Ableton's Tension

[Rufus_FrequentFlyers]

Basically I've always kind of thought Ableton's Tension instrument was a pretty cool thing.
However every time I've gone to use it I've been initially terrified by it's interface with all it's unfamiliar terms/controls and then then subsequently underwhelmed by the results I've gotten from fiddling.
However I've come across these tutorials which look to somewhat demystify this otherwise incomprehensible instrument!

From the first article:
"Oh Tension, how I hate you and despise you. You are the most mysterious device Ableton Live has to offer, yet one of the most interesting and powerful. If only I could coax you into doing my bidding, I would have a wonderful addition to my arsenal of synthesis…"

Working With Tension: The Excitator
Working with Tension: Hammered Dulcimer

There's more to come in this series which I'll (fingers crossed) remember to post up here as they come up.

Enjoy

[bkwsk]

It seems like I'm not the only one that doesn't usually come anywhere near Tension in his everyday life lol. Will read this for sure.

Thanks!

[Kolendo]

Tension is totally my secret weapon (especially when making house tunes).
It's so versatile. You can also get some unique sounds when you start adding some audio effects on top.

[Rufus_FrequentFlyers]

Tension is totally my secret weapon (especially when making house tunes).
It's so versatile. You can also get some unique sounds when you start adding some audio effects on top.

Do you use it for actually modelling instruments or just for synth sounds? Been trying to coax a decent sounding violin patch out of it but no luck so far. None of the presets seem to use the Bow excitator either so I don't even have a jump off point to get me started!
Any tips?

[Kolendo]

Tension is totally my secret weapon (especially when making house tunes).
It's so versatile. You can also get some unique sounds when you start adding some audio effects on top.

Do you use it for actually modelling instruments or just for synth sounds? Been trying to coax a decent sounding violin patch out of it but no luck so far. None of the presets seem to use the Bow excitator either so I don't even have a jump off point to get me started!
Any tips?

Honestly, more for synth sounds. I find it difficult to get a really organic sounding instrument out of it (like violin, or guitar). It ends up sounding a little off and cheesy. But that cheese is totally great for 90's house and garage haha.

Sorry man, can't really help you with that. I just use it for synth chords and short riffs.

[Rufus_FrequentFlyers]

Oh well, I'll just keep plugging away at it. I get the feeling the bow exitator isn't all that great and it tends to be better at plucked and hammered instruments.

[bkwsk]

Here's a little patch I've been working on for Tension *trying to* emulate a violin. It doesn't mean I've gotten very far, but I'm going to share it anyway in case it is useful to anybody. At least those of us fighting with the plugin will get to build more ideas around it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qb7msyhw9didi ... Violin.adv

I think I might be closer to the cello though . Which isn't much of a problem actually because of what's left to do is mess with the filter envelope, cutoff and res.
Cheers

[Rufus_FrequentFlyers]

Here's a little patch I've been working on for Tension *trying to* emulate a violin. It doesn't mean I've gotten very far, but I'm going to share it anyway in case it is useful to anybody. At least those of us fighting with the plugin will get to build more ideas around it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qb7msyhw9didi ... Violin.adv

I think I might be closer to the cello though . Which isn't much of a problem actually because of what's left to do is mess with the filter envelope, cutoff and res.
Cheers

Sweet dude!
On the DL now! I lost my temper with it last time and trashed my patch so it's good to have a jump off point.
Cheers for sharing!

[bkwsk]

It's the least I could do! Mess a little with the filter if you want; eventually, we'll get to the "FGF Signature Violin Patch" for Tension .

[ortamusic]

I wasn't really familiar with Tension before but reading this thread makes me want to try it out!

[Rufus_FrequentFlyers]

I wasn't really familiar with Tension before but reading this thread makes me want to try it out!

Excellent! Thats kind of why i started the thread. Get more folks using it and we can learn it together!

[beebmun]

Tension? Is that actually in ableton? I've never used it...hahaha

Gonna play around with it now. Tension, not my willy.

[Stealth Elf]

I've wanted this so badly for ages. Haven't had a time where I had the cash spare though, I only have live not suite