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J. Anthony Allen

Welcome to Ableton Live 12 - the ultimate DAW for music production, songwriting, composition, film scoring, game audio, and more. In this short class, you'll learn about the newest music production tools & techniques found in this version of Live.

Why Learn from Me?

I have over a decade of experience teaching Ableton Live to aspiring creators. I know exactly what it takes to help you master this versatile platform. By the end of this series, you'll be amazed at your newfound abilities.

Read more

Welcome to Ableton Live 12 - the ultimate DAW for music production, songwriting, composition, film scoring, game audio, and more. In this short class, you'll learn about the newest music production tools & techniques found in this version of Live.

Why Learn from Me?

I have over a decade of experience teaching Ableton Live to aspiring creators. I know exactly what it takes to help you master this versatile platform. By the end of this series, you'll be amazed at your newfound abilities.

Tailored for individuals with prior Ableton Live experience, this class serves as a "prequel" to the comprehensive 6-part Ultimate Ableton Live 12 series.

In this class, we will cover new features such as...

  • the Interface: a new mixer layout, detail view improvements, and more

  • the Browser: Tags and Search History to make Live a robust sample librarian

  • the new Roar effect

  • the new Meld instrument

  • the new Granulator III instrument

  • new "key aware" features throughout the whole program

  • alternative tuning systems, and the incredible power of this new feature

  • MIDI modification tools

  • MIDI generators: let Live make music for you.

  • new accessibility features for visually impaired users

Ableton Live 12 opens up a world of possibilities for your music production journey. Enroll now to join our vibrant community and take your skills to new heights. Jason Allen, a renowned instructor and mentor to over 1 million students, is committed to your success. Receive personalized guidance with 100% of questions answered by Jason himself.

Jason Allen, renowned instructor and mentor to over 1 million students, is committed to your success. As an active participant in the course, he personally answers 100% of the questions posted, ensuring you receive the guidance and support you need.

Enroll now to embark on this exciting musical adventure with us.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The new features of live 12, including interface, instruments, and effects.
  • The roar effect
  • The meld instrument
  • The new generative midi tools in live
  • Much, much, more!

Syllabus

Welcome to Ableton Live 12!
Introduction
What is an Ableton Certified Trainer?
What we will cover in this class
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the new Roar effect, which can add saturation, warmth, and complex textures to audio, expanding sound design possibilities
Features the Meld instrument, which uses two oscillators with a wide range of modulation options, enabling the creation of evolving sounds
Covers Granulator III, a granular synthesizer that allows for intricate manipulation of samples, useful for creating unique soundscapes
Examines MIDI modification tools, which provide ways to manipulate MIDI data, such as stretching, humanizing, and adding ornamentation
Discusses the new generative MIDI tools, which can automatically generate musical ideas, potentially speeding up the composition process
Requires prior experience with Ableton Live, so learners new to the platform may need to seek introductory resources first

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Reviews summary

Quick guide to live 12 features

According to learners, this course is a largely positive and clear overview of the new features in Ableton Live 12. Students particularly appreciate the instructor's ability to make learning complex topics easy and fun, especially the detailed explanations of the new MIDI tools, generative features, the updated mixer layout, and browser improvements. While the course is highly effective for quickly getting up to speed with the updates, some learners felt it could benefit from more in-depth coverage and practical examples for integrating the new tools into production workflows, suggesting it functions best as an introduction rather than a comprehensive deep dive. Overall, it's seen as a highly recommended resource for existing Live users upgrading to version 12.
Covers major additions like MIDI tools and interface.
"...helped me quickly understand what's new in Live 12, especially the MIDI tools and generative features."
"...explanations of the new mixer view and browser tags were particularly helpful."
"The MIDI transformations and generators section was mind-blowing and well explained."
Provides a solid look at Live 12's new tools.
"Excellent overview of the new features!"
"Solid course for existing Live users. perfect for getting a handle on the major changes..."
"Very informative and straight to the point. Jason quickly gets to the core of each new feature."
Explanations are clear and easy to follow.
"Jason Allen is clear and concise, explaining everything thoroughly."
"Jason makes learning the new Live 12 features easy and fun."
"Jason's teaching style is superb. He breaks down complex features... into easily digestible lessons."
Certain topics could use more detailed explanation.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, particularly the tuning systems section."
"Wish there were more examples of the alternative tuning systems in action..."
Needs more advanced or practical examples.
"Okay course. It highlights the features but doesn't go deep enough for me."
"...felt it lacked practical examples for real-world music production."
"Good for a quick look but not comprehensive."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ableton Certified Training: What's New in Live 12 with these activities:
Review MIDI fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of MIDI concepts to better grasp the new MIDI transformations and generators in Ableton Live 12.
Show steps
  • Study the basics of MIDI notes, velocity, and CC messages.
  • Practice editing MIDI data in a DAW.
  • Experiment with different MIDI effects.
Read 'Ableton Live 11 Power!: Comprehensive Guide'
Build a strong foundation in Ableton Live to better understand and utilize the new features in Live 12.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Follow along with the examples in Ableton Live.
Read 'Composing Music with Ableton Live'
Gain a deeper understanding of Ableton Live's capabilities to better utilize the new features introduced in version 12.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Try out the techniques described in Ableton Live.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Watch tutorials on Roar
Learn advanced techniques for using the Roar effect by watching online tutorials and experimenting with different settings.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on Roar.
  • Follow along with the tutorials in Ableton Live.
  • Experiment with different settings.
Experiment with Granulator III
Master the Granulator III instrument through hands-on experimentation to unlock its creative potential.
Show steps
  • Load different samples into Granulator III.
  • Adjust the various parameters to create different textures.
  • Record your experiments and analyze the results.
Create a demo track using Meld
Solidify your understanding of the Meld instrument by creating a short demo track showcasing its unique sound design capabilities.
Show steps
  • Design a sound using Meld.
  • Write a short musical phrase or melody.
  • Arrange and mix the track.
Design a custom tuning system
Explore the new alternative tuning systems feature by designing and implementing your own custom tuning system in Ableton Live 12.
Show steps
  • Research different tuning systems.
  • Create a custom tuning system in Ableton Live.
  • Experiment with different instruments and melodies.

