How I record hardware synths (with Ableton live example)

In this video, I go through my entire workflow for recording hardware synths. I use Ableton Live in the video, but all of these concepts should carry over pretty easily into other DAWs.
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[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

There's another way of recording synths (using the "External Instrument" device). I discuss that in this followup video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoa9m6GYgbBme7s&lc=UgzrhJQBeZJ7eJApM014AaABAg

[@andym7333]

sir what is best way if im playing live?? not 4 studio but live thankssss

[@andym7333]

probably the one shooting midi b4 so no nudging since its live??

[@pruff5072]

I'm glad you posted the method for poor people first, lol. Because if I understand this Ableton guide correctly (see link below), then the method you show without the "External Instrument" is the only way people can record hardware synths if they have they just have the cheaper Ableton Live versions Lite/Intro. (link: help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/209774265-Using-hardware-synthesizers-with-Live). EDIT: I started watching your "External Instrument" video where you confirm this and go over why one may choose to use one method versus the other. Thanks!

[@andym7333]

@@pruff5072 rich or poor wich is best??

[@pruff5072]

@@andym7333 I am barely learning this stuff but my understanding is that you may not need to use the external instrument method unless you are trying to record multiple instruments simultaneously - a case where the delay compensation can be helpful. But the Abelton Live developers official position is that one should use the external instrument method. If I was you I would just try out your instrument with your version of Live and if you are having problems with delay then consider trying a free trial of the Abelton Studio version to see if using the external instrument method fixes your problem. Then consider buying either the Standard or Suite version to get that functionality.

[@ursbasteck]

Kinda weird, really, how there are SOOO many tutorials, guides and walkthroughs for music gear and software but barely any which describe how to use them with each other. This here was much appreciated, thanks!

[@michaelkonomos]

This is literally one of the most helpful videos I have ever watched related to music. You explained it so clearly, and the grouping of the track and the way you set up up helped me make SUCH a breakthrough, I was so stuck, I was trying to get a Minilab and a CRAVE to work live in Ableton and I had given up, nothing else online helped, this was such a lifesaver, thank you!!!

[@christopherjohnson4276]

I'm here for exactly the same reason! My Crave arrived yesterday and connecting to Ableton properly was crushing my soul.

[@terencole1854]

I agree, this is one of the best vids I’ve come across breaking things down. Thanks!

[@Boistyle34]

Watched 20 different tutorials on this topic, yours was the most thorough & it helped me immensely. You rule dude!

[@chrisb9026]

This tutorial was exactly what I needed to be able to record a sequenced patch in my Microfreak, in to Ableton, without the weird tempo sync issue I was having. Thank you.

[@rgbofmaine]

Useful info, nicely edited, and delivered in a low-key style. Man that's refreshing. Thanks.

What a coincidence. Today, I was just trying to solve the workflow with my HW synths, which is also the Micro, plus the OG Korg Minilogue, and I was getting super frustrated about it. I realized that I truly hate fiddling with the VST synths and I have much more fun with my real ones. But simultaneously I like using MIDI because of the flexibility it gives you. This video is a knowledge bomb that just solved it for me. Thanks!

[@graphene1487]

Well made and jam packed video. Thank you from someone who has been recording at home for a few years. Served as a solid refresher course.

[@ambientshane]

This information has helped me out so much.. I've been buying a lot of analogue synth lately + drum machines. I've been a licenced Ableton user since V8. Always wanted to have the best of both worlds. Great video my brother. 🙏

[@srennrgaard2422]

Regarding your cable issues: Using a USB cable and audio cables simultaneously creates two ground paths between computer and synth (a ground loop). The MIDI connection on the other hand is usually optically isolated so only the only ground path to the PC is through the audio cables. Try to switch to MIDI + audio cables if you run into noise issues again! You can also get USB isolators which do the same thing to the USB connection - very handy to have one around.

[@Royvdl]

Soo for instance, I have a Roland TR-8 with midi out, and a focusrite scarlett 6i6 with midi in. I connect the midi out from the tr-8 to the midi in of the interface to connect it to ableton and have the sound out from the tr-8 connected to the monitors directly?

