Controlling Ableton Live with your iPad (Examples and How-to’s)
We’ve ranted and raved about the iPad for a while now (here and here). I’ve been using my iPad for all sorts of things, music and administrative. I get questions all the time from People about what app is the best for controlling Ableton Live with your iPad. I personally really like TouchOSC . I use the Live Control template (which is free!) and use an iKlip from IK Multimedia (review coming!) If you’re not familiar with what Touch OSC can do, or don’t understand how/why you would ever use your iPad to control Ableton Live, check out the Video below, where I demonstrate some of the functions of Touch OSC.
Live Control and TouchOSC combined make for a pretty killer experience when working with Ableton Live. Typically after I share with people my Love of this app combo, and show them what it can do, the next question they have is.. so how do I set it up? It’s not the easiest process in the world, but it’s do-able for everyone. If you’re interested in setting up TouchOSC and Live Control on your iPad then check out the video below where I walk you through the process.
A few things you’ll need before you get started:
Touch OSC for iPad ($4.99)- http://liw.co/touchoscipad
Live Control Template (free)- http://liw.co/livecontrol
Touch OSC Editor for MAC/PC (free)- http://liw.co/touchoscsite
iKlip *this isn’t required, but I really like it to attach my iPad to a Mic Stand* ($37.99)- http://liw.co/ikiklip
If you’re looking for a great-powerful new way to Control Ableton Live, this is an option you should devote some time and thought to! Let us know if you download Touch OSC/Live Control and give it a try!
*Just a heads up, some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money off of your purchase, but all the products I’ve mentioned I really use, and really enjoy. Also for the sake of disclosure, I received a iKlip for review from IK as a part of a Promotion I’m doing with them. That doesn’t diminish the fact I really like the iKlip and actually use it!*
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This is a pretty cool setup. I gave it a try a few months ago and it definitely works. For what I do, I really just needed the ability to launch full sequences, stop, and sometimes arm a midi instrument so that another midi keyboard can be used. I ended up going with Osculator to interface osc and midi notes. This lets me essentially midi assign a custom button in TouchOSC to a particular function in Live. It takes a little more work to create the template, but it allows you to get only what you want and none of the extra stuff you might not use.
Both setups work well, it just depends on what you need it to do!
Ps…I like the videos. Keep ‘em coming!
How does TouchOSC compare to touchABLE?
Hi Will -
I hope all is well. I’d like to begin by saying thanks for providing this incredible resource. I’ve learned a lot from your blogs bro. I am the music director at the Potters House in Dallas Tx. My current rig is Ableton live with the APC 40 with a Maudio 410 interface. Ableton is by far the baddest live software ever!! It has definitely changed the game. I see that you are a certified trainer. I’ve been contacted by Huston Singeltary the Ableton rep about coming to their upcoming training sessions. Could you shed some insight on what to expect or how to prepare for this. I really appreciate it.
Thanks Bro!!!
Great stuff! So I’ve downloaded Live Control and the only 3 items in the dmg were Live Control, Live Control Installer and the Read me Text file. The other Live Control Ipad icons that I saw on your video are not there. Also, the installer looks different than what I saw in the video. I ran it and installed the Live Control but when I open up touch OSC editor and try to import it it’s saying that it’s unavailable. I downloaded the latest version that’s on their website and that might have to with it. Needless to say I’m stuck and need some help. Your on what I should do would be appreciated. Thanks Oscar
Oscar,
Thanks for dropping by the site! I’m downloading the new dmg to see what’s there. I’m due for an updated video to answer some of the most common questions I get. I’ll check it out and let you know what I find out!
Any word? Thanks man
Oscar,
It looks like the template isn’t included with the most recent update. Hopefully the developer will update it shortly. For now I believe if you download the Windows.zip you can find it there.