Control Surface Hacking with Live’s API / July 14th

Taught by: Mark Towers

The student must complete the prerequisite (Build Max for Live devices using Ableton Live's API, Session 1 & 2) before joining the live workshop of Control Surface Hacking with Live’s API.

In this workshop you will build your own M4L device that integrates with and hacks the Novation Launchpad. This workshop aims to develop your skills and understanding of Ableton Live’s API and how control surfaces can be reprogrammed.

You will explore concepts and techniques associated with Ableton Live’s API and the Live Object Model (LOM) to repurpose an Ableton Live supported control surface into a fully customised and interactive controller for a Max for Live device. Expand your knowledge and use of the Live API and the LOM within the M4L development environment, which can be leveraged by M4L developers to enhance their practice and provide unprecedented control of Live

Level

What you'll learn

Recall LOM/API principles.
Catalog and select a control surface for hacking/takeover.
Analyse available controls and test what data can be sent and received.
Create a device that takes over a Launchpad and repurposes it as a custom controller for MIDI or effects.
Customise colours and interactive features of control surface.

Course content

Prerequisite sessions before Control Surface Hacking with Live’s API

Prerequisite before joining the live workshop

Build Max for Live devices using Ableton Live's API - Session 1 / Prerequisite

Session 1 file to download
Session 1 presentation slides
Lesson 1 - LOM (Start)
Lesson 2 - LOM Part 1 (Intro to LOM)
Lesson 3 - LOM Part 2 (Object Paths)
Lesson 4 - LOM Part 3 (Getting Properties)
Lesson 5 - LOM Part 4 (Changing Properties)
Lesson 6 - LOM (End)

Build Max for Live devices using Ableton Live's API - Session 2 / Prerequisite

Session 2 download files
Session 2 presentation slides
LOM - Lesson 1 - (Start)
LOM - Lesson 2 - (LOM Recall)
LOM - Lesson 3 - (Observing Live)
LOM - Lesson 4 - (Device Parameters)
LOM - Lesson 5 - (Mapping & Controlling)
LOM - Lesson 6 - (End)

Control Surface Hacking with Live’s API

Presentation - Control Surface Hacking with Live’s API
Launchpad API - session files
Start
Part 1 - Launchpad API
Part 2 - Launchpad CTRL
Part 3 - Launchpad SEQ
Part 4 - Launchpad Examples
End

Membership plan: Going Deeper | Topics: Creative Coding

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Requirements

A computer and internet connection
Ableton Live suite/ with MaxForLive add on

Who is this course for

Advanced Live and Max users
Artists looking to customise their Novation Launchpad
Max users building Max for Live devices
Developers curious about the Live API

Useful links

Download Max | Cycling '74 (cycling74.com)

About the workshop leader

Mark Towers is an Ableton Certified Trainer and a lecturer in music technology at Leicester College. He specialises in Max for Live, as well as working with Isotonik Studios to create unique and creative devices for music production and performance such as the Arcade Series.