton, PA.  His store is very much aking to the dream I have for my future business goals.  He was a very kind and helped mentor me in a lot of ways.  He was also so kind to listen to a short audio CD that I had recorded earlier that day, calling it "pretty legit"

I look at things like people's names and who they are as a "universal affirmation" or the "world telling me which direction to go".  I am very grateful for opportunities like that in my life.

Also, I want to note something really cool that happened.  I bought a Sega Dreamcast from the Game Gallery, and the very next day, my favorite, SUPER-RARE game "Shenmue II" suddenly came into stock at the Play-N-Trade a few blocks from my house.  I was also able to pick up some rare BRADYGames Strategy Guides while I was there.  I am reselling them on eBay too!

EDIT - 3/1/2013:  I actually obtained another copy of Shenmue II for the Dreamcast.  I will be listing one of the two copies on eBay so others will get to play this great game!

Another note about my eBay dealings:  I am starting to do a donation with 'eBay Giving Works" to the Nirvana Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Central California.  It is a nonprofit organization.  If it weren't for organizations like this, I could be dead instead of writing these words right now.  I have close friends who have died from these matters.  I was lucky enough to not die, so it's important that I pay my respects and dues to centers such as these.  It's not a lot of money, but every dollar counts and I'm happy to do it.

I'm continuing my play-through of "Castlevania Chronicles".  It is a very difficult, but entirely fun game.  

Bye for now!  

A Quick Grading Tool For Teachers

This Post is Mainly for my Mom

Hi Mom

I saw this video while perusing the internet the today and thought that it may be something you could use in your classroom!  It seems pretty cool.  While it would require you to have a smart phone and a data plan, it may be worth it.  I may also be able to help you obtain a smart phone that would be able to utilize this app as well as help you find discounted data plan rate!  Hope you like it!

Please remember to comment and let me know what you think!

-Christopher

Markdowns on eBay Products!

Hooray eBay Sales!

The "Ultimate Sonic Collection" has been marked down to $19.99.
This bundle has is pretty darn comprehensive.  Sonic The Hedgehog 1-3 and a Game Genie Book and Cart.
The book has codes for Sonic the Hedgehog, but here are codes for Sonic 2 and Sonic 3!

Another Big Markdown is "MegaMan X5".  Down to $17.99 with free shipping! Yay.

"Army of Two" for Playstation 3 has also been marked down to $10.95 with free shipping.

There is also a big lot of Holographic Pokemon Cards up too!  The bidding started at $9.99

There are 21 cards in the lot (some not pictured in thumbnail)

Check out my eBay seller page for great deals on game

-Christopher Strawley

Castlevania: !Chronicles/Symphony of the Night! Timeless Playstation Gems!

Castlevania: Chronicles - Sony Playstation / SHARP Computer

An essential remastering to the 1986 Konami Classic: Castlevania.

\







I am pleased to announce that I recently got my hands on a collection of great vampire style games for the Sony Playstation 1.  *PSone*

The entire collection included:

• The Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen
• Dracula: Sanctuary
• Dracula: The Last Resurrection (yeah, right)
• Excalibur
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Black Label, complete)
• Castlevania: Chronicles (Disc Only)

Triple WOW and a few unknowns

Castlevania: Chronicles (PSone) -

I'm always up for trying new things, but right off the bat, I see three games in the bundle that I know I'm gonna go hog wild over.  Of course, those games are the "Castlevania" games and "Blood Omen".

Up until plugging the disc into my nicely refurbished Playstation 2 system, I really had no idea what the contents of this elusive Castlevania disc entailed.  Obviously, it was some incarnation of a "Castlevania" game, but without research or first hand experience, I really had no idea. 

But WOWZAS.  As it turns out, "Castlevania: Chronicles" is a remastering of the original "Castlevania" game released in 1986...Now I'm not sure if the 1986 release of "Castlevania" was the Nintendo NES release or the apple computer release ( I think it was on Apple II).  But it is definitely a BRILLIANT reincarnation of the original "Castlevania" game.

Features and History of the "Castlevania: Chronicles" re-release.

This game originally debuted for the "SHARP X-1600 something or other" home computer as a graphical redux of the original game.  Based off of the readings I've been doing regarding this game, it was later ported to the Sony Playstation *PSone*.  With this port came the inclusion of FMV videos and entirely NEW stages to explore.

