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Ableton (macOS/Windows)

An overview of working with Sessionwire alongside Ableton including several templates for different workflows.

Some users report issues with Ableton and macOS Monterey - though these issues do not appear to have anything to do with Sessionwire. 

 

Audio drivers are known to disappear randomly, or are selected randomly by the operating system - we are currently investigating and for this reason do not fully support macOS Monterey - though most users report Sessionwire functioning properly.

Restarting the computer entirely 
or killing Core Audio via the macOS Terminal using the command sudo killall coreaudiod most often brings the audio drivers back

There are many use cases and workflows for each DAW when integrating Sessionwire for remote collaboration. We have created a basic template for each DAW to give an idea of what routing should look like in order to avoid feedback loops between users connected in a Studio.

It is recommended that all recording be done on the performing side of the Sessionwire call - meaning one side needs to have a DAW open to record in, while the other simply monitors the performance through Sessionwire. This also means that both sides of the Sessionwire call should be set up using the below Sending Audio from Ableton settings - barring any complicated hardware routing or lack of a webcam with a microphone.

Each user may be using a different DAW or may/may not be using an audio interface - therefore, each user will need to reference the correct signal flow diagram for their particular DAW and setup.


Templates

Are you wanting to send your entire mix from Ableton to the other Studio participants? 

With the Sessionwire Send plugin inserted on the Stereo Out bus in Ableton, the entire mix in Ableton will be streamed into a connected Sessionwire Studio.

This layout is typically used for:
Mix reviews where the participants want to hear the Ableton project as represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer
Overdubs where the participants want to hear the Ableton project as represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer

Sessionwire Studio settings

Talkback Microphone: Audio interface with microphone plugged into input 1 or webcam microphone

Talkback Speaker: Audio interface or hardware output device

HQ Audio Source: Sessionwire Send Plugin

HQ Audio Destination: Audio interface or hardware output device

Do you want to send a discrete, custom mix to the other Studio participants?

With the Sessionwire Send plugin on a separate Return in Ableton, you can adjust what is streamed to the other participants using bus sends on every individual channel in the Ableton project.

This layout is typically used for:
Overdubs where the participants want to hear a different mix than represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer
ADR sessions where executives may want a different mix than represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer

 

Sessionwire Studio settings

Talkback Microphone: Audio interface with microphone plugged into input 1 or webcam microphone

Talkback Speaker: Audio interface or hardware output device

HQ Audio Source: Sessionwire Send Plugin

HQ Audio Destination: Audio interface or hardware output device

Are you wanting to send your entire mix from Ableton to the other Studio participants while also having the ability to record the incoming HQ audio stream in your DAW

With the Sessionwire Send plugin inserted on a dedicated MIX Return in Ableton, the entire mix in Ableton will be streamed into a connected Sessionwire Studio and the incoming HQ audio will be kept separate from this MIX Return.

This layout is typically used for:
Overdubs where the participants want to hear the Ableton project as represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer and the Producer needs to be able to record the incoming HQ stream

ADR sessions where the Producer needs to be able to record the incoming HQ audio stream while also being able to play back the master session to the voice artist

Podcasting where the Producer needs the ability to invite a guest in to their Studio easily and record the guests' voice directly into their DAW

Sessionwire Studio settings

Talkback Microphone: Audio interface with microphone plugged into input 1 or webcam microphone

Talkback Speaker: Audio interface or hardware output device

HQ Audio Source: Sessionwire Send Plugin

HQ Audio Destination: Sessionwire Receive Plugin

Are you wanting to send a discrete, custom mix from Ableton to the other Studio participants while also having the ability to record the incoming HQ audio stream in your DAW

With the Sessionwire Send plugin inserted on a dedicated cue Return in Ableton, a custom mix will be streamed into a connected Sessionwire Studio via Sends and the incoming HQ audio will be kept separate from this cue mix.

This layout is typically used for:
Overdubs where the participants want to hear a different mix than represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer and the Producer needs the ability to record the incoming HQ audio stream
ADR sessions where executives may want a different mix than represented by the main fader positions in the Ableton mixer and the Producer needs the ability to record the incoming HQ audio stream

Sessionwire Studio settings

Talkback Microphone: Audio interface with microphone plugged into input 1 or webcam microphone

Talkback Speaker: Audio interface or hardware output device

HQ Audio Source: Sessionwire Send Plugin

HQ Audio Destination: Sessionwire Receive Plugin

Are you wanting to send your entire mix from Ableton to the other Studio participants while also having the ability to record the incoming HQ audio stream in your DAW

Do you also need to route your Talkback audio through Ableton? (Using input 3 and above on an audio interface or needing to process the Talkback audio further)

With the Sessionwire Send plugin inserted on a dedicated MIX Return in Ableton, the entire mix in Ableton will be streamed into a connected Sessionwire Studio and the incoming HQ audio will be kept separate from this MIX Return.

This setup is not recommended unless absolutely needed. Talkback audio should be set up similar to a Zoom call when possible - selecting a hardware device directly for the Talkback Microphone and Speaker.

Sessionwire Studio settings

Talkback Microphone: Sessionwire Talkback Send Plugin

Talkback Speaker: Sessionwire Talkback Receive Plugin

HQ Audio Source: Sessionwire Send Plugin

HQ Audio Destination: Sessionwire Receive Plugin

Are you wanting to send a discrete, custom mix from Ableton to the other Studio participants while also having the ability to record the incoming HQ audio stream in your DAW

Do you also need to route your Talkback audio through Ableton? (Using input 3 and above on an audio interface or needing to process the Talkback audio further)

With the Sessionwire Send plugin inserted on a dedicated cue Return in Ableton, a custom mix will be streamed into a connected Sessionwire Studio via Sends and the incoming HQ audio will be kept separate from this cue mix.

This setup is not recommended unless absolutely needed. Talkback audio should be set up similar to a Zoom call when possible - selecting a hardware device directly for the Talkback Microphone and Speaker.

Sessionwire Studio settings

Talkback Microphone: Sessionwire Talkback Send Plugin

Talkback Speaker: Sessionwire Talkback Receive Plugin

HQ Audio Source: Sessionwire Send Plugin

HQ Audio Destination: Sessionwire Receive Plugin