Live Set workflow advice with F1&S4 (one F1 to control the 4decks)

Hiya,
I recently bought an F1 controller to go with my S4. It's all I can afford at the moment for a live set.
I am trying to figure out my workflow for the set with the F1 controlling 4 decks.

Like with producing, I find it very hard to write down things as ideas just come into my head. I get annoyed afterwards though as the ideas are all over the place.

So, I was wondering if any of you have a structure for how you organise your live set workflow for 1 F1 controller and the S4?
I would hope to use the F1 to control 4 remix decks.
In this Youtube video, , the guy draws out a 4 x 4 matrix, 1A, 2A through to 4C , 4D etc. where A is the drums and C are FX for example. He then writes out his sequence of these for each section - Intro, build etc.

It sounds straightforward if you only want to control 1 remix deck; for 4 though I would think it might need to be more Flash Gordon :-D
What are your experiences?
Thanks,
Sinead

 

Hello,
I stopped reading your post here. There's a difference between pragmatism and 'hope' - and to push things a bit further being totally delusional
You won't manage to run 4 remix decks properly with only one F1. You'll have issues with the faders and knobs (using any soft-takeover function for them) without even talking about changing from one layer to another and knowing exactly what you do at a given time.

Be realistic.
Know how to work within limitations (which sometimes is a good thing for creativity). Or just plainly review your expectations.

That said your best bet if you really want to control 4 remix sets at the same time is to create a workflow where you control 1 or 2 remix decks (max) with your f1 (one with a keyboard for extended control?) and set your s4 where you'll only have access to the first 4 slots of each remix decks. And work with that. Or do something else workflow wise.

To summarize, the more layers you'll use on a given controller to control different things, the more idiotic it becomes and the more room you'll create for yourself to fail miserably. And you will, especially within any 'live' situation where knowing exactly where (and "when") you are is vital.

Also bear in mind that the F1 doesn't have transport controls so it means you'll have to manage at the same time those controls on the different layers of the s4 and the commands for all your decks on the F1. That's a lot to think about. You'll try to work within an environment which won't be supportive but the total opposite, pitfalls everywhere.

My 2 cents.
Good luck and have fun.



As a tip and money wise: a good alternative to a F1 is the AKAI apc mini, it can't do the same things as a F1 but it can do things the f1 can't do on the other hand (like having direct access to all cells of a remix set on its surface, not having to scroll through pages). As long as you can map it properly of course.

 

great advice from Yul!

 

Hello Yul and TroyMichael, and apologies for the delay.
Yep I took a bit of a step back there. I am having trouble setting up a live set workflow in any case. The F1 is driving me slightly mad and Traktor Pro software just reset itself for some reason.
Where did you guys start with your workflow? I am indulging in the murky world of remixing every genre with house/techno, i.e. country western.I feel its better to just wing it but then that doesnt work so well the night. Writing everything down is quite annoying if that makes sense.I will have a look on the forum anyways, Sinead

 

really depends on what you do.
I can only talk for myself. I'm a dj, not a producer, I mix. I use extensively remix decks. Just love them and what they can bring. However I put efforts in "preparation".
I use 4 decks, may be not all at the same time but pretty consistently. Usually it's two tracks + something in addition. Sometimes just for the sake of fluidity a 3d or 4th deck is nice.

2 decks are track decks.
2 decks are remix decks (that include step sequencer functionality if needed). One deck is often used as a track deck if needed to accommodate for an acapella.

• One remix deck is consistent, it's always set to feature a remix set with my favourite 64 samples: 16 vocal one-shots or vocal loops. 16 + 16 percussions (drums, congas, whatever), 16 FXs of different kinds. Those are signature sounds if you want.

• One remix deck is used to play with either:

- a remix set that was prepared for a specific key. I do have 12 remix sets like that. I modify them from time to time. Each one is organised as much as possible. Each sample is color coded.Those are my "master" collection. They are all inside one of my favorite playlist.
- a track bought as a remix set. It's not that usual but I do have some.
- a remix set made before hand that is coherent to be played by itself. It's either a existing track I cut in different parts so I can play it however I want or a remix set made from different samples to be used a a whole, each sample working with the other. I love doing that it's something I used all the time.
- a themed remix set (one for a specific step sequencer, one with only fx, percussions, etc, etc...)
All those as far as preparation goes, have all their options set (type of sample, sync options, quantize, etc, etc).​

For the two first type of remix set I use (my favorite one and the 'keyed' ones), I have mapped on either a controller or on a keyboard a set of commands to directly locate them and load them in a deck (and other commands at the same time). It's important I don't look for them, I have quick access and load them by the press of two buttons only.

I tend (to try) to have consistency for all those, so each remix set follows a set of guidelines as far as possible considering the color coding and what each column of cells is supposed to be (usually the first column is kick and drums, the 2nd is lighter percussions, the third is loops or melodic stuff, the 4th is either fx, vocals, whatever).

Note: I also use a S4 but as I hate layers (as said before layers are idiotic and just create pitfalls). I never change deck layers on the S4. However the transport controls for deck C&D are mapped on the primary layer (instead of the sample play buttons). That allow me to not change layers and to compensate the lack of transport control on the F1. I do use one F1 and an apc mini (that is used for my 'favorite' remix set so I have direct access to my 64 prefered samples all the time. The apc mini doubles also as a way to control stems tracks if needed for decks A&B.


I'm not sure if all the above may be of interest to you, that's only an example and suits me considering my own limitations and the set-up I use.