First 20 minutes from class

 

Ableton Meld Overview

Take your sound design skills to the next level with a deep dive into Ableton’s powerful Meld synthesizer. This session goes beyond the basics, exploring hybrid macro synthesis, one-note patching, cross and external modulation, wave-shaping LFOs, and physical modeling filter resonators. You’ll also get hands-on techniques with Meld’s dual modulation system, unique sound engines, and new features like Phase Resetting, Spreading, and the Chord engine. Perfect for producers who want to unlock the full creative potential of one of Ableton’s best-sounding synths.

What You’ll Learn:

• Hybrid Macro Synthesis – Learn how Meld’s two-macro design balances simplicity with deep sound design control.

• One-Note Patching – Build rich evolving textures triggered from a single note.

• Cross Modulation & External Modulation – Use multiple sources and external signals to create dynamic movement in your sounds.

• Dual Modulation Matrix – Dive deep into Meld’s powerful modulation system for advanced routing and control.

• Wave-shaping LFOs & Scrambler FX – Shape modulation signals into complex, evolving patterns.

• Physical Modeling Filter Resonators – Explore acoustic-style resonances for unique tonal sounds.

• Unique Sound Engines – Unlock the creative range of Meld’s versatile synthesis engines.

 

Ableton Meld

Meld, a new synthesizer in Live 12 Suite, is crafted to inspire unexpected musical discoveries. With features taken from modular synthesizers, its creators aimed to blend intuitive exploration with musical intention. Meld features two engines with complex pre-designed oscillators. Its bi-timbral design enables the synthesis of two complete sounds independently. The synthesizer offers 2 macro conrtols for each one of it's main components. Moreover, Meld incorporates MPE capabilities for expressive control.

The synthesizer's deep potential is unlocked through functions like Spread modulation and a comprehensive modulation system. Cross-modulation between engines and the ability to copy values enhance sound design possibilities. Meld integrates scale awareness, ensuring musical coherence and facilitating harmonic exploration. The Plate and Membrane Resonator filters further enhance musicality by aligning with chosen scales while key tracking the filter frequency.

Meld encourages experimentation and embraces accidents, aiming to keep users engaged over time by continually revealing new sonic possibilities.

Ableton commissioned me to create an official video tutorial when Meld was first released, where I also had the chance to personally interview Christian Kleine (Max for Cats), the lead of the Meld development team. During that conversation, I even suggested a feature — Phase Reset and Phase Spreading — that was later added to the synth and which we’ll explore together in this class.

 

Meld Preset Pack

Included with this session is a collection of 48 custom Meld presets, some from class and some from my own sound explorations.

This pack included:
- 17 Bass
- 4 Chord
- 10 keys
- 6 Leads
- 6 Plucks
- 3 SEQ
- 2 Textures

 

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
• Meld Preset Pack (48 Custom Presets)
• Synth FX Kit Audio Effect Rack

 

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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.