11 thoughts on “Ableton Live 8: How To Use The Step-Sequencer”

1. Why why it still seems to be slower than fl studio? Is it so difficult for Ableton to make a quick to program step sequencer? Two keys to set a simple note? Please, tell me that its not like that…

2. Synthtopia,

   Thanks for re-posting :^).

   Alex,

   This video only illustrates step-sequencing. It doesn’t cover sequencing in real-time or with the mouse. I really just wanted to explain how it worked since it was a new feature and there wasn’t much coverage in the manual and I think there are some scenarios when this will save some mousing. Clearly this type of sequencing is modeled after hardware style step-sequencing (Ensoniq, Korg) and is more appropriate for chords and perhaps sequencing arpeggios.

   I’m a fan of the Piano Roll and step-sequencing in FL as well. I used to use FL Studio a lot. In the last few years I’ve switched to Live for ALL sequencing. At first I missed some of the FL tools, but the power of Live is it’s simplicity, workflow, and the ability to do it all “on the fly”. Now that I’m used it I prefer Ableton’s workflow by far.

   Of course we all have different needs so It’s great there are so many choices in the digital music world.

   Cheers,

   Mark

3. Mark, thanks for your clarification! I prefer Ableton Live for the same reasons, but there are some simple everyday tools like a quick to program step sequencer which i still miss. I hope there will be a way to have that fast and inspiring oldschool functionality, even within a Max4Live tool.

4. Alex,

   Yeah, I’m also excited about the step-sequencing potential Max4Live will bring to Live.

5. In case you haven’t received my pingback:

   I’ve written a Ableton Live 8 Review, mentioning this video by Mark. Thanks.
   http://www.zettt.de/2009/04/audio-ableton-live-8-review/

6. Just in case my pingback hasn’t been received:
   http://www.zettt.de/2009/04/audio-ableton-live-8-review/

7. guys … anyone can tell me how to import other external sounds like kicks . snares and all in an step sequencer?

8. i agree with alex i've been using ableton live for about 6 months coming from fl studio and i still can't get used to their approach to step sequencing. so far i haven't found a max for live device that will offer a fl studio like sequencer. maybe this summer i can work on a m4l patch.

9. i agree with alex i've been using ableton live for about 6 months coming from fl studio and i still can't get used to their approach to step sequencing. so far i haven't found a max for live device that will offer a fl studio like sequencer. maybe this summer i can work on a m4l patch.

10. can I remove notes without using my mouse?

11. I have made a video tutorial showing how to make an interactive step sequencer in Ableton Live with no extra software. You can play the sequencer with an APC, Launchpad or any controller with enough MIDI buttons. Hope you enjoy and please leave any feedback! 🙂

    Part 1:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9ajWsxNJfA

    Part 2:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFpzZVZYdbk