How to Load WAV Sounds in Ableton
The Ableton Live digital audio workstation also functions as a WAV audio editor. Most audio samples in, for example, drum sample packs, use the WAV format. Load the samples into Ableton to start using them in your own productions. Once you’ve loaded a WAV file into the program, you can crop it, split it, reverse it, transpose it and even slice it into a MIDI track.
Double-click the Ableton Live desktop icon to open the digital audio workstation.
Click on one of the folder icons on the far-left side of the program window to open the Ableton browser panel. Navigate to the directory in which the WAV file you want to load is saved.
Click, drag and drop the WAV file from the browser panel onto the mixer track labeled «1 Audio» to load it into Ableton.
Repeat the process for any other WAV sounds you want to use. If you want to put each WAV on its own track, press «Ctrl» and «T» together to add a new audio track, then drop the second WAV onto this new track. If you want to put all the WAVs on the same track, drop the second WAV into the slot directly beneath the first WAV.
Click the «RAM» button in the WAV’s «Sample» section to load it into RAM. You can also drag and drop WAVs from Windows Explorer directly into Ableton audio tracks.
Warnings
Only use royalty-free or appropriately-licensed samples in your productions.
[GUIDE] Как изменить пути и названия файлов в проекте (1 онлайн
Успешно поменял пути и названия файлов (из *.wav в *.ogg) в ALS-проекте.
Может кому-нибудь пригодиться.
Чтобы иметь возможность работать над *.als файлом, нужно его разархивировать с помощью GZIP, получим обычный XML-файл:
Если откроем полученный файл в Notepad++ то увидим следующие интересующие параметры из <FileRef>
<RelativePath>
Описание относительного пути. Папки перечисляются через RelativePathElement Dir, таких параметров может быть несколько, в зависимости от количества папок до конечного файла.
Например если файл лежит в пути X:/FREEMUSIC/unsort2/11A — Tokalosh — Darling.mp3
то RelativePath будет следующий:
Здесь указан точный путь: D:\!FREEMUSIC\!unsort2\11A — Tokalosh — Darling.mp3
И это еще не все:
Важный параметр <Data> без которого ничего не получится:
Gavruseff
Active Member
mindcube
Well-Known Member
@Gavruseff, применений на самом деле масса.
В моем случае, в одном из проектов использовались дорожки в WAV-формате, я их перекодировал в *.FLAC и *.OGG для экономии места.
Естественно при открытии проекта Ableton "потерял" все WAV-файлы. Вручную искать и подкидывать сотни Flac-файлов не представляется возможным.
Чтобы восстановить проект с новыми сэмплами, оказалось достаточно заменить названия файлов в указанных мною XML-параметрах.
Также не стоит забывать о *.asd-файлах, в которых хранятся Warp-маркеры и прочая инфа, их тоже нужно переименовывать в соответствии с вашим форматом.
Например, если был AudioTest.wav.asd, то в случае с FLAC будет AudioTest.flac.asd
Еще возможен такой кейс:
Проект сохраненный под Windows (без фишки Collect All and Save), при открытии в Mac OS может потерять сэмплы из-за различия путей в разных системах (или наоборот Mac > Win).
Ableton Forum
Hello everyone! I have a problem that I suppose this is the best place to post it! I just purchased Ableton Live 8 and I am satisfied. It is not so dificult like other music softwares and has great potentials!
However, I do not find HOW TO LOAD .wav files that I have purchased in a CD Format that includes .wav samples!
CD-ROM Features 555 Megabytes of WAV sample content:
336 Loops At 128 Bpm
425 Kick Drums
229 Clap Sounds
1500+ Percussive Sounds
322 Hihats,
158 Snare Drums
100+ Cymbal And Cymbal — Effect Sounds
227 Synth/tonal Sounds
P.S. I would prefer to show me the exact steps because I am a bit rookie in Ableton and I would like to know if there is a way to keep this samples into the program and not copy paste in the boxes of softwares from the CD ROM!
Please Help!
Thank you in advance and Greetings, Jerry.
Re: How to load .wav samples in Ableton 8?
