I’ve released a new Ableton Live Script for the Mixer Mode in AudioSwift. AudioSwift Mixer Script (AMS) adds better control of the mixing section in Ableton Live using simple touch gestures on a trackpad. It works with the recent released AudioSwift version 2.3.7 beta and it has been tested in Ableton Live 10, 11 and the new 12 version.
Previously, AudioSwift in Mixer Mode worked with the Mackie Control protocol (MCU). The protocol had a couple of limitations like clicking on a track and focusing the trackpad controller to that track. We can now select any track and the controller will be focused. We can even select a device parameter, and it will automatically map the parameter to the trackpad fader. The script also adds a couple of key shortcuts for commands in Ableton Live.
Use the AudioSwift Mixer Script for controlling faders and panning, while you can work with our previous AudioSwift Control Script for controlling multiple macros and device parameters at the same time. Both scripts will improve your workflow in Ableton Live, especially if you work mobile with a MacBook. Check out the video tutorial below on how to configure the AudioSwift Mixer Script in Ableton Live.
With the introduction of AudioSwift version 2.3.7 Beta, the Mixer Mode now supports two more digital audio workstations: Digital Performer by MOTU and LUNA by Universal Audio. We can now control up to two faders at the same time plus the panning inside these DAWs, using simple touch gestures on a trackpad.
Digital Performer is a well-established DAW amongst media composers. Its version 11 has many improvements with the Mackie Control protocol (MCU) and it works great with AudioSwift. I made a video tutorial on how to configure the Mixer Mode in Digital Performer 11.
Universal Audio LUNA
LUNA has become popular as a DAW of choice for mobile audio recordings. Now with AudioSwift in Mixer Mode, you can set the faders easily for a quick mix using a trackpad. Check out the video tutorial below to configure the Mixer Mode in LUNA.
In the latest release of AudioSwift version 2.3.6 Beta, I added a new option to use the trackpad or the touch surface of the Magic Mouse, as a Surround Controller for Pro Tools and Logic Pro. This update is free for all users and I wrote guides to set it up. Click the links below to download.
If you’re new to AudioSwift, it’s an app for macOS that transforms your trackpad and the touch surface of a Magic Mouse into MIDI controllers. By taping the trackpad with a four or five finger tap gesture, or by pressing a hotkey for the Magic Mouse, we activate AudioSwift to send MIDI using touches on the surface of the device. After we finish, we press the Esc key.
AudioSwift comes with different controller modes and tools we can use for mixing, addexpression to virtual instruments, make beats, MPE and more. One of these controller modes is the XY Mode, and now it has the option to set a trackpad or Magic Mouse as a wireless touch controller for the surround panner in Pro Tools and Logic Pro, to speed up the mixing workflow. We’ll work with different views for the trackpadand Magic Mouse via key shortcuts depending on the parameters we need to control.
Pro Tools
With Pro Tools we set AudioSwift in the Peripherals section as a SurroundPanner MIDI controller. All parameters in the surround panner can be controlled from the trackpad and MagicMouse except Height and Size. This is due to a limitation with the SurroundPanner protocol that AudioSwift uses to connect with Pro Tools.
Here is a video showing an overview of how it works with Pro Tools and a Magic Mouse.
Logic Pro
With Logic Pro we use a third-party driver to map most of the parameters of the 3D Object and Surround Panner. We also need to manually assign some parameters in the Controller Assignments window in Logic Pro to complete the configuration.
Here is a video using a Magic Mouse as the controller in Logic Pro.
I want to thank AudioSwift users Yushu Bao and Curtis Macdonald for their feedback and testing this new feature.
MPE Modifier is a free MaxForLive device that does two simple tasks. It changes the incoming Slide and Pressure MPE messages into Control Change messages per voice, and also replicates global messages like ModWheel, Pitch Bend, and Aftertouch to all MIDI channels.
I designed this device to be used with the MPE Trackpad option in AudioSwift, but it should work with any MPE controller like Ableton Push 3. I also did it with U-he synths in mind, but feel free to use it with other virtual instrument plugins that don’t have full MPE support and work with multichannel MIDI, like Native Instruments Kontakt or Spectrasonics Omnisphere.
The main idea of MPE Modifier is to change the default MPE messages to other CC numbers the virtual instrument usually works with. Also, any other MPE MaxForLive device before the instrument will keep responding to the default Slide CC74 and Pressure messages.