Namely, the NES original second stage that took place on the staircases is replaced with a spelunking romp through the catacombs of the castle.  It is an isolating exploration.
There are new types of enemies and obstacles to encounter, including long, gooey, ectoplasm type ghouls that block the way through the corridors of the caves, requiring up to ten whip hits or multiple attacks from a special weapon (knife, axe, etc.) to break through and continue journeying.  

The goal of this "Castlevania" game is the same as always.  Get the hell through that castle and bust up on some "Dracula" Ass.  

That poor Belmont clan, their strength against the undead was a blessing for all of mankind but a curse on their family lineage.
I am grateful for that bittersweet blessing however, as for without it, I would not be afforded such tantalizing adventures through..."the castle...but not as I remember it."

Something else really cool to note about this game is the "SAVE FEATURE".
Remember how in the original "Castlevania" you'd have to start ALL over again once you ran out of lives/continues?
Well, that will not be the case in "Castlevania: Chronicles", "uh-huh gurl".
Just save.  Turn the game off.  Go play a round of Bubsy...turn "Castlevania" back on.  BAM.  Right where you left off.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Damn!  What a bad boy!

The jewel case says it all.

"A huge game...If you think you've seen it all, you haven't."  - GAMEFAN MAGAZINE Apr. '97
"An expertly flowing; nightmarish romp through yet another reincarnation of Dracula's Castle." -                            SD/LO Mar. '13

 I currently have 3 copies of this game.  One Black Label PSone case/disc, a Greatest Hits Disc, and an XBOX LIVE: Arcade download.  The picture you're seeing below is from the XBLA Port.  

"A huge, nightmarishly flowing game".
Truer statements have naught been uttered.  

This game gives the player a different perspective through that castle.  Where previous games led the player directly to face Dracula in the end, "Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" allows players the freedom and flexibility to explore the castle at their own paces; to gain experience and upgraded armor only as the player was capable of.
Set in 1796, 5 years after Richter Belmont defeated Dracula, "Symphony of the Night" takes a lot of exploration to complete, although there is no mystery about the length of the game as the map completion %percentage% is listed in the Start Menu.  If you're facing Dracula and you have only completed 45% of the map's exploration...you might want to take a second look at your inventory and some of the areas that may have left a question mark over your head when passing through previously.  It's all about time...and how much time you spend with this game.  (Clock Tower) (Gold Ring & Silver Ring)

An "in-tune" symphony orchestra.  The control is beyond smooth.  The "Alucard" character handles like a hot knife through butter.  Butter that grew wings and has been flying for years.

Konami's "Castlevania" is notorious for having very precise, challenging controls.  "Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" however, makes the player feel as if he is floating on air while controlling Alucard.

The attacks are varied as well.  The player is no longer contained to just a whip attack.  There is a whole ARSENAL of weapons to choose from.  Swords, Rods, Staffs, even your bare fists!  Being able to set up both hands to carry items is also helpful,

 a la "Right Hand - Short Sword", Left Hand - Leather Shield"

Another example of the fluidity of the game's control.  Attacking and parrying come very naturally, and are a pleasure to watch.  The animations are highly detailed and don't miss a frame.

This game also institutes a very important concept of familiars.  These familiars consist of a trained collection of creatures, available for aid on call via summoning.
  The list of familiars include a faerie, a bat, an imp/demon, and a ghost.  They all have their unique advantages over one another.  However, with fast implementation of the menu system, you can play to all of their advantages with the click of a few buttons.
     "Health-bar running low?"  No problem.  Equip your faerie familiar and let her give you a potion.  She can even bring you back to life with her "regeneration" spell.
     "Need a wise ghoul, familiar with the castle to show you secrets and hidden switches?"  Again, the Demon familiar is a vocal familiar.  He will use his pitchfork to interact with small, otherwise unreachable switches and buttons.
     The ghost is a little lame.  I haven't found much use for him really, other than to just bite his "skull jaw" down on some skeletons.  But...skeletons munching on skeletons?  That just sounds like some, "afterlife porno shit".
     The bat is like calling on a weaker version of Alucard's own bat transformation relic.  It's like double trouble on the offensive team.  Alucard and his pet bat.  (a bat he is friendly with Alucard assumes his bat form.

