There is an effect in Live that you can drop into a MIDI track called the MIDI arpeggiator effect. This is a good tip for those of us who like to come up with rhythmic melodic lines quickly.
However, sometimes we would like to alter some notes from the arpeggiated melody. This is where I learned this tip. By using this program, you will be able to record the output of the arpeggiator and edit it to your liking in midi format.
Here is an audio example made using Live’s Arpeggiator and NI Massive to demonstrate the power of Live’s Arpeggiator:
Contents
Step 1 – Open the Arpeggiator
The first thing you need to do is open the Live Device Browser and select “MIDI Effects”.
Next, select “Arpeggiator” and drag a preset from the Arpeggiator category into a new midi channel. Name this channel “Arpeggiator” using the Return key (Ctrl R on PCs, Cmd R on Macs)
Step 2 – Open Your VST Plugin of Choice
As the second step, you will need to drag a VST/AU plugin of your choice to the MIDI channel alongside the MIDI arpeggiator in the Plug-in Device Browser. I recommend Xfer’s Serum plugin, which has a dynamic analog waveform for a rich, punchy sound.
Step 3 – Record The Output of The Arpeggiator
To record the output of the arpeggiator, use a recording button in the Captured Arp session channel to click the record button in the Captured Arp session channel when you are ready to begin recording the arpeggiator output.
When you are ready to record, arm the arpeggiator track and begin playing notes to feed the MIDI arpeggiator. If the Computer Midi Keyboard button in the upper right corner of the application is on, you can use your computer’s keyboard as a MIDI keyboard.
To stop the recording after you have finished playing the song, click the red play button at the bottom of your screen.
Step Four – Create Your MIDI Channel
The fourth step is to create a new MIDI channel. I have named it “Captured Arp”. This channel will be used to record the output of the arpeggiator. In the “Midi From” field, change “1 – Arpeggiator” to “1 – Arpeggiator” (channel 1).
As you play the arpeggiated clip you just recorded, click on the record button in a blank clip in the new midi channel as the arpeggiated clip plays. Click again when you are finished to stop recording.
Afterward, you will see a MIDI clip with the notes that were played by the arpeggiator, which can easily be edited by double-clicking on it. You then click the “Fold” button to view only those notes that were played by the arpeggiator.
There would be no difference in the sound regardless of where you move the notes since it will always move in the scale that you were playing at the time. I recommend using the arrow keys to move midi notes around as it will sound good no matter where you move them.
