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Session View Basics

2. Session View Basics

Section titled “2. Session View Basics”

Session View is organized vertically into “Scenes,” ideal for simpler setups or flexible song orders.

  • Setting up Songs (Scenes):
    • Rename a Scene (row) with the song title, BPM, and time signature, separated by semicolons (e.g., Jehovah; 130 bpm; 4/8). Newer Ableton versions might have dedicated fields for this.
    • To activate the tempo and click for a scene, you need at least one clip in that row. Double-click in a MIDI track slot in that scene to create a blank MIDI clip.
    • Press Enter to launch the selected scene. Ableton automatically selects the next scene, allowing you to press Enter again to transition smoothly. You can also press the Spacebar to stop playback before launching the next song.
  • Click Track (Metronome):
    • Toggle the click on/off using the assigned m key or by clicking the metronome icon.
    • Choose the click subdivision (e.g., 4/4, 4/8, 4/16) in the song title/scene name.
      • General Rule: Use 4/8 for tempos above ~98 BPM and 4/16 for tempos below ~98 BPM to provide sufficient rhythmic guidance.
    • Adjust click sound and count-in options if needed.
  • Adding Loops:
    • Drag loop audio files into an audio track slot within the desired song’s scene.
    • Label the track “Loops”.
    • Warping: Ensure the loop clip is Warped so it syncs with the project tempo. Set the Seg. BPM in the clip view to the loop’s original tempo. Choose Complex or Complex Pro warp mode for best audio quality.
    • Looping: Activate the Loop switch in the clip view.
    • Adjust the loop’s volume (aim for around -6dB to -12dB peak).
  • Adding Pads:
    • Drag pad audio files (select the correct key) into an audio track slot within the desired song’s scene.
    • Label the track “Pads”.
    • Adjust volume (keep pads lower in the mix, potentially below -15dB or -20dB).
    • Seamless Fades: To prevent pads from cutting off abruptly when stopped:
      • Double-click the “Pads” track header.
      • Go to Audio Effects > Reverb.
      • Drag a reverb effect (e.g., the Cathedral preset with a 5-second decay) onto the track.
    • Avoid pads on traditional hymns unless doing a modern arrangement.