There are clearly other familiars available in this game.  To date, (Mar. 1, 2013), I have only unlocked the four aforementioned familiars.  It's also important to note that these familiars appear throughout Alucard's progress in the ever-shifting "Dracula's Castle".  They also gain experience as Alucard does, as long as they are equipped.  

XBOX LIVE: "Arcade Port"

I am pleased to report that the port to the XBOX LIVE, downloadable Arcade content is definitely a big improvement.  It fixes small shortcomings with the original game, and make it more accessible.  Namely in the "Game Over" section of the screen.  

     The original Playstation version gave you a long 60-90 second waiting period before returning to the main menu of the game.  The XBOX LIVE: "Arcade Port" gives you the option to stop all game processes and return to the main menu.  A good option when you took too much damage right off the bat (say for instance, you hadn't played the game in a while, and lost your rhythm).  The XBOX LIVE port is somewhat forgiving in that aspect.  Although, once you start it, you won't want to put it back down, or revert back to the start menu.  

     The graphical uphaul of the XBLA (XBOX LIVE: Arcade) version of this game is sizable.

Technical Issues with this game are too hard to even mention.  I am mostly overwhelmed by the game's avant garde presentation to even notice something as petty as, "framerate slow down".  It may exist, but, when I see that in older games, that just means, "shit is going down and you better get ready."  This however, has a tremendous decrease in probability on the XBLA port.

Miscellaneous Vampire-Based Games

This "wonder-bundle" of games came shipped to me from Belmont, CA...How ironic, I must note.

In addition to the "Castlevania" games previously mentioned, the bundle also included 

• "Exclibur: 2555AD"
• "Dracula: The Last Sanctuary"
• "Dracula: The Resurrection"
• "Blood Omen: The Legacy of Kain"

With the exception of "Blood Omen", these are all games that I have otherwise not really heard of.  

I hope to play them before I sell them off in my seller store on eBay.  But sometimes, I just need to let items go to make room for the gem games, (listed previously in the post).  

I would be delighted to report back with a status on any progress I make with these games, whether I sell them or not, and if they are worth the money to buy.  

Thanks!

I'm always very happy and grateful to anyone who has taken the time to read my posts.  Please feel free to comment and add your thoughts on some of your favorite vampire games!  I love discussions, so please feel free!  

Most of these games are also for sale on my eBay seller page, User ID: sdlogamesngear

I am always up for a good deal if you are passionate about your video games the way that I am.

Thanks again for reading!

-Christopher S.

Recurring Themes in Music

Themes and Familiarity

I think that it is really important to implement "killer' riffs in any track that I produce.

For the listener, recycling strong musical phrases/melodies helps establish a sense of familiarity in the artist's works. 

"oz" & "01 Party Fun Fun"

"oz" and Party Fun  Fun are tracks that I have been building up in Ableton.  I use the Launchpad to catch as many quality clips as I can and then arrange them all accordingly from top to bottom by "scene" so that the track can be run right through with the "scene launch" buttons.  At about (39 sec), you can hear the melody kick in during "Party Fun Fun".  In "oz", the melody kicks in at (15 sec).

In the track "oz" I use a catchy riff that is played by the guitar.  The pitch trajectory falls and then climbs back up to the "tonic" or "root" note of the scale to resolve at the end of the phrase.

It is a catchy hook, and I found that it also works well in another, more dance oriented track, named
"Party Fun Fun".

The same phrase is played in both tracks, but each track is of a contrasting style.  Implementing the same phrases in both tunes strikes a semblance of familiarity in the listener.

Take a listen to the guitar riff in "oz" and try to hear the matching phrase in "Party Fun Fun".

Party Fun Fun - A New Track!

Hey, thanks for taking a look at my new video/music.  I'm working on issues with static and YouTube. Any comments on normalizing the static when uploading to YouTube would be much appreciated.

