FAQ & Resources

General Questions

Is there a difference between a click and click track?
A click can be provided by a metronome, app of even a drum machine. It has no end and will not vary in tempo. A click track has both an end the ability to change tempos within that track.
What’s the difference between Loops, Stems, and Tracks?
Loops were some the first additional sound element introduced with clicks or sometimes as an alternative to a click and many times just remains constant. Usually of percussive nature. Although a pad can be used as loop.

Tracks is a term commonly used because of the practice of singing with “tracks”, in this application though Stems are the correct term. Stems are a group or individual tracks with audio effects that have rendered down a single track. For instance there may have been many mics/tracks that were used to recorded and entire string section. But those have been grouped together, mixed, EQed and other audio effects applied and made into a single track.

Do I have to use stems or can I just use a click?
Absolutely this technology is there to serve you, your ministry, your church, and your culture.
Does using a click track or stems make things sound mechanical?
Playing with click tracks is very common skill used in both ter recording industry and the live performance setting. Like anything else it takes practice and time, but in general to the audience no. It just sounds tight.
Do I have to have Loops or Stems to use automation?
Not at all though building that automation is much easier with stems. Again you can mute the stems after the build of automation tracks.
What if I sort of know Ableton?
If you are comfortable building sets already, maybe a better fit for you would be Song Files. Whether it’s building out new songs for a new season of choir or for a program, maybe you just need the resources prepped for you.
Is automating ProPresenter right for me?
That is a great question and one that has a lot of variables which I would consult you on for free. We will discuss your church, culture, tech team, resources, budget, goals, and much more.
What does a site visit include?
These are tailored to meet your needs for you situations, but here are list of options.
– Training band members how to run Ableton Live.
– Training Tech teams how to integrate this technology, operation, and troubleshooting.
– Teaching you and you worship staff more about Ableton.
– Setting up gear. If you want to get into automation of ProPresenter, lights, console and other devices a closed MIDI network is needed. Along side your tech team I can help set up this system as well as recommend gear in advance, and provide training for you and your tech team. This includes detailed signal flow and routing charts.
– Host an Ableton training event for your region. Specifics of an event like this to be worked out.
– Soft synth setups with MainStage, recommend gear, and do some training in Sunday Keys. My recommendation for the most volunteer friendly soft synth template and resource provider.
What version of Ableton Live do you recommend?
To take full advantage of everything Ableton has to offer I always recommend the standard version with the most recent release.
Do I need a Mac or a PC to run Ableton?
While Ableton is windows-friendly I recommend a Mac with the minimum requirements SSD/i7/Dual Core/16 Gig of Memory. In short, get as much you can afford. It will pay for itself.

Product Questions

Will these products be available for download after purchase?

Yes, for everything except GFW Skins which will be mailed.

What if I lose, delete or override my original file?

We suggest saving the original files on an external hard drive, Dropbox, google drive, or a server to avoid this dilemma. If we have records of purchase we will replace these files one time.

What if I mess up my GFW Skins?

As with any normal material, wear and tear is to be expected. If you follow the instruction video you should be fine, but in the rare case that skin tears, for a small replacement cost to cover shipping and the product material we can provide replacements. Pricing will be based on style and number of replacements, plus shipping.

What if I don’t see my controller... Can I still get skins?

Yes but there will be an initial $10 design fee added. What we will need is physical dimensions of your controllers pads, buttons, knobs, or faders.

What if the layout of the functions doesn't suit my needs, can I get a custom template?

Yes for an additional $15 we can rearrange the mappings in the template to fit your needs. We also need the MIDI Notes, MIDI channels and layout of what is where.

Do you have colored knobs and faders?

No, at this point it’s just not practical for us. Here are some resources if you are interested.

https://coolorcaps.com/

https://www.chroma-caps.com/

Can I equest custom additional cues not included in the cues packages?

Yes, you can pricing will be based upon the number of cues, number of voices and if they are live or stock.

What do I need to make Pause work?

This is the one feature that does require Max for Live. If you have Suite you already have this. If you have Standard Max for Live can be purchased. https://www.ableton.com/en/shop/#max-for-live

The actual Pause for Max for Live device can be bought at https://www.jeffcaylor.com/tools/pausebutton for $3.99

Resources

Recommended Audio Interface

iConnectivity Play Audio12 (We do sell iConnectivity Products.)

Recommended MIDI Interface

iConnectivity mioXM or mio XL (We do sell iConnectivity Products.)

MIDI Controllers for Playback

Korg Nano Pad

AKAI LPD8

AKAI LPD 8 Wireless

AKAI MPD218

AKAI MPD226

Novation LaunchPad MK II or Launchpad X

MIDI Controller - Add Ons for Volume control

AKAI APC MIDI MIx

Novation Launch Control XL

Session View only Controllers

AKAI APC MINI

AKAi APC40 MK II

MIDI Controllers to Hit

Alesis  Sample Pad 4 ( minimal Play/Stop & Previous/ Next)

Alesis Sample Pad Pro ( 8 pads perfect for function)

*In my Opinion is that you don’t need a Roland SPDX-S to just trigger Ableton, as an instrument it’s great, but just costly for a MIDI Controller for playback.

MIDI Controllers to Stomp

Line6 FBV 3

MIDI Cables

While most will work fine I recommend ProCo for the rugged and slim metal connector and high quality cables.

MIDI Software and Devices

Bome Software 

Bome MIDI Translator PRO

Bome Box

MIDI monitor from Snoize forComputer

MIDI Wrench for iPad

Network Switches

No POE

Non Managed

No EEE (Green)

NetGear is what we use in building systems

  • Note EEE and POE are quickly becoming an industry standard especially for larger switches. Still aim for these requirements if you can.