Ableton AG is a German company that produces music software programs and equipment. There are many resources that can teach you about the company’s products, how to master them, and how to get started in music production.
Its software can help you become a music producer or audio engineer. Abelton also offers training and ways to connect with other users.
In this article, we will discuss Ableton, its products, and how you can use them to learn music production. Moreover, we will go over courses, training, and other resources you can take advantage of in your quest to become a producer.
What Is Ableton?
Ableton AG was founded in 1999 and has offices all over the world. It designs products that cater to musicians, artists, and sound designers. Its software allows you to compose, edit, perform, and mix audio.
Ableton also has a collection of instrument programs and libraries. The prices of its products vary but free trials are often available. So, look no further than this article if you are browsing platforms to edit and produce music.
Types of Ableton Products
Ableton offers a number of products that both budding and established musicians can use to produce music. Keep reading to learn more about your options.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation that allows you to mix music during a live performance. It also has tools that can be used for composing, recording, mastering, and editing music.
This software includes a library of instruments, sounds, and other creative features you can explore and add to your music. It’s often used by DJ’s for beatmatching and crossfading.
There are three versions of Ableton live: Intro, Standard, and Suite. These three editions share some features but offer a different number of tools.
The Intro edition includes features like Sixteen Macros, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) tracks, and MIDI controller effects. You’ll also get software instruments like drum tracks and Impulse.
But the Standard version has a higher number of tracks, effects, and storage. It includes five software instruments and unlimited MIDI notes and audio tracks. It also provides access to features like multi-track comping, audio-slicing, and REX file support.
The 10 Suite is the highest edition of Ableton Live. It has 15 software instruments, unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, and 17 MIDI effects. One of the biggest features of this software is that it includes Max for Live which is a third-party program for customizing instruments, tools, and effects.
Ableton Push
This music technology gives you access to every element the program has to offer. It provides you with harmony and melody control, melody sequence notes, beats, and sounds.
Push allows you to capture your music, edit samples, and tweak instruments and effects, all while having full access to Live’s features.
Additionally, you can use Push to record musical inputs in real-time. You are able to loop, improvise, play drums, and strum chords while you record or perform live. Once you are done you can switch from Push to Live and find your music stored and ready.
Push 2 features an onboard display and integrates better even with Live.
Ableton Link
Ableton Link enables you to keep multiple music-making devices in tempo. It connects multiple devices in the same network and synchronizes musical phase, beat, and tempo. Link allows anyone to change the tempo without causing disruptions.
Link can be used with other music-making software across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms. The list of link-enabled apps includes Drambo, Animoog, SuperCollider, and EG Pulse.
You do not require a MIDI, cables, or installation to use Ableton Link. And you can use Link to create and edit music with other creators using different devices.
If you do not have access to the internet, that’s no problem. You can use Link with cables by enabling the “show Link” toggle option. This will allow you to connect to other nearby Link-enabled devices.
Learning Ableton Products
If you want to learn to use the products and software listed above, Ableton offers certified training on its website. It have trainers in 56 countries with instructions in 39 languages. These lessons include both in-person and online classes provided by a certified Ableton trainer.
Trainers can have backgrounds in engineering, teaching, consulting, music, and DJing. They guide people in making music using Live, Push, and Link.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Ableton Live, Push, and Link?
This depends on your musical background and your effort. To master these programs you will need to do research, take courses, and practice. Practice, especially, is key. The deeper your musical background, the faster your learning process.
If you are starting without any musical experience, then you may want to pursue a Bachelor of Music first. That takes one and a half to two years. Some popular music schools you can choose from include: Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and VanderCook College of Music.
However, the process will be much quicker if you are just learning Ableton.
How to Learn Ableton Products: Step-by-Step
Let’s go over how you can start learning the different Ableton products.
- Create an account in Ableton. Start by registering an account in Ableton and browsing its website.
- Sign up for the free 90-day trial. You can download and use the Live suite edition for free for 90 days.
- Buy the Ableton Push Pad. Get your hands on the Push Pad and start practicing.
- Study Ableton’s instruction manuals. Read the instructions on how to use these products to get a deeper understanding.
- Take courses and use other resources. Take free online courses and take advantage of other resources available. You may want to take the certification course offered by Abelton.
- Practice and experiment using Link, Live, and Push. Practice as much as you can. Create music and have fun exploring. Continue studying the program if you want a certificate.
- Take the certification exam. After completing your training, sign up for the certification exam. Then start putting your skills to the test!