[@srennrgaard2422]

@@RoyvdlI am not completely sure I understand. Then your would be able to record the MIDI in your DAW but not the audio (since you connected that to your monitors). Your should probably connect (1) Focusrite MIDI out->TR-8 MIDI in, (2) TR-8 MIDI out -> Focusrite MIDI in, (3) TR-8 audio out -> Focusrite audio in. Then you can (1) send MIDI from your DAW to your TR-8, (2) record the TR-8 as MIDI in your DAW and (3) record the audio from the TR-8 in your DAW. In case of the TR-8, however, it looks like you can do all of these tree thing simultaneously through the USB cable alone, so you might want to look into that.

[@q.u.e.2019]

Ive been looking for this THE WHOLE TIME OMG RIGHT TO IT!

[@jvsonyt]

The way you explained the clip start and loop gave me the biggest aHa moment. I understood that it worked like that but the way you applied it showed me it's true function. For that I am incredibly grateful haha I'm even more excited to open ableton now

[@PsyJaye]

You're an empathic teacher.. I am just getting into digital recording after years of using a studio so I am flying blind.. thanks for a great video..

[@cesmcmyth]

David! aweeesome! Last time I checked - like .... couple of months back - you had 5k subscribers. Now is at 11.5k. Still not as many as you deserve. Congrats! love it

[@DeepCrossing1]

this is a great overview of a lot of the more granular skills and tasks required in using Ableton, it's good to get an overview that is also very detailed, fleeting insights into the artist's process and organisation skills are great.

[@javisounds]

What a wonderful video! Many thanks for the clear explanation and sharing your journey with us. Greetings from Spain, Javi Serrano

[@patzuck2435]

le parfait tuto pour ABLETON Live Start version (without that external instrument) ! very helpful. Thank you David.

[@dialman1111]

wow, that tip you showed about saving the channel templates is one of the most awesome tips I've found about Ableton. I didn't know you could do that. Thanks!

[@DopamineOverload]

Massively helpful walkthrough, Dave. Thanks!

[@ketekmusic9138]

i wish i had seen this video sooner! i struggled for days, even weeks at a time trying to get my modular synth system to work with ableton. through trial and error ive got to working correctly but i now after watching this video i actually understand why i failed and suceeded haha you did a great job of explaing all the steps of routing, syncing and recording process :) so glad the algorithm finally led me to this video

[@vevench3055]

I'm about to get Microfreak as my first hardware synth and I'm really thankful to you for making this video!

[@jondellar]

Thank you, thank you!! I've been trying to find this out for some time. Really appreciated your step-by-step approach 🎉

[@Atatsounds]

thank you for the best help! Of all there is on youtube this was the best on the subject!

[@RealDjMarkuZ]

This open widely the inspiration mode WOW I had an ableton course 2 years ago and they didnt talk about this. Way to go Dave.

[@the-sailing-bard]

Dave, this video was pivotal for me. Thanks.

[@mdreid]

Really nicely explained! I struggled a lot with recording synths when I first started and now I use an approach really similar to yours (but relying more on external monitoring as I do most of my effects through aux sends off my mixer). This video would have saved me weeks of frustration. I’m definitely going to point people to this video if I’m ever asked how to record external gear.

[@jacquiventurini8844]

Wow, your knowledge is impressive. Im so glad I came across your channel! I totally dig your retro take on music too

[@tom22333]

Thx man. Great point about the notes. Love how the automation is recorded in too!

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

Super useful information and very well delivered, clear as day 👌

[@chrisstaniforth5629]

Cheers for the content dude!! Really useful and easy to understand 👍 appreciate your time. Hope you are well!

[@joel_holzapfel]

Excellent Video! Thanks David!

[@PeterKNoone]

Super helpful peak into your process. Thank you!

