In this video, I take a deep dive into Ableton’s Auto Shift — a powerful and flexible new pitch tool introduced in Ableton Live 12. While it’s designed primarily for vocal pitch correction, this device can do much more. From robotic tuning to creative formant shifts and pitch warping, Auto Shift offers an impressive range of vocal processing tools that can be pushed well beyond the typical “fix it in the mix” approach.
Let’s explore what’s covered in the video and how you can start applying these techniques in your own productions.
Rodney “Dark Child” Jerkins is known for his signature bass lines that bring warmth, bounce, and character to R&B productions. One of his most iconic bass sounds comes from Brandy’s hit song Full Moon, a track that defined early 2000s R&B.
Recently, a YouTube community member challenged me to recreate this legendary bass tone, and I couldn’t resist. In this video, I walk you through how I designed the sound, breaking down the essential elements that make it work. Plus, for members of my YouTube and Patreon communities, I’ve created an exclusive step-by-step tutorial and included my custom Serum patches for download.
As I continue my plugin management journey, I’m diving deeper into how to organize plugins in Ableton Live more efficiently. In this second part of the series, I’ll share the next steps I’ve taken, including refining my Ableton Collections and revisiting my workflow for easier access to the tools I actually use. I’ve also discovered an incredibly useful uninstaller application that gives me a clear overview of all the plugins installed on my system. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your plugin collection and remove the clutter, you’ll definitely want to stick around for that.
In this members-only video, I take you inside my Pro Tools session and break down exactly how I mixed a track in preparation for mastering. This is a follow-up to last week’s video, Music Mixing and Answering Client Questions, where I discussed the backstory of the project and common client concerns. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out here: Music Mixing and Answering Client Questions.
This week, we’re diving into the technical side — walking through the entire mix step by step. I’ll show you how I processed each stem, the thought process behind my decisions, and how the mix evolved before it was sent off for mastering.
Mixing music is an essential skill for any producer or engineer, and every project comes with unique challenges. In this video, I share valuable music mixing tips and answer common client questions based on a recent project. You’ll get to hear a before-and-after comparison of the original mix versus the mastered version, along with insights into key mixing decisions that made a difference. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, there’s plenty to take away from this discussion.
Ableton Live 12 brings a ton of powerful features, and today we’re diving deep into Auto Pan— one of the most underrated but highly effective modulation tools in music production. Whether you’re looking to create subtle stereo movement or extreme rhythmic effects, Auto Pan has you covered.
In this post, I’ll break down how it works, showcase some creative ways to use it, and share a few tips to get the most out of it in your productions. Plus, I’m giving away some of my personal Ableton Auto Pan presets to Patreon members—so don’t miss out!
Ableton Live’s resampling feature is one of the most powerful tools for recording and manipulating audio. Whether you’re looking to capture audio internally, create unique textures, or design ambient layers, resampling opens up a world of creative possibilities. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use resampling in both basic and advanced ways.
Transitions are a crucial part of music production, helping to build tension and excitement. In this video, I’ll show you how to create custom risers and falls in Serum, so you don’t have to rely on the same overused samples from Splice or Loopcloud. Instead, you can design transitions that are perfectly tailored to your music.
I’m also excited to announce my record label, NOS Recordings, is releasing a new sample pack: Serum Custom Risers Vol. 1!
Let’s dive in!
Why Custom Risers and Falls Matter
Many producers rely on sample packs for risers and falls, but this often leads to repetitive sounds. Creating your own transition effects in Serum gives you full control over how they fit into your mix, helping you stand out with unique sound design.
By customizing your risers and falls, you can:
Match the tonality of your track
Control the exact length and movement
Add modulation and effects for a more dynamic transition
Setting Up Custom Risers in Serum
To create a riser in Serum, start with a simple waveform, like a saw wave, and use automation to shape the pitch, filter, and effects over time. A few key tips:
Choose a Waveform: Start with a basic saw wave, noise oscillator, or a custom wavetable.
Apply Pitch Modulation: Use an envelope to gradually pitch the sound upward for a riser or downward for a fall.
Shape the Volume: Adjust the ADSR envelope to control how the riser builds over time.
Add Movement: Use LFOs to modulate parameters like filter cutoff, wavetable position, or unison detune for a more dynamic sound.
Enhance with Effects: Add reverb, delay, and distortion to make the riser stand out in the mix.
How to Set Up a Fall in Serum
Creating a fall (downlifter) in Serum is similar to making a riser, but instead of building tension, it helps release energy and transition smoothly between sections. Here’s how to design one:
Start with the Same Patch – If you’ve already made a riser, duplicate it and reverse the pitch movement.
Reverse the Pitch Modulation – Instead of an upward sweep, set your envelope or LFO to modulate the pitch downward. This creates that signature falling effect.
Slow Down the LFO or Envelope – Adjust the timing to make the descent smooth and natural. Experiment with different slopes for a dramatic or subtle fall.
Apply Filtering for a Smoother Sound – Use a low-pass filter to gradually remove high frequencies as the fall progresses, making it blend seamlessly into the mix.
Add Effects for Depth – Use reverb and delay to create a sense of space and atmosphere. Distortion or phasing can add character if you want a more aggressive fall.
Fine-Tune the Release Time – Make sure the tail of your fall fades out smoothly so it doesn’t end too abruptly.
Falls are essential for transitioning between drops, breakdowns, and outros, helping to create movement and flow in your track.
Designing your own risers and falls in Serum is a powerful way to make your music more unique. Instead of relying on generic samples, you’ll have custom transition effects that fit perfectly within your tracks.
The Ableton Auto Filter is a versatile tool that goes beyond simple EQ moves. Whether you’re looking to clean up a mix, add dynamic movement, or dive into advanced sound design techniques, this plugin can be a game-changer. In this tutorial, I’ll break down how the Auto Filter works, show you creative ways to use it, and give you some advanced tips to take your productions to the next level. Plus, members can access exclusive content for a deeper dive into Auto Filter techniques.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the number of sounds, samples, and plugins in Ableton Live, you’re not alone. The new Ableton Live 12 browser has introduced some powerful features to help you organize, search, and access your tools more efficiently.
In this video, I break down advanced browser techniques that will streamline your workflow. I also created a members-only video that dives even deeper into my personal organization system. After spending most of 2024 refining my setup, I’m still improving it in 2025—so let’s go through the best ways to make your Ableton browser work for you.
