playback . So , the LIOBOX 2 will communicate with both computers at the same time . There are also two 3.5mm MIDI ports … one IN for controlling LIOBOX 2 functions and one OUT for controlling an external instrument . So , it ’ s possible to assign MIDI notes ( CC ’ s and PC ’ s ) to any of the onboard PADs .
Maybe you ’ re like me ? I tend to push buttons before I read information … so I had the LIOBOX 2 plugged in and was clicking around in Ableton when I realized this is not simply plugand-play . If I had looked at the paperwork , there is a clearly marked QR Code and information instructing me to download the Ableton ( v10 or v11 … v11 also works for the new Ableton 12 ) script for the LIOBOX 2 so that I can assign it as the MIDI controller . Lesson learned ? Probably not , I ’ m sure I ’ ll keep pushing buttons ! Side note … I ’ m an Ableton user , but the LIOBOX 2 will setup easily with ProTools , Logic Pro , Reaper , and most other DAW ’ s as well as MIDI controlled apps like MultiTracks Playback .
Once I had the script dropped into Ableton , which is super easy to do ( see video ), the LIOBOX 2 could see my Ableton setlist and that ’ s when I realized that this is more than helpful … this is amazing ! The confidence that comes with being able to see song titles and colored buttons to start and stop or pause a song is fantastic ! Immediately , it was easy to read , easy to navigate , and easy to understand .
Now , there are dozens of “ ways ” to run Ableton with the options of session or arrangement views . I have used Ableton both ways in worship and I can see benefits and limitations in each as well . The LIOBOX 2 will recognize what view you ’ re using and can control either . There are some format specifics to pay attention to as you set up . I ’ ll go into more detail on the video ( BTW , please watch the YouTube video . I ’ d appreciate if you like and subscribe to help me grow that channel ). To start , if you ’ ll include BPM , key , and time length within the title ( Made for More ; 150 ; C ; 4:45 ), all the information can be displayed on screen . If you ’ re running in arrangement view , the system reads your markers . That means that if you have measure 1 marked with title and then measure 8 has a marker that reads “ verse ,” the LIOBOX 2 will show you “ verse ” as if it were a “ song ” however , if you put a set of parenthesis before these words “() verse ” then the LIOBOX 2 will only see song titles . Again , please watch the video .
So how is this useful ? Let ’ s say I have a list of fifteen or twenty songs that we ’ ll be singing through the next two months . I could build one
twenty-song setlist in Ableton in either session or arrangement view and then have access to any of the twenty songs for rehearsal on the LIOBOX 2 and all songs are ready if I chose to go off-script on a given Sunday .
Within the LIOBOX 2 , you can build up to 11 custom setlists and you can arrange or move the songs in any order you choose plus each of the setlists can be renamed . A last-minute , pre-service change is no problem . That ’ s a big deal to me after using foot controllers where , if I changed the order of my songs , I had to either re-program my controller , or remember to step on # 3 for the second song and # 4 for the third song and so on .
I really see the LIOBOX 2 as a benefit to controlling Ableton and helping make a service or a show flow smoothly . If your computer is sitting back at someone ’ s station for them to click on the keyboard , I recommend you seriously consider adding the LIOBOX 2 . MSRP is $ 390 . GooRoo Controllers is based in France , but they have a technical support base in Boston .
MSRP $ 390 GooRooControllers . com
106 June 2024 Subscribe for Free ...