Ableton Live Warping

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TIGHTNESS - warp markers (in yello in Figure 1, above) need to be set with a consistant gap in relation to the transient of the track
Figure 2: Transient waveform so your Ableton mixes will sound as tight as possible

Our methods guarantee that all the transient gaps in the tracks you recieve from back from us, will be as consistant as possible all the way through the tracks - almost down to a sample level (see Figure 2). The methods are self-checking and produce dependable results on your tracks

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RELIABILITY - our warp markers are set all the way through the track at consistent intervals. Note in the above figure (Figure 1, above) that there are 16 bar gaps at the beginning or the track (bars 1 to 17 and 33) - also 16 bar gaps near the bars at the end of the track.. There is a 32 bar gap between the rest of the markers in the middle.

In this way the average track is "locked" all the way through - there is less risk that the timing will be off anywhere in the track - because enough markers have been set to cover any fluctuations. This means you can edit track on the fly - create loops of all sizes - and begin or scramble your mix in realtime - from anywhere within the track with confidence

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VOLUME CONSISTANCY - we manually adjust the volume of every track - using the gain slider in the clip view - to just touching 0db on the track for volume consistancy before we save the clip. Today's heavily compressed and maximized dance tracks will often clip over db if left unadjusted.

We specialize in "hard to warp" material: any audio source with a consistant pulse or BPM can be warped accurately. Note that the more demanding the material, the more technical the skill required, and the more warp markers must be set = more time per clip necessary in order that the track is 'tight' all the way through.

NOTE: All audio sources other than acapellas must have a clearly defined pulse or BPM, and must have a consistant tempo throughout. Occasionally we will find material in your order that cannot be warped for either or both of these reasons, in which case we will notify you and gladly give you credit back.

DANCE (house / techno / trance / breakbeat / dNb etc) - These tracks require warp markers at 16 bar intervals for intro and outro; 32 bar gaps in the middle of the track - although this can vary per track (see Figure 1). Tracks with a 'swaying' tempo throughout, such tracks recorded from warped vinyl may require markers at closer intervals. All these tracks are charged at the basic rate of $1.00 per track pre-discount.

NON-DANCE (Rock / Pop / 80's / Soul) - Tracks or songs performed by live bands, or older material that is loosely sequenced require higher levels of skill, many more markers and time spent per track. Average interval between markers is every 4 bars all the way through the track, occasionally 8, and at times as close as markers every 2 bars. To do this properly is a more advanced skill and takes up to 5 times as long per track - hence the slightly higher rate of $2.25 per track pre-discount.

Figure 2: Rock / 80's Precision Warping

ACAPELLAS - Acapellas are prepared so that the vocals will play in time over any other audio source in time, with proper phrasing. To make this possible we have techniques to find the original BPM of the acapella or we will physically edit and re-consolidate the acapella so that it will play back properly. There is no way to predict in advance how much time and effort it will take to prepare any particular source, so acapellas are also charged at a rate of $2.25 a track pre-discount.

AMBIENT / JAZZ / OTHER - We have techniques to accurately warp ambient tracks and any audio source without clearly defined percussion. This requires that the track at least has an area with a clearly defined pulse and that the tempo is consistant throughout. Other styles such as jazz, acoustic guitar, and other materials with a significant 'loose' feel are technically demanding and time consuming, hence the higher rate of $3.50 per track.

Figure 3: Ambient Precision Warping