Before designing MPE Modifier…
U-he synths like Hive and Diva are multichannel but don’t have full MPE support. They don’t usually work with the MPE standard Slide CC74. All of their patches have parameters mapped by default to CC1 (ModWheel), CC2 (Ctrl A) or CC11 (Ctrl B). We would need to manually map those parameters to CC74 inside the plugin or change the CC number sent in the MPE controller. Both workarounds come with limitations, specially changing the CC inside the controller, since we can’t later edit the MIDI clip envelopes per voice if the CC number recorded is not the default Slide CC74.
The other problem is with global messages that apply to all notes or voices. The MPE standard uses a Manager Channel (MIDI channel 1), to send the global ModWheel, Pitch Bend, and Aftertouch messages. U-he synths don’t use this Manager Channel and don’t apply the messages to the notes played in the Member Channels (MIDI Channels 2 to 16). Instead, the synths only apply these types of messages if they come in the same Member Channel as the Notes On/Off.
Welcome MPE Modifier!
Here is a video using the MPE Modifier with Diva and Arpex, an expressive MPE arpeggiator device designed by Mark Towers and sold on IsotonikStudios.
AudioSwift is sending the standard Slide CC74 and Pressure messages via X and Y axes on the trackpad. Arpex is only reading Slide CC74 to add octaves notes to the pattern. Pressure is passed thru to the MPE Modifier, which changes the messages to CC1 or ModWheel. Diva then uses CC1 to modulate the filter cutoff frequency.
If you want to try MPE Modifier, AudioSwift for macOS or get Arpex, please click the links below (Arpex is an affiliate link). And when you try AudioSwift, make sure to download our latest beta version, which includes a special Ableton Live Control Script for macros using your trackpad.
SPECIAL NOTE: Sustain is another global message sent through the Manager Channel. However, depending on your current Ableton Live version, sending Sustain to all Member Channels could not work and could cause the notes to hang on. If this happens, disable the virtual instrument or press the stop button several times. This is not a bug of MPE Modifier. As of this writing, MPE Modifier was tested with Ableton Live 11.3.12 and sending sustain to all channels doesn’t work.
AudioSwift, the macOS app that transforms the trackpad into a set of MIDI tools like sliders, XY pads and triggers, is compatible with the current macOS Ventura 13.0.1. We also tested AudioSwift beta version 2.3.2, which includes new features we’ve been developing and it works fine. We don’t recommend updating to macOS Ventura until you make sure your DAW and third-party plugins are fully compatible.
I’ve been working on new features for AudioSwift version 3. I’ll be releasing what I have so far in beta versions, so users can try it out and implement these features in their workflow. Please, bookmark this page for future updates. Download the current beta version from the link below and watch the video tutorials.
IMPORTANT! – Before installing this beta version, please save your current AudioSwift settings and copy your license key code in a safe place. This is just a precaution if we need to go back to a previous stable version.
Adds support in Mixer Mode for Digital Performer and LUNA.
Adds new AudioSwift Mixer Script support for the Mixer Mode in Ableton Live.
Adds new option to unlock cursor from the MIDI trackpad when AudioSwift is on.
Adds key shortcut to unlock/lock cursor from input devices. Press CTRL + OPT + CMD + F.
Adds key shortcut to disable/enable AudioSwift key shortcuts. Press CTRL + OPT + CMD + D.
Removes the arrow keys as key shortcuts in AudioSwift. It now requires to press CMD + Arrow key for the corresponding command.
Adds link for the AudioSwift Blog in the main menu.
Adds warning message when Disable Controllers is clicked in the main menu.
Fixes a bug in Pro Tools with the Mixer Mode, when going to the next track in View 3 were causing an infinite loop.
Version 2.3.6 Beta
New Surround Controller option in the XY Mode for trackpad and Magic Mouse. It works with Pro Tools and Logic Pro.
Adds option to unlock the cursor from other input devices while AudioSwift is on. Using those devices lets you move the cursor without turning AudioSwift off.
Adds option to constraint the movement of the X-axis in the XY Mode by pressing the CTRL key.
Adds option to send global sustain and aftertouch messages in MPE Mode to all Member channels.
The SHIFT key command to turn off AudioSwift is now optional.
Changes key shortcut for Show/Close Console window to CMD + H. Press CMD + SHIFT + H to make the Console window always on top.
Changes key shortcut for Show/Close Trackpad window to CMD + J. Press CMD + SHIFT + J to make the Console window always on top.
