Few Ableton Stock Devices

"After years of getting more and more plugins I finally figured out those two things:

1. Truly unique plugins are RARE. New plugins are to solve yet another "major problem", but the truth is that there's already a tool that takes care of that.
2. ...thats why if you just want to get things done and have fun with producing - USE STOCK PLUGINS. Sure, they won't replace that "analog character" but just like with third party plugins - stock Ableton devices are getting better and better"

Credit: @Zdrewe on YouTube

Intro

• Key idea: Ableton stock devices can replace most third-party plugins for mixing and sound design tasks.
• Process / settings: Use built-in devices like Envelope Follower, Saturator, Glue Compressor, Hybrid Reverb, and Roar instead of expensive plugins.
• Result: Professional mixing results without additional plugin investments.
• Notes: Requires Ableton Live 12 for Roar device.

00:00 → 00:35

Cutting Frequencies - Sidechain with Envelope Follower

• Key idea: Create dynamic frequency ducking on bass using Envelope Follower instead of purchasing sidechain plugins like Trackspacer or Fuser.
• Process / settings:
  • Place Envelope Follower on kick track
  • Identify clashing frequencies using spectrum analyzer (in example: 74 Hz kick peak)
  • Add EQ8 band at the clashing frequency on bass channel
  • Map Envelope Follower to EQ gain via modulation (M button)
  • Set modulation range from 50% (flat) to 0 (full cut)
  • Adjust Q factor and bandwidth to taste
• Result: Bass automatically ducks at kick frequencies when kick hits, maintaining low-end clarity without permanent frequency cuts.
• Notes: Superior to regular sidechain compression which can lose low-end. Alternative: use standard sidechain compression if dynamic EQ is too complex.

00:35 → 02:02

Sub Boom - Bass Enhancement

• Key idea: Use Ableton's built-in Sub Boom device instead of third-party sub enhancers like RBass.
• Process / settings:
  • Add Sub Boom device to bass channel
  • Adjust dry/wet knob to control effect amount
  • Tune to song key (example: G#)
  • Control tone brightness parameter
  • Adjust pitch/size parameter for sub frequency range
  • Modify decay time of the sub tail
• Result: Enhanced sub-bass presence with tonal control and proper key tuning.
• Notes: Sub Boom offers brightness, pitch, and decay controls for precise sub shaping.

02:02 → 02:59

Compressor - Parallel Compression Technique

• Key idea: Ableton's Glue Compressor excels at parallel compression with proper attack control for drum processing.
• Process / settings:
  • Use basic compressor for standard compression tasks
  • Use Glue Compressor specifically for parallel drum compression
  • Control transient response via attack knob
  • Slower attack preserves more transients
  • Faster attack removes transients
  • Avoid blindly slamming threshold to maximum
• Result: Controlled, punchy drums with preserved or shaped transients depending on attack setting.
• Notes: Attack time is the key parameter for controlling drum character in parallel compression. Don't just slam threshold and hope for good results.

02:59 → 04:06

Roar - Multiband Waveshaping

• Key idea: Roar is Ableton Live 12's built-in multiband waveshaper, replacing expensive saturation plugins like Saturn.
• Process / settings:
  • Access via stock Ableton preset called "Ott" (don't use third-party Ott plugin)
  • Choose from multiple waveshaper algorithms (example: Fractal, Style Clipper, Soft Sign)
  • Enable multiband mode with three bands: low, mid, high
  • Apply different shapers to each band independently
  • Two crossover points for band separation
  • Access modulation via mod sources: 2 LFOs, envelope follower, noise modulator
  • Modulate parameters via modulation matrix
• Result: Complex harmonic shaping with independent frequency band processing and dynamic modulation capabilities.
• Notes: Exclusive to Live 12. Crossover flexibility is limited to two points. Full modulation matrix available for creative sound design. Alternative to spending $130 on saturation plugins.

04:06 → 05:43

Clipper - Saturator as Soft Clipper

• Key idea: Use Saturator with soft clip engaged as a clipper for transient shaping and loudness.
• Process / settings:
  • Add Saturator device
  • Enable soft clip button
  • Drive the input signal
  • Use gain matching via Utility before or makeup gain after
  • Monitor output meter for clipping indication (example: kick peaking at -6 dB)
  • Watch waveform shape change during clipping
• Result: Controlled soft clipping that shapes transients and increases perceived loudness without harsh distortion.
• Notes: Saturator can lean more toward saturation character. For pure clipping, Glue Compressor method may be preferable.

05:43 → 06:22

Glue Compressor - Alternative Soft Clipper

• Key idea: Glue Compressor can function as a transparent soft clipper when compression is disabled.
• Process / settings:
  • Add Glue Compressor
  • Turn range knob down (disables compression)
  • Enable soft clip button
  • Drive signal using Utility before compressor OR use makeup gain on compressor
  • Use Utility after for gain matching
  • Monitor clipping indicator
• Result: Transparent soft clipping with minimal coloration, focusing on transient control and loudness.
• Notes: Cleaner clipping alternative to Saturator method. Watch transient shape changes during clipping.

06:22 → 07:00

Hybrid Reverb - Creative Reverb Design

• Key idea: Hybrid Reverb combines convolution and algorithmic reverb, allowing custom impulse responses from any audio file.
• Process / settings:
  • Load any audio file (example: snare sample) as impulse response in convolution section
  • Adjust blend knob to control convolution vs. algorithmic balance
  • Use size parameter to change pitch of reverb tail
  • Mix in algorithmic reverb section for additional character
  • Create automation curves for reverb parameters (example: reverb throws)
  • Copy and adjust automation points for varied effects
• Result: Unique reverb textures impossible with standard reverbs, with dynamic automation for creative effects.
• Notes: More unique sounds than commonly-used Valhalla reverbs. Can use any WAV file as impulse response. Supports complex automation curves beyond basic reverb throws.

07:00 → 08:41