The Loss Controller
And why we’ll probably never make an actual plugin.
posted by knobs
At first glance you might think our new MIDI Controller is an audio plugin and get excited. And honestly, that's why I’m writing this. We’re probably never going to make an audio plugin. (I’ll get into that in a bit.)
What we can do, though, is make a fun control plugin that makes it super easy to integrate our pedals into an Ableton project.
We can do that. (Andy Othling already did).
Watch the overview.
What is the MIDI Controller?
The MIDI Controller is an interface that makes it easy and comfy to control Generation Loss MKII within Ableton. It brings all the pedal’s controls — even the hidden ones — to the surface and also adds a really handy randomization section.
It makes it possible to really integrate one of our pedals in a precise way, like automating a parameter during a transition. It gives you visual feedback for each MIDI change, makes it convenient to save a bunch of presets, etc. You get the convenience of a plugin, but the sound of the Generation Loss.
You can set the pedal up on a send & return and tuck it neatly away while you’re in the studio, but also take it with you to a show. Pretty neat.
Oh and it’s free (but you do need both an Ableton and Max for Live license).
Why Ableton only?
The simple answer is that we wouldn’t have done it otherwise. It's an experiment.
Ableton has this cool partnership with MaxMSP that makes it possible to create things inside Max and run them within Ableton. It really simplifies the process of making something like this, so we decided to give it a shot. (Also the whole reason this is happening is Andy Othling got fired up and did all the work.)
We don’t really know how many people are going to use this thing, but if there’s enough demand to go beyond Ableton we’ll definitely look into it.
Will we ever make audio plugins?
Really, really doubtful.
I could give you a whole list of reasons, but ultimately it’s just not what we do. We make things you can hold in your hands and kick, and that’s just what gets us excited.
But if you are more of the plugin type, this feels like a pretty good compromise.
In summary
I guess I'm just curious to see where this goes. I have no idea how many people even have a Max for Live license.
Let’s see!
Hope it makes your life a little better.
(Also I want to make it very clear that Andy Othling is to thank for this. He really did everything. Thanks Andy.)