How to record hardware synths using Ableton Live's "External Instrument" device

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Published 2021-02-25

In my last video, I covered my basic workflow for recording external synths in Ableton Live. One question that came up a lot in the comments for that video was, "Why don't you use the 'External Instrument' device in Live?" The answer is I do use it...sometimes. I figured I would make a video showing off the process and talking about the pros and cons of using it.

Here's a link to that last video: • How I record hardware synths (with Ab...

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All Comments (21)

@DavidHilowitzMusic 3 years ago

You can see part 1 of this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8krWkxoBvv0
@jordiclaes5031 3 years ago

in regards to the program change: imagine that your synth has patch banks of 128 each, calculate from there, and you should be spot on to find your desired patch
@maffstenning9627 3 years ago

This video has honestly saved my sanity David! Thank you beyond words mate and all the best from North Wales, UK :D
@grizcuz 2 years ago

Thank you. This is a far better workflow than what I currently use [with separate midi and audio tracks for each external device]. Like your previous video, I couldn't understand the benefits of the 'external instrument device' as I'm constantly refining and changing the midi and audio on each track throughout a song. But having the 'external instrument device' routed to another audio channel now makes more sense.
@teluig9551 9 months ago

OK, I've watched a lot (too much ?) Ableton tutorials videos and after this one I will definitely focus on yours. Thanks for this crystal clear explanation.
@S_e_a_n 2 years ago

David thank you for posting. I really enjoyed both videos. You have a gift for teaching. Cheers!
@MrOlish 2 years ago

Thanks David! Both videos is so good and well explained! I finally know how to set up my monologue properly 😊
@robertgrabowski2265 2 years ago

Great and useful tip. I tried and used your first manually method but needed fix latency every time. This method with external device works much better.
@Luke_Carberry 10 months ago

Thanks David! These videos are so helpful and are also enjoyable to watch!! Patreon subscribed !!
@KordTaylor 2 years ago

Great video. One of the great things about Ableton and you cover it so well. Now time to Share this with my son 😃. Thank you!
@waldojams 3 years ago

David, thanks for that! Really nice tutorials.
@NoReason2Liv 2 years ago

Great video. I like your style a lot. I believe the 'External Instrument' is the way to go.
@theblowupdollsmusic 2 years ago

Very well explained and presented. Thank you!
@CoreyLaGray 3 years ago

Very Aphex Twin feel, love it. Thank you for making this, I'm brand new to Ableton.
@cedricscheibel2297 2 years ago

Thanks for your videos! Really helpful - you explain everything very well :)
@Sr7Sr7Sr7 3 years ago

Such a helpful video, thanks a ton. You are incredibly good at producing and delivering this clear and concise instructional content... you should be an instructor for this stuff, or put together some course :)
@DMS198526 2 years ago

Your videos are great mate, subbed, thanks
@silvermyth2119 3 years ago

Thanks. I'd heard of the External Instrument but wasn't using it. I was still able to plug my synths and get them to play & record but this looks a lot more intuitive.👍
@deepdepth909 7 months ago

Very helpful, thanks!!!
@choktmusic 3 years ago

Thank you for these videos! I just bought a Moog Matriarch and looking for the best/most efficient way to get it to work with Ableton 🙏🏼