Journaling and the Poetic Seperation

Applying Style to Journaling

Main Concepts:

1. Identifying key subjects of log entries.
2. The use of bracketing and legends

Personal Experiences :  

A typical log entry would look something like this:

        " In this dream I just had, I was "searching" for lasagna with synthesizer triangle waves on eBay.  In the background, I hear the music from the Mystic Ruins in Sonic Adventure.  My dream was cut short when Matt informed me that the ad for the SNES on Craigslist may have been a hit.  Hopefully, the SNES bit will work out swimmingly.

        I need to wash my hands and feed Bunky.  She is chirping while pussyfooting around me.  I do think that the SNES ad was too legit to quit.  I cant' wait to get this SNES.  I think we need to get it before anyone else does.  

        So, I have a few ideas and new skill accomplishments that I want to jot down.  Namely, enhancing Bunky's dining experience.  Also, coming up with a small hardware controller for DDR.  And finally, what I have learned with the Launchpad.

Let's start with food: First off, I want to recognize the levol of cleanliness that the house has achieved.  All the rooms are highly organized and now, vety efficient for spending time in.  Which is very awesome....An iem that may need attention is the refrigerator.  There is alot oof food in there to begin with, but it is rather "thrown all over" at current.  It could use a through cleaning and a touch of organization.  

Also, the other main point I wanted to make regarding food is coercing Bunky into eating her normal cat food.  I will cursh up some "Temptations Dairy Treats" and mix the powder with her regular food.  Secondly, I want to talk about hardware designs.  I have some rather ambitious plans for building things in the near future.  The idea blossomed from a round of DDR that I was playuing on the controller.  I think it would be fantastic to build something for finger dancing.  i.e. using your fingers as your legs on a 4 small pads representing up, down, left, and right.

This kind of task would be done mainly buy using the parts f a Playstation 1 controller.  I have already taken one of my controllers apart in preparation for this project.  I also need a SOLDERING IRON, RUBBER PADS, and a PLASTIC box to enclose everything.  This kind of thinking *desire to build digital hardware* has also inspired me to consider building a MIDI controller.  In order to create something of that magnitude would definitely require an Arduino (USB interface for circuit boards).  I don't have that......... "

That log was from 2/4/2013.  

There isn't a terrible amount of very important thoughts in there, however, the goal of this kind of writing is to just let the words flow from your head out onto the page.  

This kind of practice will make it easier to not be a mental judge of myself while I am performing or creating music, but instead just letting the current of my mind lead me in the direction I need to go...it's like connecting left and right brain.  Taking control of both of them simultaneously.  My left brain wants me to be creative and my right brain wants to overthink everything that I'm doing to the point where I'm no longer even doing it. . . As a matter of fact, I can feel that happening just now, as I'm writing this entry.

So this is the excerpt from tonight's log:

2/18/2013 "pm" early morning

" Okay, so you are handling things well at this point.  The whole "getting bent out of shape" speed is really slowing down as of late.

So here's how I'm writing...there is a current that keeps moving no matter what the message in my head tells me...  Focusing/Harnassing the power of that current allows for smooth decision making as well as resolution making.  I start to lose the direction my mind is taking me.  After a short period of time....But, all the same, it's just a rift. I'm happy that I have once again come back to you, light holy one (journal).  I feel the power of these pages unleashing on me.  The sould becomes awritten on the bindings of these pages.

[Bunky stares @ me w/ curiosity's intent.

Maybe that should be curious

but then I'd end up dead. ]

[I love my experience w/ music making lately.  It is so important not to let my expectations versus reality interfere with my overall plans. ]

[ Lots of gifts await the princess.

A mother's rogue beside her sits.

She think of all these fantasies.

Their endless tales became her riches. ]

[ Poetry is so important, but again, 

it's the current that brings it all together, 

there are no stops on its train ]

[ I want to say this, yet again.

Ugly Betty is an inspriring show.

This is my 2nd time runing through the series.

And despite my prior knowlege of the show, it becomes,

even yet, a teacher of many lessons. ]

[The Deals!  The Deals!

 love the deals!

Smell them from a mile away

then swoop right in and make my day. ]

|

-> I think not of the dire 

                          consequences.

I think I'm just falling in love.

Cause everyting up here is

          making me bleed.

I just don't know what

       else I am. |  

                      |

                    <-

[Warm kitty on the warm keyboard/laptop.