Once finished, you may apply for a job as a music composer, producer, or DJ. Or you may start creating and editing your own music. Paired with knowledge of Ableton systems, you’ll find it easier to start your career in the music business. You can also apply to be an Ableton certified trainer and join Ableton’s teaching program.
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The Best Ableton Courses, Books, and Other Resources
There are many ways to learn Ableton software and products, including reading blogs, books, or by taking online and in-person courses offered by Ableton or other sources. Choose from the list of best courses, instructions, and training below.
Best Free Online Ableton Courses
There are several free Ableton in-person and online courses offered all over the world. Some are taught by Ableton-certified trainers or people with musical backgrounds. You can attend these in-person or virtually.
Music production course
- Provider: 343 Labs, NYC
- Length: 1-12 weeks
- Price: Free
343 Labs is providing a free weekly masterclass on music production and editing. The lab was founded by Ableton-certified trainers. It aims to bring musicians and artists together to learn under expert guidance.
The course has virtual classes that will cover topics like music production with all three versions of Ableton Live, songwriting, music theory, and mixing and mastering.
This course is interactive and will include group meetings, performances, and artist interviews. You can also join a paid multi-course certificate program.
Ableton Live: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
- Provider: Make Use Of (MUO)
- Length: Self Paced
- Price: Free
This is a very detailed beginners’ guide to learning Ableton Live. It provides in-depth instructions on how to set up your Ableton Live software and begin using it. The class also discusses the session view, arrangement view, and software interfaces.
Additionally, it shows users how to start making music. If you don’t want to attend courses, then this is a great guide for you.
Ableton Push 1 Tutorial Video Series
- Provider: Youtube
- Length: Self-paced
- Price: Free
If you want to learn how to use the Ableton Push Pad, then this video series is a great place to start. There are seven videos by Ableton with tutorials on learning Push.
The tutorials introduce the basics of Push, tweaking, mixing, pad sensitivity, and workflow. You’ll also learn how to make beats, play melodies, and much more.
Make sure to buy a Push Pad to practice what you learn.
Ultimate Ableton Live: Part 1 – The Interface & The Basics
- Provider: Skillshare
- Length: 2.5 hours
- Price: Free
This is a six-part course taught by Ableton-certified trainer Jason Allen. He is a composer, producer, engineer, and performer. If you want to learn from an expert with real-life experience in music, then this course is for you.
This is an introduction to Ableton. It covers the basics of using the software, recording, editing, looping, and MIDI. The course includes class projects and points you towards other resources.
Fast Songwriting In Ableton Live
- Provider: Creative Live
- Length: 5.5 hours
- Price: Free
This course teaches you Ableton Live for songwriting. You will learn how to write a foundation, use rhythmic and melodic devices, and the core elements of music creation.
There are 18 parts to this course which you can access whenever you’d like. The course includes exercises, lectures, and Q&As. Furthermore, it covers topics like how to get over writer’s block.
Best Ableton Books
Books are a great way to learn for those less interested in online options. Below are Career Karma’s most recommended books to gain in-depth knowledge of Ableton.
Ableton Live Basics: Expert Advice, Made Easy. Ronan Macdonald
Ronan Macdonals’s book is a step-by-step guide on the program. This is great for beginners wanting to learn Ableton Live. You can also find great tips and tricks for Live’s software.
Audio Production Basics with Ableton Live. Eric Kuehnl
This is another amazing Ableton Live introduction. Kuehnl’s book teaches how to mix, record, and process music using Live. This book is a very practical guide to Live and includes exercises that give you a hands-on experience.
Electronic Dance Music Grooves: House, Techno, Hip-hop, Dubstep, and More! Josh Bess
If electronic music interests you, then Bess’ book is a great resource to learn how to make EDM with Ableton Live. The book is clear and easy to follow and a good tool to get your creative juices flowing.
Best Ableton Resources
There are many resources available to further help you learn Ableton. Below are our favorites.
Official Ableton Forum
Ableton offers an online forum where you can discuss, network, and learn about services. This is a great discussion platform to meet budding musicians. In this forum, you can learn about what tech is best or what Ableton version is for you.
Dubspot
This is a fantastic Ableton-certified training resource. It is located in NYC but has many online courses and certificate programs. It’s a great resource to start learning and mastering Ableton’s tools.
Should You Learn Ableton?
Ableton is known to be one of the easiest digital audio workshops around. In this era of digital literacy, you should take advantage of its software if you have an interest in music production.
Ableton is designed to help you have a stress-free experience while playing live. Its functionality, built-in instruments, effects, and samples make the creative process that much more fun. If you love performing, you should explore what Ableton has to offer.
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