Mariano Sibilia aka Yraki, the independent developer behind the FL-inspired Juicy Loops 2, has announced the launch of a new Max for Live device that aims to redefine the role of master tempo in music production. SABOTAGE works in the same way as a sequencer, but takes control of Ableton Live’s tempo, creating a production grid that shifts in real time.
The device has been inspired by the work of experimental artists such as Autechre, Objekt, Arca and Mark Fell, and aims to offer a ‘middle ground’ solution to those who feel that being locked to a fixed-tempo grid make their music feel too mechanical, but don’t wish to disable their session’s grid entirely. The GUI ditches the traditional horizontal sequencer layout in favour of a vertical column, and allows users to draw in tempo changes at each step, transforming the session’s BPM from a fixed value to a continually evolving element.
There are two sequencing modes on offer: AUTO and MIDI. The former synchronises the device with Live’s transport controls, while the latter makes it possible to trigger the steps using incoming MIDI notes. Settings are provided for adjusting the probability of tempo shifts, along with deviation and interpolation parameters that allow users to fine-tune the shifts created by the device. There’s also a quantisation mode that snaps tempo values to the closest musical division of the original BPM to ensure that variations remain rhythmically coherent.
Pricing & Availability
SABOTAGE is available now, priced at £10, although users are free to donate more to support the developer’s work should they wish.