The Trackpad window shows the changes of the Type, velocity and MIDI channel in the Trigger Mode.
Fixes minor bugs.
Version 2.3.5 Beta
Adds 14-bit MIDI CC support for sliders and XY pads.
Adds option to choose the controller mode and enable the MIDI keys directly from the Trackpad window.
Adds UI changes for the Trackpad window in Trigger Mode. The pads are animated when touched and the tonic notes of the scale selected are highlighted.
Adds option to set scales in Trigger Mode type Drums.
Adds option to use short throw sliders in Absolute format with the Slider and XY Modes.
Adds option to change tracks when the Ableton Live Script is enabled for the Slider Mode. Use the keys Left and Right (requires to download the new AudioSwift Control script version 1.1 and replace it in your Ableton Live folder).
Fixes minor bugs.
Version 2.3.4 Beta
Adds Ableton Live Control Script for the Slider Mode
Adds UI changes in the Console and Trackpad windows for the Slider and XY Modes.
Adds option to change transparency of the Console and Trackpad windows
Adds option to turn AudioSwift off using a four or five fingers tap gesture.
Changes the key shortcut for All Notes Off or CC123 to the “/” key.
Read the Instant Mapping blog post mentioned in the video above.
Version 2.3.3 Beta
Adds option to use more than three fingers at the same time in Trigger, Slider and XY Modes.
Adds option to use computer keyboard as MIDI Keys (press CMD + K)
Fixes minor bugs.
Version 2.3.2 Beta
Now AudioSwift doesn’t require to be the foreground app on screen.
Plugin windows won’t disappear in Ableton Live, Studio One, Cubase, Bitwig Studio and Digital Performer when AudioSwift is on.
Adds option to use DAW shortcuts when AudioSwift is on.
Adds 4 more sliders in Slider Mode for a total of 16 sliders.
Adds new View 6 in XY Mode with four independent XY pads.
Adds option to change middle C in Trigger and Scale Modes.
Adds option for sending Channel Pressure messages per note via X or Y axes in MPE mode.
Adds option for sending Channel Pressure in Slider and XY modes.
Adds key shortcut to disable the X axis temporarily by pressing the Shift key in MPE mode and XY pads.
Adds key shortcut H to open/close the Console Window. Press SHIFT + H to make the Console window always on top.
Changes key shortcut for opening Trackpad window to J. Adds key shortcut SHIFT + J to make the Trackpad Window on top.
Adds key shortcut CMD + Comma to open/close Preferences window.
Fixes issue with grayed drop-down menus in Monterey.
Fixes an issue when sending different CCs in the X and Y axes in MPE mode.
AudioSwift has been updated to version 2.3.0, a free update to the macOS software that turns your trackpad into a MIDI controller. It’s now Universal Binary with native support for both Intel and Apple Silicon M1 computers, and has integration with Bitwig Studio in Mixer Mode. You can easily control faders and panning in Bitwig Studio using simple touch gestures on the trackpad, just like with other DAWs supported.
This new version also improves the XY Mode in View 1 by separating the controllers per finger for complex modulation in sound design (go to Preferences > Slider & XY). It includes better support for the Magic Mouse when it’s used as a MIDI controller in Mixer Mode and adds a new key shortcut to open the trackpad utility window (press K).
AudioSwift’s configuration with Bitwig Studio in Mixer Mode is done using the third-party script DrivenByMoss. Check out this new video tutorial to see how it works:
Video – Working in Mixer Mode with Bitwig Studio – AudioSwift
AudioSwift 2.3.0 is a free update for all existing users. Click Check for Updates in the app or download the file using the following link:
New in version 2.3.0
Adds native support for both Intel & M1 Macs (Universal Binary).
Adds Bitwig Studio support in Mixer Mode.
Improved XY Mode in View 1; now the controllers can independently send MIDI messages by fingers. Go to Preferences > Slider & XY.
Improved Magic Mouse support in Mixer Mode.
New keyboard shortcut to open and close the trackpad window (press K).
Fixes an issue when changing tracks and sends in Mixer Mode under Big Sur.
Fixes an issue with the Touch Bar disappearing when it’s touched.
Fixes an issue where Bank D doesn’t appear in the menu in Trigger Mode when the number of pads is set to 15.
Fixes an issue when choosing Single Note chord option in Trigger Mode and selects Octave instead.
Fixes an issue in XY Mode when clicking the Control Panel causing the Console to not change the view.
