This M4L Device Turns Ableton Live Into An Arcade Game

Asteroids is a new Max for Live (M4L) device, developed by Isotonik Studios, that transforms Ableton Live audio sequencing into a virtual arcade game similar to what’s seen in the Asteroids arcade came.

Designed and created by Ableton Certified Trainer Mark Towers the device takes it’s inspiration from the hours spent spinning the Circular Dial and hitting the boost button to avoid the oncoming space rocks, then layering them into oblivion!

Modes

• Keys – Use this mode if using a chromatic instrument, it activates the MIDI section, in this mode, notes are generated when two or more asteroids meet, the note being generated is based on the scale selected, various MIDI settings, and the position of where the asteroids meet.
• Drums – Use this mode with a drum rack (or drum instrument), it deactivates the main MIDI section and the Ghost Notes section, a new user interface appears replacing Ghost Notes. In this mode each asteroid is assigned a specific MIDI note value, by default this starts at C1, the intention here is to use this mode with a drum rack. When two or more asteroids meet, the will generate the note they have been assigned, regardless of where on the grid they meet. Use the sliders to control the settings of the notes being generated

Not only would this be a lot of fun to use while arranging stems within a track, but it would be a fantastic tool for engaging the crowd during a live performance – particularly with a Novation Launchpad or Push controller.

While the Asteroids M4L device is best exemplified with an external sequencing controller like the Launchpad, the device can be used on virtually any MIDI device, as well as in standalone. If you’re interested, you can go here to learn more about the Asteroids M4L device.

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