Post by buzby » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:23 pm
welcome to the forum
you should be able to drag and drop wav files — and other music files ie mp3 aiff etc — directly into ableton
first move the files from the cd onto your computer and then from there drag and drop either from the folder or by navigating through the live browser on the left of the ableton screen view — click on the arrow below the «tap» button on the top left of the session or arrangement view — or use alt-cmd-b (for mac) as a keyboard shortcut to open or close this
might be a good idea for you to list what platform or equipment you are using so that people can see if they can help
hope this is what you need
Re: How to load .wav samples in Ableton 8?
Post by moinsestplus » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:40 pm
buzby wrote: hey man
welcome to the forum
you should be able to drag and drop wav files — and other music files ie mp3 aiff etc — directly into ableton
first move the files from the cd onto your computer and then from there drag and drop either from the folder or by navigating through the live browser on the left of the ableton screen view — click on the arrow below the «tap» button on the top left of the session or arrangement view — or use alt-cmd-b (for mac) as a keyboard shortcut to open or close this
might be a good idea for you to list what platform or equipment you are using so that people can see if they can help
hope this is what you need
Re: How to load .wav samples in Ableton 8?
Post by buzby » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:53 pm
errr not sure im quite getting what you mean
if you want to import the files to your library then
— load them into an ableton set
— then go into «file» at the top of the screen and choose «manage files» from the drop down menu
— on the right of the screen a side column will open which reads file management
— then click onto manage project
— then there is an export button at the button of the list of choices
this will put the samples into your live library . is this what you mean ?
about the equipment list — just a suggestion — but if you write these details into your signature on your abe profile then it is a lot easier for people to see if they can help you and also you dont have to keep writing what your set up is
How to Add Sample Packs to Ableton
One of the greatest facets of Ableton is the program’s unique ability to utilize samples in various creative ways. Whether you’re making old-school hip-hop tracks and chopping up samples of soul artists or writing Lo-Fi beats and sampling downtempo one shots and rain sounds, Ableton allows you to manipulate samples in every creative way imaginable.
You can take samples of symphonic chord progressions, reverse them, pitch them up an octave, and double their tempo. All of a sudden, you have something completely new. You can take a sample of a wine bottle being broken on pavement, add a few mixing effects, and layer it underneath a snare in your drum beat, adding unique foley textures. You can take a vocal sample from a Classical Indian composition, chop up phrases of the vocal run, pitch each clip to a different note, and then create a melodic percussion loop out of it. The possibilities are endless.
But for Ableton producers who are not familiar with the art of sampling, you may be wondering where to begin. For us, it starts with downloading a quality sample pack, and from there, simply digging in. But first, let’s get into the basics of downloading samples and plugging them into your DAW. It’s much simpler than it seems; we promise.
Importing Audio in Ableton Live
While Ableton has a large built-in library of sounds and samples that come with the DAW, it’s only natural that producers will seek out their own desired samples and sounds. In order to import the audio, you can do the following:
- Use the menu bar . Head to “Create,” then select “Import Audio File”
- Locate the audio you’re looking to import and select it.
This is the most straightforward way of importing audio, but it is also time consuming because you can only select one file at a time, and you have to sift through your library each time to find the audio file.
How to Add Audio Files to Ableton
An easier method is directly adding audio files into Ableton by simply just dragging and dropping. If you have your audio file already open in your Finder, simply open up Ableton alongside it, and drag the file into a new audio track. You can select multiple files, as well. If you want multiple sounds on one track, simply drag then drop.
But if you want them separated into individual audio tracks, simply hold the command key, and the files will load into separate audio tracks. This is the method you want to use if you’re loading multiple stems into a new Ableton track.
For example, let’s say you’re preparing to remix a song and you have just downloaded the stems. Head to the folder with the stems, highlight each audio file, then drag them into Ableton. When you’re dragging the files, hold the command key, and Ableton will automatically place them into different audio tracks. Then, you have the whole track laid out in front of you like a mixing board, and you will be free to begin experimenting and creating your remix.
How to Add Sample Packs to Ableton
Now that we’ve discussed adding audio files directly into Ableton, we want to look at building your library. For producers, their sample library is everything. It’s where they go to create their drums, feature samples, load loops, etc. It’s the kitchen pantry or the fridge for the chef. Having a powerful sample library is absolutely imperative for a modern producer looking to make sample-based music. There are multiple ways to create a library of samples, but the simplest is to start with a high quality, mix-ready sample pack.
If you’re looking to level up your beat making, we suggest downloading a sample pack in the style of your music. For example, if you produce Lo-Fi music, we would recommend downloading Samplified’s Lo-Fi & Chill Pack. Let’s breakdown of how you would add the pack into Ableton:
- First, create a folder and title it “Samples”.