Career center

Learners who complete Ableton Certified Training: What's New in Live 12 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Electronic Musician
An Electronic Musician creates original music using electronic instruments, including synthesizers, samplers, and computers. They often use a digital audio workstation, so this course in Ableton Live 12 is a direct fit. The course covers a wide range of new features that electronic musicians may utilize. The Roar effect, the Meld instrument, and the Granulator III, each expand the palette for electronic musicians. Additionally, the new MIDI tools for modification and generation, including non-western tuning systems, expands creative options. Electronic musicians will benefit from the course by expanding their options for creating unique sounds. This class will help electronic musicians stay abreast of the newest developments in Ableton Live.
Music Producer
A Music Producer is responsible for overseeing the creation of musical recordings and performances. They make creative and technical decisions, shaping the overall sound of a project. This role involves using digital audio workstations such as Ableton Live, and this course on new features in Ableton Live 12 directly enhances a producer's abilities. The course covers improvements to the interface, introduces new sound design tools like the Roar effect and the Meld and Granulator III instruments, and explores music generation tools. A music producer should take this course to stay up to date with new tools and techniques within Ableton Live, and gain creative ideas to use in production.
Sound Designer
Sound Designers are responsible for creating the sonic elements of various media such as films, video games, and musical performances. They employ many techniques, including digital audio workstation software such as Ableton Live. This course focusing on Ableton Live 12's new features directly benefits sound designers. The course introduces the Roar effect, Meld instrument, and Granulator III, which are all highly useful for sound design. The course also covers new MIDI tools, and alternative tuning systems, each of which increases a designer's options. Mastering these new tools helps sound designers broaden their sonic palettes. This course may be especially useful for sound designers who wish to use advanced techniques and stay on the cutting edge of software.
Remix Artist
Remix Artists take existing songs and transform them into new interpretations. They use different kinds of software, including digital audio workstation software such as Ableton Live. This course in Ableton Live 12's newest features is directly relevant to remix artists. The effects, instruments, and MIDI tools covered in the course each help remix artists create unique interpretations of existing audio. This course may be particularly useful for creating original sounds or modifying existing ones. By learning new techniques, a remix artist may expand their creative possibilities.
Film Composer
Film Composers write original music for motion pictures, working to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of a film. A film composer must be fluent in digital audio workstations, such as Ableton Live. This course introduces new capabilities within Ableton Live 12, directly applicable to film scoring. The course teaches new instruments like Meld and Granulator III, as well as new effects like Roar, all of which expand the palette of a film composer. The course also provides new ways to generate or modify MIDI, as well as alternative tuning systems, all of which are valuable tools for film composition. This course may be particularly useful for composing music that is unique and modern.
Game Audio Designer
Game Audio Designers create and implement the soundscapes for video games. Their work includes sound effects, ambient audio, and music composition. A familiarity with digital audio workstations such as Ableton Live is required for game audio design. This course, which features a deep dive into new capabilities in Live 12, will improve a designer's efficiency. The course provides instruction on new instruments and effects, expanding the sonic possibilities of a game. The MIDI modification and generation tools covered in the course increase the speed and flexibility of a game audio designer. This course will help game audio designers stay current with the latest advances in their field.
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers are involved in the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering audio. Working with a digital audio workstation such as Ableton Live is often a major part of the role. This course on the new features of Ableton Live 12 will be immediately useful for audio engineers. The course discusses interface improvements and workflow options, which will improve efficiency. New effects and instruments, such as Roar and Meld, will help them work with and manipulate sounds. This course may be useful for audio engineers who wish to work in a modern workflow. It provides tools to create, edit, and manipulate sounds more efficiently.
Songwriter
Songwriters create original songs, including the lyrics and melody. Many songwriters utilize digital audio workstations, such as Ableton Live, to assist with their creative process. This course is useful, as it introduces the latest features of Ableton Live 12. The new MIDI tools for generation and modification, and additional instruments and effects, will help a songwriter create new ideas. The alternative tuning systems covered in the course can add depth to creative songwriting. A songwriter should take this course to integrate new techniques into the songwriting workflow. It will expand the options for arrangement and production for their compositions.
