Live Looping with Ableton Part 2: Looper Tutorial

Here is a tutorial on Ableton's powerful Looper Device. In the next video I will show some example live setups with this amazing thing.
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[@SomalieDXB]

Absolute legend! All your videos are very informative, straightforward and inspiring. I bought the Softstep after watching your videos and now working on customising it not only on the looper but also on clip recording. Thanks again boss!

[@JDNicoll]

Auto punch out for Ableton clip slots: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@naeyo]

Hats off young man. Cool to see what you are doing.

[@rslane32]

great explanations. I look forward to watching all your stuff

[@KevinVerde]

Awesome videos, looking forward to part 3.

[@Redeemed0620]

I love your vids. I have been struggling with Ableton for 2 months now and was looking for very clear instructions on how to explore the functionality and usage of Ableton Live in a live performance scenario. Your videos cater to my needs perfectly. Kudos!

[@SeedtoStage]

Thanks I appreciate the feedback :)

[@JDNicoll]

You might find these devices very helpful for live performance: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@hollowmenrule]

Reverse loops with reverb are great. Easy reverb is an excellent vst

[@yotambrukner5500]

helped a lot! thanks!

[@GeorgeBelousov]

Holy shit man, it’s great! Thank you so much!!!

[@Matt-bc2ug]

YES DUDE THANK YOU

[@TimSuliman]

There's lots of looping videos out there, but this is the first one that really explains things well. Thanks!

[@abe5139]

Hi there, great video..Just wondering if this feature comes with Ableton Live 10 Standard?

[@okedom]

Very useful, thank you!

[@eatreedsleep6437]

Yeah. Best looper explanation so far. Thx! Do the redo+undo functions also work when having the multi-button mapped to a footswitch?

I don't even use Ableton. I just enjoy the music. You even speak musically when there's a loop in the background.

[@cpiersonk]

excellent.. thank you! build your own RC505

[@josephdi-lenardo6637]

how do i set the metronome to count in before i record i cant hear any metronome at all in the looper but i can in everything else awesome videos

[@FeralPyg]

Great videos. I’ve been watching them and working through them. Thanks for doing this!! Question: what scenarios best suit clip based looping as opposed to using the Looper effect?

[@alexandremathieu731]

I'd love to know as well!

[@SeedtoStage]

I can't answer that question for ya. Each workflow is different. I'm just trying to show both there are definitely advantages and disadvantages to both. Best bet is to try them both out and see what works for you

[@canzino3966]

So I use both clip based and looper effect and I found that the looper effect can catch shorter phrases in between bars. Since the clip based looping is just limited to capture audio within one bar (beats1-4). With the looper effect you catch beat 2 and 3 within that bar. Dunno if that makes sense but Ableton truly is very diverse and awesome! Also this channel is dope!

[@JDNicoll]

Check this out: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@panuwatrakbua5647]

In the part one of this series. Do u use looper fx? Now im so confuse to do a live looping. Thx man.

[@jeremytee2919]

Both parts, So concise sir, You should give lessons on how to do ableton tutorials.

[@foreverallama]

Thanks a ton! I've been able to play around with this thanks to your video! I have a question. I'm trying to record what I do in the looper into my arrangement. But when I check the arrangement view its just blank. So I was using the looper for drums and a synth while trying to play a song live (which also uses some tracks), and I wanted to record all of this. Any idea how I can do this?

[@Jazzmarcel]

Still trying to wrap my head around this live looping! I already have a ik multimedia blueboard wireless foot switch that I've successfully connected to Ableton but, I'm confused as to how I should set up midi mapping and what's the difference between the looper as opposed to the session loop function!😨......I'm impressed with your videos and immediately subbed you! 😎👍🏾

[@JDNicoll]

You might be interested in this looping tool for Ableton. It really simplifies the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@kjellosness896]

So cool! What a great video! But how do I get rid of the latency? I watched the video about recording without latency but that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with this.

