Best Max for Live Devices: Endless Creative Power in Ableton Live 12 by Sidebrain

Watch this in-depth masterclass with Sidebrain, diving into the massive creative potential of Max for Live inside Ableton Live 12. From generative sequencing, MIDI tools, granular instruments, performance workflows, video integration, sound-design tricks, and third-party Max devices—this session is PACKED for producers who want to unlock new creative dimensions in their music.

Recorded at Ableton's U.S. Headquarters

Sidebrain walks through Ableton-built Max devices, hidden gems, free community tools, performance packs, expressive chord engines, granular samplers, sequencers, utilities, video tools, and more. If you’re an Ableton user looking to level up your production, sound design, live performance, or generative workflows… this is a must-watch.

👉 Stay tuned for the next Weekend Retreat at Ableton’s U.S. Headquarters!
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DL List of Max For Live Devices Mentioned in this video:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0yjsiz...

00:00 – Introduction to Max & Max for Live
01:30 – Max history & integration with Ableton
03:45 – Ableton acquiring Cycling ‘74
05:20 – Max inside Ableton Live workflow
06:10 – Factory Max for Live Packs overview
06:40 – Expressive Chords device
07:40 – Creating chord sets, MPE, and Push integration
08:50 – Sequencers Pack (SQ, Step, and more)
09:40 – Generating musical ideas with sequencers
10:40 – Capturing MIDI from Max devices
12:00 – MIDI Tools in Live 12
12:50 – Performance Pack (Variation, Pre-Arranger, Performer)
14:40 – Creative performance workflows
15:30 – Granulator III deep dive
17:00 – Granular slicing, vocal textures & micro-looping
18:40 – Granular workflow tricks & custom racks
20:10 – Buffer Delay & PitchLoop89
22:30 – Glitching, pitch manipulation & creative resampling
24:40 – Sound-design workflows using Max for Live
25:20 – Inspired by Nature Pack (Bouncy Notes demo)
27:00 – Generative MIDI & physics-based note triggering
29:00 – Using Max devices for auto-accompaniment
30:20 – Third-party Max devices & installation tips
31:15 – How to organize Max devices in User Library
33:00 – Sting 2 sequencer preview (Ableton 12.3)
34:40 – Generative visual sequencers & MIDI point tools
36:10 – TriggerTune (contact mic sequencing)
37:00 – Harp-e-ge-a-to fader shredding
38:20 – Free Max instruments (Plaits clone, chiptune tools, etc.)
40:00 – Audio FX: Crap Cassette, LifeCrusher, phasers, choruses
42:00 – Utility tools & workflow enhancers
43:10 – RadioGarden inside Ableton (sampling radios worldwide)
44:40 – Modulation sequencers, real-time quantizers, Chiastic Slide
46:20 – Morphing loops & Botanica-style textures
47:40 – Max coding tips & building your own devices
49:20 – Push-based generative sequencers & rain-grid
51:00 – MLR-style loop cutting
52:00 – Game-controller-to-MIDI mapping tools
53:00 – Max video tools & PXStream
54:00 – Shaders, cam input & audio-reactive visuals
56:40 – Envelope Follower for reactive VJ setups
58:00 – Video drum racks & performance visuals
01:00:00 – How Ableton’s innovations shaped modern DAWs
01:01:10 – Final Q&A and wrap-up