This Ableton Tutorial covers the use of simple delay patterns for a variety of tasks in a track.
Ableton’s simple delay is used to create a rigid 8th note pattern from a single percussive hit. The feedback on the delay is set just long enough to bridge a drum fill and is then bounced down to audio ready for further processing. Automated frequency shifters and reverb are used to add additional interest and help the delays lead nicely into the drop where a pitched down version of the percussion is used to emphasis the full loop coming back in. Both forward and reversed versions of the delay make for a smooth transition across the fill.
An 8th note shaker pattern is used to help pick up the pace when the full loop comes back in and this is filled out by using Ableton’s simple delay playing a 3 16th note pattern. Additional shuffle swing is added to the delay and the feedback and dry/ wet are adjusted to help the loop pump rhythmically with the beat.
The final technique uses Ableton’s ping pong delay set to re-pitch mode. By using the calculation 60,000/ tracks BPM a quarter note delay is calculated and this is further sub divided down to 8th and 16th notes. By automating the delay time with sync turned off some interesting pitched effects can be created whilst the start and end points are still perfectly in time with the beats.
This Ableton tutorial makes use of the Sample Auditioner Rack. You can watch how to make one of these here.
