First 20 minutes of class

Ableton Drift Overview

This session is all about mastering synthesis with Ableton Drift! We’ll dive into a variety of sound design techniques and production tips. Whether you're just starting out or already have some experience, this workshop will walk you through the overlooked Drift that is available with all versions of live

1. Introduction: How to Use Ableton Drift
   • A step-by-step guide on the fundamentals of Drift, including its interface, oscillator controls, and filter settings. You’ll quickly learn how to start creating custom sounds with minimal effort.
2. Wave Morphing & Wave Shaping
   • Dive into the dynamic possibilities of wave morphing and shaping. Learn how to blend and transform basic waveforms to create evolving, rich textures that make your sound stand out.
3. Hidden Envelopes
   • Discover Drift’s hidden envelope capabilities. We’ll explore how to use multiple envelope stages to control not only amplitude and filter movement, but also subtle sound modulations to add complexity and depth.
4. Audio Rate Modulation
   • Take your sound design to the next level by experimenting with audio-rate modulation. Learn how to create FM-style synthesis effects and complex modulations that give your sounds a futuristic edge.
5. Analog Style Tricks
   • Recreate the warmth and richness of vintage analog synthesizers using Drift’s analog-style features. Learn tricks for adding saturation, drift, and subtle imperfections that bring a timeless, retro feel to your productions.
6. Lofi Synthesis
   • Explore lofi synthesis techniques using Drift’s built-in tools. You’ll learn how to create gritty, nostalgic sounds with bit reduction, sample rate manipulation, and more, perfect for lofi hip-hop, chill beats, and experimental tracks.
7. MPE Expression
   • Unlock the expressive power of MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) within Drift. We’ll cover how to use MPE controllers to shape dynamic performances, with individual note expression for pitch, timbre, and modulation.
8. Expanding Drift
   • Explore ways to expand Drift’s capabilities by combining it with other devices and racks. Learn how to integrate Drift with Ableton’s powerful modulation tools and external plugins to enhance your sound design possibilities.
9. FX Kit: Audio Effect Rack Included
   • As part of the workshop, you’ll receive an exclusive FX Kit Audio Effect Rack designed specifically for Drift. We’ll show you how to use it to add unique effects to your patches, including delay, reverb, distortion, and more, taking your sounds to new heights.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to use Ableton Drift for a wide range of synthesis techniques, from clean, precise tones to analog warmth and lofi textures. You'll walk away with a toolkit of creative tricks and exclusive effects to enhance your sound design skills in any genre.

Drift

Drift is designed around the principles of subtractive synthesis, making it an ideal tool for sound designers who want to create sounds quickly and efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and streamlined workflow allow you to dive into sound shaping without getting bogged down by complex settings or options. Despite its simplicity, Drift is a powerful instrument that delivers high-quality sounds while being highly efficient in terms of CPU usage. This ensures that even when working on larger projects with multiple instances, your system’s performance remains smooth, making Drift a go-to choice for fast and intuitive sound creation.

Ableton Synthesis Practice Template

A custom init preset for Ableton. Saw wave with a full sustain envelope. Including low randomization of all parameters to give the synth a more analog feel.

You can then save it as a default preset.

Synth FX Kit

Included in this session is an Effect Rack inspired by Serum's FX Section. Featuring each effect in Serum's chain but with only stock Ableton Suite 12 Audio Effects.

There are 3 variation presets for a quick sound. This tool is essential for sound design with Ableton's built-in synths as they don't have their own FX sections like many modern plug-in synths.

What's Included with this session

• 2 hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Ableton Synthesis Practice Template
• Dorian Concept Hide MIDI File for Practice
• Synth FX Kit Rack

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.