X-TRANSLATE: Responsive Audio-to-MIDI Device for Ableton Live

What if you could transform any sound, sample, or audio source into any other instrument — in real-time? A unique, responsive, all-in-one Audio-to-MIDI device, X-Translate is designed by Ableton Certified Trainer Noah Pred to easily and instantly convert audio from any source — audio clips or live input — into approximate MIDI note data in real-time to drive any virtual or hardware instrument at your disposal.

While Ableton Live features offline audio-to-MIDI conversion, it’s not useful in a performance setting. It also lacks the sort of fine-tuning needed to obtain optimal results in context — let alone the option to quantize output rhythmically or into a specific scale and key.

In default Melody mode, X-Translate uses a root note detection algorithm with Sensitivity and Resolution controls to produce generally corresponding MIDI notes. In contrast, Drums mode simply triggers a specified MIDI note whenever the threshold is exceeded. In both modes, the output can be quantized in milliseconds or via base metric note rate with multiplier and optional reset in bar intervals (for unique, pseudo-arpeggiated patterns) — and harmonically, via Global Hub-compatible scale and key.

A variety of input controls allow adjustments to better harness the audio signal for MIDI conversion without changing the actual audio output. Gain boosts the signal, threshold specifies the minimum signal above which translation occurs, while minimum and maximum range controls exclude low or high frequencies that could interfere with the translation process.

Finally, output velocity can be boosted or reduced, pitch can be transposed within the selected scale and key, and output can be delayed in milliseconds or in BPM-synchronized base metric note value with multiplier rates for uniquely staggered real-time call-and-response.

Requirements

Requires: Ableton Live 11.1.x or higher running Max for Live 8.1.x on Mac or PC.
Includes: X-Translate device, Global Hub utility, user guide.

More info here: https://manifest.audio/allmax/x-translate