[@lrd3721]

(also posted on Seed to Stage) Need help. Here's my current dilemma: I'm a professional performing musician (singer/keyboardist/guitarist), using Ableton Live 8 to play back wave files mostly created in Band in a Box with drums, bass, etc. on separate tracks to sound like a full band. Up until now, each song is a project, played back in the horizontal Arrangement view. The downside is the time between songs, using my mouse on my laptop to go from song to song, choosing next song, saving previous, etc.). I need to create a long dance set for an upcoming wedding Oct. 14 (and future gigs), and want to find a way to eliminate or minimize at least, the transition time between songs, but also to be able to loop a section of each song for jamming and extending the song, if people are dancing and into it. I can loop now using the brackets and loop function within each set, and assigning to my midi controller (Korg Nano Kontrol). I thought about lining up each song in a set, horizontally in arrangement view, as one long project/set, but would be limited to assigning the looping to one section of one song. Heard about Looper, but don’t know how to use it, and it seems like it was meant to be used in the Sessions view (?). Problem with that view is that I need/want to be able to see each section of each song going by in front of me to know when bridges, endings, etc are coming up, which I can do in Arrangement view, but only see little clips in Session view. Also, given the time (less than 3 weeks) need to get set up and rehearse with it to get comfortable, so whatever solution can’t be too complicated. Is there a simple solution? Would I likely need another midi controller? Foot pedal? Will be watching videos to try to get better understanding about Looper, but hoping to expedite my learning by some knowledgeable feedback if possible. Would be very grateful. Also, don’t want to ask for a lot of time consuming free advice, but funds are somewhat limited. best, Larry

[@chrispysaid]

It would be cool if you explained how the routing is set up within Ableton to get everything to your looper effect. Is the Looper on your master bus? Do you only have it set to your acoustic channel? Do you have to route your instrument tracks to a designated Looper track with the effect on it?

[@patrickploenzke489]

I am been try to set the bar length in Ableton a number of different ways and am totally perplexed by this. It seems this should be an easy feature to implement. I don't have a version with Max for live and I am unable to install the third party scripts or apps to set the bar length. I understand that you can set the bar length when you double click on a clip but then how do you record over all ready set up. Hope that makes sense as I am trying to make sense out of this would should be a simple process.

[@CarlitoM77]

Hey dude thx for the tutorials! How do you set the foot controller to erase just a prior overdub?

[@JDNicoll]

I use autohotkey to write the scripts I need + using this looping device: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@SuperFdsfsaf]

hey Seed to stage, awesome video!! I was very lost and was about to give up and I found your video. I just had one question, how do you record all the loops in the order that you made them? I've only figured out how to export the last product with all the loops playing. Thanks!

[@JDNicoll]

Here's a video I made where I share my creative process as one way of answering your question. My solution is: over time develop my instrumental skills enough that I can actually create live, on the fly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4jOpZ2GabKhbrc In that video I'm using a looping device for Ableton that I invented: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@harrisfrankou2368]

sick it goes higher and faster the w30 did that and Jungle was easy

[@brandonsloan5716]

Whats the best way to put your looper clip into a clip slot? Just Drag into the clip slot? Or is there an immediate way?

[@KOPANO]

hi! great video! How do you set the number of bars when recording a clip ?

[@JDNicoll]

This device lets you select the number of bars and then auto punches out: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@SawUp]

Thanks for the video. Nice trick ! However, how do you setup your mappings when having more than 2 loopers on the same track ?

[@apadua2001]

Any solution for this question?

[@JDNicoll]

Check this out: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@foam4123]

hey man, cool tutorial. is there anyway to export the looper overdubbed layers as individual tracks?

[@midnightskate]

In a live setting? I have no idea. In a studio setting, just route the audio from your looper track out to another audio track to resample it.

[@JDNicoll]

With this solution, you can use separate tracks instead of overdubbing: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@wallacenock7423]

Great video, I have a question. I currently run a setup for looping using the following. I have a RC300 loop station a Roland HPD 20 for drums and a GR55 for guitar, i also use just plain acoustic guitar. All my work is live and on the fly. I personally love the setup of a Push2 or a Novation keyboard like yours, however i want to be able to do most of it without touching the mac all the time as this sucks on stage and takes away from the show i feel. Could you recommend a setup that i could be more on the fly as i am now but using Ableton or Push 2. I love the scene function and the way i can be more versatile, but i don't want to be fiddling with a mouse all the time on stage. Also could i make templates for the guitar the drum unit and vocals. Sorry i am new to this

[@SeedtoStage]

One of the fantastic things about Ableton Push or Push 2 is the fact that you can reliably close your computer and put it off to the side because the push can access any of the functions you'd want to do live. However you may want to consider also getting a midi foot controller too like the kmi softstep as it would help you remain hands free. You ca absolutely make templates for all instruments :)

[@JDNicoll]

Use auto punch out devices with an Akai APC controller: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@viviannguyen1173]

How do you deal with latency? I have it down to 4.5ms latency but it gives my singer a lot of trouble in a live setting even with that bit of latency

[@ProBandApp]

Agree - this is the best looper video I've seen. I have a question on setup - you seem to be using the looper standalone (not as an effect on a track) and with no latency. I can't seem to get looper working with monitoring off. Seems I can only record with monitoring on/auto and this introduces unacceptable latency. I see you have none - but how? I am using an iRig HD input device, which works with no latency in other DAWS - i just can't seem to get Abelton's Looper to work. It is un-usable as is... but I'd like to know I'm doing something wrong. Any thoughts? thanks in advance!

