r/ableton • u/disbister • 1d ago

[Question] Crossfading chains

I'm trying to create a macro knob which will turn up one chain and turn down another. The problem is, there is a dead zone in the middle of the fade where it gets noticeably quieter, even if both chains are the same volume. Is there a way to create a more consistent output volume of the two chains as I crossfade between them?

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7

u/SS0NI 1d ago

dB are logarithmic, so if you drop them in a linear way there will be a quiet spot in the middle. You need to use either logarithmic fades or design another crossfade.

3

u/disbister 1d ago

Thanks! I think this is the issue. Is there a way to make a macro knob logarithmic? Or how do I “design a crossfade” within an effect rack like that? Sorry if these are noob questions! This is a blind spot in my world of Ableton knowledge.

4

u/SS0NI 1d ago

Yeah it should be a simple feature, but implementing it 100% accurately is not a simple task.

The fastest solution is to press alt while moving the automation curve. It will make the fade curve.

To get a close to nulling result, the more accurate and probably overkill way would be to stack utilities and assigning all their gains into a single macro knob while measuring the output volume of white noise and changing the macro range of each utility gain until you have a logarithmic curve. If you do this rename the audio effect rack as something like "[your artist name] crossfader" and save it as a preset. That'll save you the trouble if you're doing this kind of thing often.

The most elegant way would be for Ableton to enable changing macro curves in the macro options. I've sent a feature request to Ableton about these, along with on/off button and a stepped macro knob. You should also send one (at least if you've paid for the software) so they'll hopefully implement it in the future :)

3

u/namedotnumber666 1d ago

the x fade should not have that issue, make sure and look at the racks x fade settings. Also it could be that both effects are out of polarity / phase. try flipping the phase on one of them.

1

u/disbister 1d ago

What do you mean by “racks x fade settings?”

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1

u/Icy-Pea4173 1d ago

It would be nice to watch a video to understand better what you want to do or what the problem is

1

u/artsciencenature 20h ago

check my free M4L device Chiastic Slide which can crossfade up to 32 chains in a rack or child tracks in a group. https://plugins.steinkamp.us/m4l-ChiasticSlide

1

u/KanataMom420 9h ago

Command M

Cmd Opt B

Right click the one you want to be the opposite and chooses invert

Read manual