- Download the Lo-Fi & Chill pack from Samplified and put it in the “Samples” folder.
- On the left hand menu in Ableton, under Places, select “Add Folder”.
- Open the “Samples” folder and add it to your Ableton library, which will contain the Samplified Lo-Fi & Chill folder.
- From there, you have access to the entire sample pack, and can pick & choose accordingly which sounds to load in your Ableton set.
- Another option is to simply drag and drop the “Samples” folder to the column under Places. You could also just add the pack directly on its own, but the downside to this is that if you add too many folders under the Places column, it can get disorganized fast. Pro-tip: organization is key when it comes to samples. This is why we recommend making a “Samples” folder for all of your packs to live in.
If you’re downloading free sample packs from the internet, there is a high likelihood that a substantial portion of each pack might be unusable for your music, either because the quality is too poor or it stylistically makes no sense for your work. In these scenarios, while it may be tempting to take a “more the merrier” approach, we recommend going into your sample library and deleting the ones you are confident you will never use—or, at the very least, put them in a separate folder that indicates they are back burner samples. This will not only free up space in your Ableton sample library, but it will expedite your workflow and allow you to spend less time scrolling through samples in order to find the ones that you like.
The best advice we can give is to stick with high quality, mix-ready sample packs that support the style of music you aspire to create. Don’t download every free pack under the sun and bloat your library with samples you will never use. Prioritize the samples and sounds that work best for you and your creative process. Obviously you will want to have a variety of options in order not to sound repetitive, but don’t hoard samples just because you can. A strong workflow is integral to making good beats, and anything that slows down that workflow is a hurdle for your music.
How to Install Ableton Packs
One of the great features of Ableton is its Live Packs, which are supplementary content packs made specifically for Ableton. They consist of Live Sets, audio clips, samples, presets, and extra documents. They have a vast array of MIDI instruments, samples, and more that will give you plenty of creative ammunition to write and produce. And while many cost money, Ableton has a wide variety of free packs that can help take your sound to a whole new level. Here is how to install an Ableton pack:
- Once you find a pack you’re interested in, download it to your computer library.
- From there, go into Ableton, go to the “File” dropdown on the menu bar at the top, and select “Install Pack.”
- Then, locate the pack you downloaded in your library and select it. Ableton will then process all of the components in the pack and will bring you to the pack.
- On the left hand side, you can scroll through your pack, previewing different sounds.
- Once you land on one you’re interested in, simply drag and drop to your Ableton session.
These packs don’t work like a normal sample pack. While they do contain samples, it’s more than just a bunch of .WAV files. They have MIDI instruments and demo songs and audio effects. So, be sure to pay attention to everything included in the pack to really get the most out of them.
Using Third Party Sounds in Ableton
While Ableton’s own packs, samples, and software instruments are of very high quality, most Ableton producers use a variety of third-party sounds. One of our favorites is Serum by Xfer records, which is a popular and versatile synth plug-in. Several Samplified packs feature custom Serum Presets designed for unique instrumentation. We’ll use Serum as an example of how to use a third-party sound in Ableton.
- Download the Serum VST Plug-In.
- Install the Plug-In to your VST folder, which is typically located in Library > Audio > Plug-Ins > VST.
- In Ableton, go to Preferences. Click on the “Plug-Ins” tab on the left, and at the top, select “Rescan Plug-Ins.” From there, Ableton will automatically locate the Serum Plug-In, and add it to your Ableton Library.
- Go to “Plug-Ins” under categories on the left hand side and open Serum.
This process will be the same for adding all VST Plugins into your Ableton library. There are also Audio Unit Plug-Ins that will go through a similar process, except you will place them in the Components folder instead of the VST folder within your computer audio library. Plug-Ins and third party Ableton packs are great resources for enhancing your sound, experimenting with different effects, and adding new dynamics into your music.
The main tip we would like to impart when adding samples, packs, plug-ins, etc. to your Ableton is take your time. Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t download everything you can find in one fell sweep. Not only will it eat up all of your CPU, it can overwhelm you and add unnecessary strain to your workflow. We recommend relying on professional quality sites that offer top-tier samples, packs, and third party sounds. Find the ones that fit your sound and allow your creativity to flourish.