Free Ableton Live Pack #72: LaunchPad Push Emulation
Mimic Ableton's Push with this free Instrument Rack
As a result of feeling the hype surrounding Ableton's Push, I thought I'd try to create an instrument rack for my Novation LaunchPad that mimics Push's note mode behavior. With that goal in mind, I created this Free Ableton Live Instrument that allows you to do some cool things with your LaunchPad. As with many experiments, the end result is not exactly where I expected, but it still proves to be a fun instrument.
LaunchPad Push Emulation Ableton Live Pack
This instrument rack has two chains for two separate synths, for use in the LaunchPad's User 1 Mode. Once you add the two instruments (see illustration below), one instrument will occupy the left side of the LaunchPad and the other instrument the right side. This allows you to play two different instruments with each of your hands. I've added separate delays and filters that affect each side independently. Next there is a midi scale plug in that will only let you play notes in the major scale of your choice. Each instrument has its own Pitch control, so you can get the exact notes you want. Finally there's a compressor at the end to help "hold everything together."
Some Helpful Additions
There are two midi tracks in the Ableton Live project. One of them receives Midi from the LaunchPad and sends that Midi back to the LaunchPad. This will cause the LaunchPad to light whenever you press a note. The other Midi track contains a clip that is sending C and G at many octaves to the LaunchPad. The Cs are green and the Gs are red. These are there to help you understand what notes the buttons on your LaunchPad will play. This instrument rack does not have any instruments in it! It will not make sound until you add instruments to it. You can put any Ableton Instrument or 3rd party VST or AU in there. Obviously we can't completely emulate Push on a LaunchPad, but I hope you find this Push inspired instrument fun and enjoyable. Check out the video below for a complete walkthrough of the features.
The Sounds from the Video
If you liked the sounds I used in the video, they can be yours! The sound I used on the left side of the LaunchPad was the AfroDJMac Gibson Pad. It's an instrument I made by sampling my old Gibson acoustic guitar. The second sound, on the right, is part of the AfroDJMac Wind Chimes Synths. This is a beautiful and organic sounding collection of Ableton Live Instrument racks I made by sampling my Wind Chimes. I spent way too much money on some nice wind chimes, and made some pretty cool instruments with them. Below is an EP I made using only samples from the Wind Chimes. The instruments and all of the Live sets I used to create the EP are included in the download.