[@DMS198526]

I keep coming back to this video, it has helped me so much, I now utilise everything in it. Even with my old JP8000 :)

[@TamDNB]

Dude, your videos are great. Glad the algorithm pointed me to you

[@stephendavismoon4676]

Just brilliant, so clear and concise, thank you

[@Musicbymagz]

you really made my life way better, I can't thank you enough! the best

[@Dexton0742]

Hey man, many thanks for this video. Just bought my first h/w synth (Minilogue) and these seemingly basic tips were unknown to me and are essential. Glad I found the video. Thank you. Subbed too

[@gryg666]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@kreltv]

Huge thanks David 🙏🏻🤟🏻

[@dmitrijurovski]

Very helpful video product you created, Thank you!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rynwlms]

Hey. I never comment on KZbin. But, your stuff is fantastic. I just discovered you. I'm in my mid-life crisis phase and have finally started to take the plunge into music producing after longing to do so for entirely too long. Anyway, enough about me. Your content is super super clear. Has all the necessary detail. And, I really like your delivery. I can tell this is a topic that you have both passion and endurance for. And that is very inspiring. Anyway, I know this topic is too niche for you to make any real money on so this is more of a passion project for you and I just wanted you to hear that it's working. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing with everyone.

[@marcuslawson9750]

Helpful video . That melody at the beginning is also dope 👀

[@11MasterMind11]

Hmmm.... nice! Exactly what I needed. Thanks for this Video!!!! Also very harmonic way of teaching what is important

[@1_of_4]

Really awesome video!!

[@kmz8160]

Clean and very useful explanation. Thanks a lot!

[@echo_opera]

Thanks for a clear and concise tutorial on this subject. Keep up the great work 👊🏼™️

[@proutie0118]

i eally love what you do.

[@qavah4031]

I bought the MicroFreak today, this video was so helpful. Thank you! Also, that melody you played sounded so familiar to me. After much contemplation, I finally remembered where I heard it, it's the main melody to the song "En El Muelle De San Blás" by Maná. Probably unintentional but phew you gave me a huge throwback haha

[@matthewsimental9688]

I THOUGHT THE SAME THING I knew it was familiar!

[@syhr_samoht]

Great video thanks. I've got into the hardware synth world after using VST's forever. Really helpful...

[@mredo2012]

simply great video!!! thank you

[@EldarBaruch]

Lovely and informative! Thank you. ✨

[@vonnie589]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@Paradroidx]

Yes sir some gold knowledge right here. Thank You

[@shubear5465]

Thank you! Super helpful

[@pfft9363]

exactly what i was looking for. thank you

[@riggedforsea.6756]

Thank you so much for this man

[@RenoFriends]

Man this video helped a lot, great explanation

[@DEADLINETV]

Good and interesting video David! Thanks!

[@beMOTIONdESIGN]

Great video! Thank you!

[@davelister2005]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@R41NES]

Perfect video thank you so much

[@nathanieldeleon9720]

This is fantastic, great video!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mafyoutube]

It was great! Thank you.

[@Robert-kx8mp]

I use a hybrid approach combining external hardware and software instruments in the same project, and Ableton’s external instrument device with the automatic latency compensation is a life saver.

[@DarkFutureConsolidated]

A life saver because you're doing it the correct way;)

[@marcuswilespage]

So you don’t have to manually calculate latency with the external instrument device? How do you commit the track to audio? Flatten the ext inst track, or create a new audio track? If new audio track, do you select the input as external input, or the output of the external instrument track? TIA!

[@casspirburns]

Thanks. Refreshing to see a video that gets straight to the point without all the hand waving. Been looking for this info. *the gospel radio might make for some interesting sampling

[@jeanmakesgames]

thanks David! Thanks to this video I have been able to fix a very annoying problem I had with ableton and my mpk mini: a massive delay! And all of this because my output buffer size was by default at 4096 samples, lowering it to 688 was doing the trick! :)

[@dj_Davepz]

Perfect, thanks mate

[@MC-kp1hw]

Very good tutorial. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@savnac]

very intuitive guidance. I loved this video and subscribed :)

[@ellamiss4613]

Super helpful. Thank you!