Turns of airplane mode

and finger scrolling on the mousepad.

If I had my way,

that cat would be on 5 foot rollerskates. ] "

Concept: [Brackets and poetry/lyrics]

I like these little stanzas!  It makes it fun to put together little poems or lyrics.

As I write these items down, I can hear the flow of the words in my head.

Separating them w/ the brackets just makes it easier to identify the important parts of the log.

Review:  Identifying subjects in journaling for better focus and bracketing important paragraphs to separate lines by subject.

Preparing for the KORG NanoKontrol

Awaiting and preparing for the "KORG NanoKontrol"

Losing the Electribe EM-1 and Finding a New Friend

So, I've recently been bidding on an Electribe EM-1 on eBay and was hoping that I would be able to snag it for my max bid of *85.00".  As far as I know, it would have been mine, but I forgot to click the whole way in when I was increasing my max bid and it went for $76.00....Oh, what a shame, what a shame.  

But never fear!  I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new KORG NanoKontrol.  The KORG NanoKontrol is a slim-line USB MIDI device that has a set of faders, knobs, on/off buttons and a set of sampling buttons (I assume for envelope generating).  

I snagged it for a healthy $20 plus free shipping on eBay from a seller who calls themselves "UniqueSquared".  The image of the KORG NanoKontrol is taken directly from their eBay post.  They seem to be very passionate and dedicated sellers with a very knowledgable and cool staff.  Their postings include video interviews and product overviews featuring the staff members of Unique Squared.  Their motto is "Be u.  Be unique." 

You can check out their eBay seller page here.  It's full of great deals and usually includes free shipping. 

I must say now, that I am not affiliated, nor do I work for this company in any way, I just happen to like them as a company.  

Here's their full website.  

It also includes a "Pro Audio Forum" for electronic musicians and producers and has users from the whole skill-set spectrum.  Check it out!  They have give-aways on the forum for different items from time to time (Studio Monitors, keyboards, etc.)

Awaiting the KORG NanoKontrol

According to the delivery confirmation number I got, the NanoKontrol should be here within the next few hours.  So now, my preparatory work must begin.  I don't want to waste any more time than I have to putting this bad boy to use!  

The steps I'm going to have to take are going to look a lot like what I detailed in my last post 

(regarding 'User 2 Mode' on Novation's Launchpad).  I will use the NanoKontrol in adjunct with the Launchpad, but more directly, to "kontrol" my Yamaha Portable Grand MIDI keyboard.  The KORG NanoKontrol gives the user access to assignable knobs, faders, on/off switches, and envelope samplers on a slim-line device.  With it's rubber footies and small size, it can easily be placed right on top of the MIDI controller and mapped to maximize effects and envelopes during live performance.

Preparing Instrument Racks and Pre-planning MIDI Mapping

When performing live, either as a DJ or an electronic musician, it's important to know that you're going to need to have a lot of material pre-planned and set up.  Ableton makes this kind of work really simple in the way that you can create a "Live Set".  

Say you're performing a show and you want to use samples,  You can set up all the clips in Ableton and have them launch from the Launchpad and control the mixing and effects as you play.  Once you have everything set up the way you want it, you'll save it as a "Live Set".  The effects settings and MIDI mappings will be saved, specific to the "Live Set" and you will be able to easily recall all of those settings by loading the "Live Set".  

If you're an electronic musician, use Ableton to set up your instrument racks with different MIDI instruments.  If you have another person to help you (another set of hands) OR you're an octopus, you can play all the instruments you have set up live and record the clips as you go.  Editing and adding/tweaking effects as you go.  It's really intuitive and helpful for all kinds of live performance or production.

Korg's NanoKontrol helps toprovide more control over your "Live Set".

When setting up your "Live Set", you can MIDI map different effects for each instrument to be activated by the different elements of the NanoKontrol.  

Say:

On/Off Switch - Delay On/Off

Knob - Frequency Filter

Fader - Phaser or Grain Shifter

Keeping the Control consistent across the controller will help make performance more smooth.  If everything switch, knob, and fader controls the same kind of effect across the board, you won't get overwhelmed or confused about what does what while you are performing Live.