Drops support for macOS 10.11.6 El Capitan. Now the minimum macOS requirement is 10.12 Sierra.
The latest AudioSwift version 2.2.4 works with both Intel and M1 Macs on macOS Big Sur, via the Rosetta 2 translation.
I finally got an M1 MacBook Pro and I started porting AudioSwift’s code to be Universal Binary (UB). It’s running natively, however there are a couple of bugs I still need to check out. The next AudioSwift update will also include some new features and I’ll probably release a beta version first for you to try out.
On June 7th Apple announced macOS 12 Monterey, the newest operating system. I haven’t downloaded the beta yet to tell if AudioSwift runs properly. I normally wait for a couple of macOS revisions before doing a test. I’ll keep you informed.
For the last 3 years since AudioSwift was first released, all updates have been free and they will continue like that. I’ll keep maintaining AudioSwift as long as I have health, time and when Apple’s updates still allow the app to do what it’s designed for. I’ll appreciate that if you like AudioSwift, please recommend it to someone else when you have a chance. New purchases help maintaining the app and adding new features.
Ableton has announced Live 11 coming next year. It has new features including comping, improved clips view, more Macros, new devices and finally MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support. This is good news for AudioSwift users and other MPE controllers because we don’t need to have five separated tracks for MPE and edit the MIDI in different clips. Just one track and a single MIDI clip to edit the performance.
I downloaded the Ableton Live 11 Beta to test my Magic Trackpad in Trigger Mode (you can also join the beta program here). They updated Wavetable, Sampler and Arpeggiator to support MPE and we can use third-party MPE compatible plugins. It also comes with a new Max For Live device dedicated for MPE control.
AudioSwift Configuration
To set AudioSwift for MPE in Live, go to Live > Preferences > Link-Tempo-MIDI. There is a new MPE column to enable the AudioSwift 3 input port. Inside the Live’s MPE device, there is also a section where you can set the MPE settings like velocity, pitch bend, pressure and slide, which is control change 74 (CC74). They are per note and they’re transmitted using different MIDI channels.
AudioSwift uses MIDI channels 2, 3, and 4 for this, and it sends global aftertouch (channel pressure) messages using Force Touch on channel 1.
AudioSwift in Trigger Mode (Keys type) sends pitch bend when moving the finger horizontally and CC74 moving vertically. These MPE settings can be changed in AudioSwift > Preferences > Trigger tab. Here is a video demo using Wavetable:
In the Clip Editor there are now three tabs: Notes, Envelopes and Note Expression. We can edit the MPE parameters in the Note Expression tab. Ableton added special lanes to edit the velocity, pitch, slide and pressure envelopes of each note. When using AudioSwift, the pressure information won’t appear here because the trackpad doesn’t send it per note. It will be in the Envelopes tab > MIDI Ctrl > Channel Pressure.
Note Expression View
One thing I found different from using MPE in other DAWs, is that in Ableton Live 11 the pitch bend and slide don’t return to its default value when the finger release the note. The MPE controller will continue sending the values but Live will ignore them after the note-off, which is good depending on the situation.
Third-Party MPE Plugins
After inserting the third-party MPE compatible plugin into a track, go to the device header, right click and choose Enable MPE Mode.
Enable MPE Mode
I tested Audio Damage’s Continua and u-he’s Repro 5. U-he plugins in particular don’t use CC74 as a default parameter control — they use CC1 or Modulation as the polyphonic expression control. This became an issue when trying to edit a MIDI take in the Clip Editor, because I couldn’t find the CC1 envelopes for each note. Although the clip plays well in playback, the CC1 is not under the Note Expression tab or the Envelopes tab. The Envelopes tab will only shows global Modulation on MIDI channel 1. I hope this could be addressed in coming Live 11 beta versions.
The current version of AudioSwift (ver 2.2.4) has been tested in Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B29) and it works fine. If you come from High Sierra or below, just know that since Mojave we need to do an extra step to run AudioSwift with macOS new versions. Just like other developers are suggesting, I wouldn’t recommend to update now if it’s not necessary. Wait until your apps and plugins are fully supported. Whenever you decide is the right time to do it, AudioSwift will run in your computer.
I don’t have access to the new Apple Silicon computers and probably won’t get one soon. I can’t tell you how AudioSwift will run on those machines; I’m guessing there shouldn’t be any issues. If you buy one in the near future, please just let me know AudioSwift is running OK.