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music to students of all ages. Music educators often utilize digital audio workstations such as Ableton Live to teach music production technique. This course will help a music educator stay current on the latest features of Ableton Live 12, including the new instruments, effects, MIDI tools, and interface changes. They may use this information to pass on to their students. Music educators may find the new accessibility features of the software particularly helpful. This course provides new skills and knowledge for music educators to share in their classrooms.
DJ
A DJ mixes and blends music for live audiences. While this role often involves performing live, it can also involve editing and producing tracks. This course is useful, as it provides an opportunity to learn the latest features of Ableton Live 12. This software is a powerful tool for producing tracks, making unique edits, and creating live sets. The MIDI manipulation and generation tools are highly useful for DJs. The course will enhance your abilities with the latest features of this software. This course may be beneficial to DJs who are also interested in music production.
Content Creator
A Content Creator produces a range of media, often video or audio, for platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts. A content creator who focuses on music, sound design, or audio production will find this course on Ableton Live 12 particularly useful. By learning new tools and techniques for music production, they can create original content that is engaging and professional. This course will give content creators an edge, as it covers workflow improvement, and new instruments and effects. This course has the potential to improve the sound quality and creative content of videos or audio material produced by content creators.
Audio Editor
Audio Editors are responsible for cleaning up and preparing audio files for different kinds of media. They use software including digital audio workstations, and this course in Ableton Live 12 may be valuable. While the course emphasizes creative uses of the software, it also covers many workflow improvements, and many editing tools. For example, the new interface offers a more efficient workflow. It also introduces new tools for manipulating MIDI and audio. The new features of Live 12 covered may increase the speed and efficiency of an audio editor. This course may help improve a workflow and increase options.
Multimedia Artist
A Multimedia Artist creates art that incorporates multiple forms of media. This can include video, audio, animation, and interactive elements. Multimedia artists who work with audio may find this course on Ableton Live 12 suitable. The new capabilities of Ableton Live may be used to create unique and innovative audio elements for their work. The new instruments, effects, and MIDI tools directly enhance the kind of work a multimedia artist might do. This course may be beneficial for multimedia artists who are looking to expand the sonic aspects of their artwork.
Orchestrator
Orchestrators arrange musical compositions for orchestras or other large ensembles. Many orchestrators utilize digital audio workstations like Ableton Live to create their scores. This course on the new features of Ableton Live 12 may help create scores, especially those with an unusual or modern sound. The course covers alternative tuning systems and new MIDI tools, each of which may lead to creative options. This course may offer new ways to create and enhance orchestrations, particularly when working with more experimental sonic tools. An orchestrator should take this course to expand their options.
Podcast Producer
Podcast Producers handle the technical and creative aspects of podcast creation. They often are involved with editing and sound design, and may use digital audio workstations such as Ableton Live. This course may be beneficial to podcast producers. While the course is mainly focused on creative music production, it also includes many new features of Ableton Live that can improve a podcast producer's workflow. The new accessibility features also may make audio editing more efficient. This course may be helpful for podcast producers looking to create a professional sound.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ableton Certified Training: What's New in Live 12.
Provides a comprehensive guide to composing music using Ableton Live. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic music theory to advanced production techniques. While not specific to Live 12's new features, it offers a solid foundation for understanding how to use the software creatively. It is particularly useful for those new to Ableton Live or those looking to improve their overall music production skills.
Comprehensive guide to Ableton Live 11. While it doesn't cover the new features of Live 12, it provides a solid foundation in the core concepts and workflows of Ableton Live. It is particularly useful for users who are new to Ableton Live or who want to deepen their understanding of the software's fundamentals. Use this book to build a strong base of knowledge that will help you learn the new features of Live 12 more easily.

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