So, 

• The NanoKontrol (or any similar MIDI controller) facilitates FX parameter adjustment on the fly.
• Make sure to MIDI map before you try to use the controller
• Keep the knobs/faders, etc. consistent to avoid confusion.

The Plan

Until my KORG NanoKontrol arrives, I will be setting up a Live Set in Ableton, eagerly waiting to map the effects parameters to the NanoKontrol.  I have a few ideas that I want to put into action and complete.  

The plan is to report back here by the end of the night tonight, or tomorrow morning, and post my findings in video or audio format!

Also, make sure to check out the NanoKontrol User Manual for more information!
Also, check out other great Korg Products here at their official page!

Thanks for checking out my post and please ask any questions you might have or feel free to comment!

Christopher S.

Setting up User 2 Mode to Control Effects - Feb.4th.2013

User 2 - Effective Effects Set Up

I am working primarily with the Launchpad and my Yamaha DXG-505 MIDI keyboard to produce.

I have a firm grasp on 'session', 'user 1', and a fairly efficient working knowledge of 'mixer' modes.

However, for a long while, the purpose of "USER 2" mode had escaped me completely.  

Before, I used to think that 'user 2' was controlled solely through the use of Automap, but now, I have discovered that is not the case.  (Automap is somewhat confusing, but I'll save that for a later post).

Well, as it turns out, in order to make 'user 2' do anything at all, there has to be MIDI MAPPING for it within Ableton Live.  So let's talk about effects and MIDI mapping.

Setting up an effect for your MIDI instrument -

Before we can even consider using 'user 2' to control effects and effects parameters, we first have to have some effects to control!  You will want to select an effect from the 'MIDI Effects' or 'Audio Effects' in your browser window <CMD+OPT+B>.  In the example below, I'm going to use Ableton's 'Ping-Pong Delay' on a drum rack.  Simply bring up the clip details at the bottom of the screen by clicking the little triangle on the bottom right of the window or <CMD+OPT+L>.  Next, bring up the 'effects' tab, located directly to the left of that triangle.  Now, find the effect you want, click the folder and simply drag it to that area.  

Hooray!  We now have an effect on our drum rack.  But how do we turn it off and on without having to click the computer's mouse eight hundred thousand times?  WHAT ABOUT THE LAUNCHPAD?!  Ok.  That's 'User 2' mode.

"But 'User 2' mode doesn't do anything!"

"That's because you need to use MIDI Mapping"

...oh.

MIDI Mapping in Ableton Live -

In order to bring up the MIDI Map in Ableton, you must first hover over a device, right click, and then select 'Edit MIDI Map'.  Alternatively, you can bring yourself to the MIDI Map Screen by pressing <CMD+M>.  The MIDI Map Screen is pictured below.  Take a look at it to make sure you're in the right place.  You'll see items highlighted in blue.

As a word of caution, before you start mapping 

effects to different buttons on your launchpad,

it's ideal to be in 'user 2' mode right off the bat.

This is important because selecting 'user 2'

on your launchpad while in MIDI Map mode,

will make pressing "user 2" on your lanchpad

activate whatever you may have mapped 

'user 2' as, and we will want to keep 'user 2' 

as 'user 2'...That's a lot of 'user 2' for one paragraph.  'user 2, user 2, user 2'.

OK!  So, great.  We got the MIDI Map open.  Now what?

Effect Device/Parameter / on/off -

It's so close I can taste it...and it kind of tastes like steel.  Not...terrible, I guess...

So now that we have our effect tied to an instrument rack we can easily program 'user 2' to control different aspects of that effect.  A good place to start is with the 'Device On' button. 

In the upper left hand corner of the effect device (Ping Pong Delay in this example), there is a wee little green switch that will turn the effect on or off.  While in 'Edit MIDI Map' mode, click that button and then press the most lower left pad on the Launchpad (while in 'User 2' mode).  On the left, where the Browser window is located, you will see the chart for the MIDI map automatically add "Device on/off" with its new respective MIDI key.  Voila!  Now, that 'User 2' pad will switch the delay on and off!

Another fun feature of setting up 'User 2' mode with the Launchpad is gaining the ability to tweak effects manually from 0-100%, similarly to the way you would with a knob or fader on a traditional synthesizer.  This kind of function can be achieved in the same manner as mapping 'device on/off' with 'Edit MIDI Map'.  The main difference is that, you will have to press two pads simultaneously when mapping.  

