Overdubbing is not just a tool for correction, but a tool for addition. When used in conjunction with the looping feature of Ableton Live, you are able to build parts step by step, allowing you to get into the airwaves, what started in the brain waves.
For those of you that work predominantly in session view, you can check out my blog on overdubbing in session view here.
For those the rest of you, let’s talk about arrangement view, and how to overdub.
Arrangement View Features
Arrangement view is 100% linear. It functions the way most other DAW’s function. When I first started using Ableton, I refused to use it at all because it seemed to be less authentically Ableton than session view.
Now, however, I tend to use it when I am creating or recreating music that is supposed to be linear. I stick to session view for live performance, and for developing and creating ideas.
If you are creating something that makes you proud, who cares what view you did it in?
Nonetheless, here is why I like arrangement view for creating or recreating.
- You can see all of the parts simultaneously when the need arises.
- Songs sections are more visually apparent, so you can really work out solid transitions between sections. Transitions are easy to move to session view, but much for difficult to create there.
- You can see multiple lanes of automation simultaneously. This is helpful for automation-heavy parts. Similarly to transitions, it’s easy to move lots of automation to session view, but a lot easy to create it in arrangement view.
Alright, now that you can see more clearly why you might be in one view or the other, let’s get to overdubbing.
Overdubbing
Step One: Record a part, or find the piece of music you would like to overdub
Step Two: Towards the right hand side of the transport, click the “+” button. (It’s not too far from the overdub record button for session view)
Step 3: Make sure the track in question is record enabled, Press the master record and enter in your new notes.
Pro Tip: You can use the punch in and punch out markers to only overdub a short section of music by making sure the loop markers surround the section you wish to punch in/out of, and hitting record. More details on that here.
Alright, now get out there and make something you’re proud of. Every day that you do, you will get better, and today seems like a great day to take one more step forward.
Join me and an entire community of Ableton learners on my facebook group. It’s the best place to get immediate access to me, and to a ton of others who are there wanting to walk with you on your journey.
Until next time, happy music making.
-Brett