[@xradical89x]

thank you David

[@dreamysleepyzzz]

the only thing I hope is that if we can hear just a bit longer of some of the sounds you are making while you are explaining, it would be a much enjoyable and really know what the sound is. But, This is purely great content, have been watching your channels for a few days, it really explain a lot and tells me a lot about what these things are with great background story and sounds, it is awesome. i always loved these sounds, but i had a period where i have no idea where are these sounds made from and what are these machine that have light flashing in pattern. Thank you for sharing the knowledge and making contents like this, really Really appreciate it for the effort and time for this. :D

[@_yore__]

EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED, THANKS!! :)

[@macpaz]

Thank you very much for this amazing guide. You've explained the process very well and your editing is so on point.

[@bkriss]

really helpful, thanks!

[@benclarke2ky]

This was excellent, thank you! Maybe now I can start finally recording my Deepmind!

[@marcoperez4528]

Man, thank you for this video. Attempt number 7... And your video was the one. When I release my next album I'm going to credit you. Just look for Yako Ma

[@BigPlasticPlant]

Good video, subbed. You can almost entirely solve your latency issue with recording in ableton by simply monitoring on a separate audio track. In all my track groups I have a dedicated track for monitoring while recording and it has solved the headaches, I was pulling my hair out with ableton with latency seemingly randomly changing depending on which synth I was using using and how midi was routed. Fucking around with latency makes me want to just turn on Netflix....

[@gadd1111]

awesome. very helpful. subscribed. Thanks man!

[@jesseanderson3835]

The more of your videos I watch the more your tunes give me videogame score vibes. I'm thinking Night in the Woods and Outer Wilds. Very cool stuff. I hope to hear your songs and melodies in some future classic indie games. Cheers from Texas.

[@daisyroberts7401]

Impressive Energy ☝

[@domasedelectronica]

great video!

[@dormaettu302]

Really really helpfull for beginners. Thanks

[@cryptik_official]

Besides my question, this video definitely helped me get starting making some cool pads...still, I like producing techno and the Crazy Arpeggiater is honestlywhy I bought this synth.

[@dusanvukasovic2525]

If you play notes on your synth and use MIDI input to record them, it might occur that your DAW sends them back to your synth via MIDI out so the synth plays them at least twice, and that can sound ugly. One of the solutions for that is that you play your synth by master keyboard. Notes go from master keyboard to DAW and then to the synth. Next, "round trip latency" means in buffer plus out buffer. 256 samples (in) plus 256 samples (out) at 48kHz is about 10,6ms... plus the latency of the DAW itself which can go high if you use plugins with extra buffers like "look ahead" compressors etc. Few things to keep in mind, but to keep always in mind.

[@METAMORA6329]

Very helpful!

[@MELROSEE]

brilliant thank you!

[@ibrajimenez2098]

Great video Thank you

[@bci3937]

Thanks Dav...

[@aako-dd1ly]

My man ✊️

[@boughtinerror]

When recording your audio track create a copy for recording and use one for monitoring On the record track set monitor to off. You can then monitor through your listen audio track and not record. The recording track the records with zero latency or as close to zero as possible that you cant detect it.

[@alexgarber7910]

Nice one. Thanks.

[@oliverhans5729]

nice vid!

[@zachgochberg4409]

You're brilliant. I've been struggling to get my MODX 8 to work as an external instrument, but I'm using Ableton's Free Trial. So that could be contributing to my problem. Also I have a UM2 Euphoria audio interface that may be substandard. I haven't figured it out yet, but I'll keep working on it.

[@AndreySutormin]

Thanks David! Helpful video and well produced! As an idea for another video: I'm using Moog Mavis together with microfreak. I spent 4 hours trying to tie them together and tune the Moog. There is no content about that on the internet. So i believe it could be helpful. In general using an analog synth with no midi through the cv gate is complicated for the first time. I think this piece of content could be useful. Thanks.

[@slimpyman]

incredibly helpful. good guy! and i dont feel like youre condescending, unlike some others!

[@pierrenagonio1120]

Thanks and please, more, more, more...

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

Very helpful! Thank you. I think you can also send midi program changes in the clips to reset the patch if you need to.

[@ChuckSilva]

Good one! Thanks! ❤️🎼🎶

[@ludwigerhard9723]

Oh nice thanks a lot just bought the minibrute 2s last week without knowing anything about external synths😹