[@coconutkoalas8880]

Having the same issue. Did you ever figure it out?

[@JDNicoll]

This may interest you (new looping device for Ableton): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@MrPMOSullivan]

Great! thanks. Can you also set the record length of a clip like looper so I don't have to stop it with a CC? I thought you mention it can be done and say you will explain it in another clip, but I might have misunderstood. I have no hands or feet left to push a switch. I have solderd a cloths peg with a wire connected to the sustain pedal jack input so when I bite it it will send CC64 but my setup requiers me to be able to move around so I want to be wireless. And I drool alot more when drumming

[@JDNicoll]

Here you go: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@MrPMOSullivan]

@@JDNicoll Excellent! The cart on your site requires $25 shipping fee. That doesn't seem right does it?

[@JDNicoll]

@@MrPMOSullivan I sent you an email. You're right there should not be any shipping fee. I've corrected that. Thanks!

[@AshwinBhatia]

is the looper in the audio or midi track? do we need to arm the track? its a little unclear... can there be more clarity on that?feels like ive landed in the middle of a lesson with no clarity on the initial setup ALSO, for some reason the BPM keeps going ro random numbers.. Ive assigned a foot pedal to the record button...what about after that? i hear no sound of what ive recorded

[@SaschaMichelPlus]

been watching all your videos and super helpful. How can I get in touch regarding mentorship?

[@SeedtoStage]

Hey Sascha, im starting to transition from one on one lessons to creating online courses for mixing, mastering, sound design, composition etc. I am almost ready to launch my courses, you can sign up here to be notified when they come out: mailchi.mp/a6892b61ffb2/seedtostage

[@SaschaMichelPlus]

Seed to Stage if can do a one to one session let me know as I have very specific questions mainly about managing levels and workflow

[@JDNicoll]

@@SaschaMichelPlus This may interest you (new looping device for Ableton): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@EEMEEmusic]

Hey mate! Around 3:01 you said one can set fixed clip length - I wanna know how, cause i cant find the info anywhere...

[@hollowmenrule]

Where it says record on looper, click in that and you can change length from one measure to your choice which is the last option on pop up menu

[@LEIDBACKREGGAE]

Anthony! At 3:08 you say you can predetermine the length of a clip, but I have scoured the internet and have not figured out how to set fixed length recording for a single clip in Ableton! The only way I have learned to do this is with the Push 2. Can you explain!? Thanks a million!

[@PhillyMan33]

I can't find it either. I want to set different predetermined lengths for different clips (ie. 4 bars for clip one and 2 bars for clip two). Anyone figure this out?

[@JDNicoll]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@JDNicoll]

@@PhillyMan33 This may interest you (new looping device for Ableton): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@PhillyMan33]

@@JDNicoll That's dope I haven't seen anything like it yet!

[@bartmuz]

Nice - but can I save or edit my looping audio after recording on this?

[@bigfish66789]

Create another audio track and set the input of that track to the track the looper is on. Arm the new audio track and record a clip however long you want.

[@peaterrepeater4441]

just drag it onto an empty clip slot, no need to route inputs and new tracks.

[@JDNicoll]

This may interest you (new looping device for Ableton): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@middle_pickup]

Can you have the loop fade out like a sound on sound looper, or a super long tape delay?

[@JDNicoll]

I use an Akai APC40 MKII along with auto punch out looper for Ableton: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s With that setup, I can put each loop on a seperate track and use the Akai's faders to control the volume of various loops (can also do crossfades). My personal setup is actually a 16 track looper with 8 audio loop tracks and 8 midi loop tracks. I use it every day.

[@ruymijazzer]

allright but, how do i record all the looping process? I mean, how can i can record the complete structure while i am playing each one of my loops? Im used to work with two synthesizers and a maschine studio, and i've had some problems lately. I would be so grateful if you help me with that bro!!!! By the way, your videos are awesome!!! Cheers!

[@SeedtoStage]

Sounds like you should be recording into clips and using a midi controller to navigate scenes as opposed to this workflow.

