The power of macros
Your keyboard’s mod wheel is one universal source that can be assigned to affect multiple parameters at once, but many synths also provide multiple macro controls. You can assign multiple parameter moves and custom ranges to one macro knob, allowing you to tweak many different global changes with a single mouse twist. You could, say, hook up a macro to fully open your filter cutoff, while simultaneously increasing amplitude envelope decay, sustain and release, plus reverb and delay mix amounts. We’ll explore this approach using Xfer Serum in the tutorial below.
Macros also make the process of automation more efficient. Hook up a single macro to alter several parameters at once, then draw in the motion of that one knob on your DAW’s timeline.
Many sound designers preassign parameter changes to macros, which can be interpreted as suggestions for how to edit the patch. A welldesigned preset could offer many variations for you to instantly shape. If you’re designing your own sounds, set up labelled collections of go-to controls for other preset surfers, to remind users of the most important sound-altering features.
Macros can also be assigned to your MIDI keyboard’s rotary controls. This helps bridge the gap between software power and hands-on control – get away from fiddly mouse tweaks and perform your patch away from the computer screen.
If you want to go further, you can use macro controls when you’re building your own multisampled instruments, synth stacks or effects chains, then package them up into one easy-to-build custom instrument.
We’ll do exactly that on the adjacent page’s tutorial, within Ableton Live’s powerful Instrument Rack environment.