Let's use another example for this, shall we?  Let's take the audio effect 'reverb' and apply it to square wave instrument rack.  Okey dokey, no problem.

1. First, bring up clip view <CMD+OPT+L>. 
2. Next, we'll locate 'Reverb' in the 'Audio Effects' folder of our browser.  
3. Go ahead and draaaaggg it on down to the clip view.  Then, with 'User 2' selected on your Launchpad, open up 'Edit MIDI Map' in Ableton Live <CMD+M>.  
4. Assign a pad on the bottom row to turn the device on or off.  
5. Finally, move your mouse cursor over to the "Dry/Wet" knob on the 'Reverb' Device.  Click it, and when selecting a pad to map, choose the pad directly above the "on/off" pad and the pad on the top of that column simultaneously.  This should make each pad in that row (with the exception of the on/off pad) go up or down in wetness by about ~10%.  

Go ahead and play a clip on that same instrument rack.  Use 'User 2' to test out turning on and off the devices and then select the corresponding pads to make the "Parameter Percentages" go up and down.

You may find that you need to 'Invert the range' to make the fader action more natural.

Conclusion -

Well, I think that about covers what I learned last night with 'User 2'.  I have a lot to learn about 'User 2' mode and will be posting daily-ish regarding my discoveries.

I want to know what kinds of tips and tricks YOU have learned in 'User 2' mode on Ableton's Launchpad!  Please comment or send messages and let's master 'User 2' together!

Thanks for checking out my post!  Please feel free to ask any questions you might have and check back for more!

Christopher S.

About the Author

About the Author

Christopher Strawley

I live in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia and for years, my passion has been music.  I grew up, the son of my school's music director.  

At the age of 16, I discovered that, contrary to my earlier opinion (after playing the trumpet for 8 years), that I in fact LOVE music.  Specifically, writing music and lyrics.  I started playing the piano and writing my own tunes.  

Over the years, my skills developed further.  As my skills became greater, as did my passion.  However, in late 2009, the tides that be brought waves of sorrow to my life and washed away all the passion I had come to know.  During that time, I yearned for my, then missing, love of music.  Sessions at the keyboard became a vain attempt and I grew ever discouraged.

In 2012, the tables turned.  A "moment of clarity" was had.  In a few brief months, I was at it again.  This time, my gaze was set on synthesizers and electronic music.  The wonderfully talented group "Black Moth Super Rainbow" had been inspiring me for years and I decided it was time to get back on the horse.  

For the last year, I've been trying my hand at electronic music and taking a new approach to music making.   So far, I think it has paid off.  I am ready to take it to the next level and I want to always remember what I have achieved.  Dry spells come and go.  So now, I will be cataloging my efforts.

I have high hopes for life and am excited to hear what the rest of the world has to say as well.

Thanks for reading!

Christopher S.

Mission Statement - Step Down/Lift Off

Step Down/Lift Off Mission Statement

Online album of progress in creating tracks with Ableton and Novation's Launchpad

On this page, I will detail the skills needed to make music successfully using Ableton Live and the Launchpad.  This journey will begin on February 4th, 2013 and be updated once every other day.  

As a new skill or technique regarding Ableton is learned, the necessary steps will be outlined in detail on this page.  Over time, this page will contain a comprehensive set of pseudo-tutorials that will, when used in tandem, enable the reader to obtain gainful results when using Ableton. 

Share audio and video examples of the Ableton and the Launchpad in action!

In addition to the "screenshot" picture examples that will be used in the skills/techniques posts, this page will also feature streaming mp3s and video diaries of the aforementioned techniques in action.  This Ableton/Launchpad saturated media will facilitate a more holistic method of learning and showcase my personal works.  

Build a network of peers in the online music community

This page will utilize mock Live Sets for Ableton to challenge the viewer and encourage remixes and learning at home.  This page will also be an oasis for musicians (using Ableton/Launchpad) to share their works.  

Mainly:

This will be my daily journals, put on the internet for all other aspiring musicians to see and hopefully learn from.  :)  

Thanks for taking a look at my mission statement!

Christopher Strawley