[@ruymijazzer]

Not exactly, I record loops with ableton looper and I begin with the maschine recording some MIDI drums, and then I record the synths, but i dont use maschine software. In my exported file i hear the maschine all the time, but i hear my synth tracks only one time. Can`t find the way to export the file including all the process :l

[@JDNicoll]

@@ruymijazzer You can use the devices linked below. Then, just press Ableton's "record" button to record your entire process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@stephanosphilippou1300]

Thank you so much for your video. You would be even more helpful if you can answer this for us: I only use loopers. With live instruments and midi. I would like to record the master output like you did to make this video. Resampling seems to impose big issues with arming tracks and is a big nightmare. What do you use to record your master output ?

[@adamverrillo8763]

You say that you can record a set number of bars both with the looper but also with clips... I definitely understand how to do that with looper, but I can't find any kind of similar control just for recording clips. What I've been doing is recording a bunch of blank clips of predetermined length and then overdubbing them but there has to be a better solution...

[@SeedtoStage]

If i was you i would check out ClyphX if my previous video didnt help you with that. ClyphX expands your capability with ableton x 12935691283491824. You can definitely solve pretty much any function you'd like by using dummy clips with Clyphx commands on them.

[@JDNicoll]

Here's the answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@angiebeeler6508]

What preset do you use in your softstep in your softstep editor? Advanced or Basic?

[@angiebeeler6508]

Could you do a video of softstep editor? I am still working through it and there is not a lot out there

[@yomperlikeyours9926]

Do I need a midi pedal with ten (or several) pedals on it?

[@JDNicoll]

I use an Akai APC40 MKII along with this Ableton looping device: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@xaviermccoy6307]

What kind of device is that that you use to control the loop with?

[@JDNicoll]

This may interest you (new looping device for Ableton): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@innershapes]

Can I use the 12 step controler for looping with looper?

[@SeedtoStage]

certainly. You could use any midi controller and just map the desired control to the desired mapping in ableton :)

[@makeitdk]

24/5000 Hi and thanks for your video - I have Ableton Live 10 but i can not finde the looperI have 34/5000 tried searching everywhere you can help ?

[@teachnologic]

Have you checked under audio effects? Organize alphabetically and you should see it there unless you own intro.

[@beeftheheat]

I'm trying to figure out how Elise Trouw does her stuff without a separate foot controller at each station...? she starts and stops/inserts or changes parts/certain things repeat at seemingly different intervals, etc. all while moving to different stations in the room.

[@stringman962]

If you're still searching, loopop did a pretty great video on how to loop hands free: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2fOmYuFgq-Dn7s

[@JDNicoll]

This may interest you (new looping device for Ableton): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSoqWijiZJli7s

[@beeftheheat]

@@stringman962 Thanks. don't know how i missed your response. will definitely check that out.

[@beeftheheat]

@@JDNicoll Thanks!

[@lando7704]

how do you control how long the clip recording length is?

[@SeedtoStage]

hit play at the end of your riff. It automatically sets the length then ;)

[@PhillyMan33]

@@SeedtoStage But how do you predetermine that length? Saving you from having to push another button after starting the recording.

[@s.s.musicproduction5440]

Do you not have a hindi tutorial

[@0xXxAllAxXx0]

i can´t find this looper ? How can i open it ? I only have the lite version of ableton is this a problem ?

[@snipestyl]

The looper is in the effects section

[@yoshimidsumusic8239]

The Looper FX doesn't come with Lite. Sorry man :-(

[@blamercury]

No it’s cannot quantized until we stop and play whatwe recorded

[@coconutkoalas8880]

i cant seem to get looper to work like this for me.. theres always a slight delay which makes the loops unusable. does anyone else have this issue?

[@SeedtoStage]

it sounds like you should check to see how high your buffer size is. Also if youre recording through the looper instead of direct monitoring your instrument, the latency inherent in your system is going to be imparted on the track.

[@lucaswilliams3920]

i didnt know post malone had a brother

[@halfmanhalfcat1058]

Just tried it out, and the quantize button doesn't actually QUANTIZE. Soooo dissapointed. What's the point of that, I thought it would quantize and it seems to just change the lead in time till it starts and stops recording... Crapppp

[@chungwahcancion7870]

the part that you said was straightforward was not lol

[@entrailprincess4222]

I watched the entire video waiting for you to go over the "input->output", but then you didn't

[@andrewh2000]

Try at 06:30

[@ImplosiveCatt]

For what it does, "feedback" is a rather misleading term.