ELXR
Curves
Draw a volume shape, sync it to Live, and get pumping, ducking and trance gates in a small, stock-style device.
Hear the difference
A soft saw pad, then the same loop recorded through Curves in Ableton Live (default settings (1/4, Depth 100 %)). Both are matched in loudness, so you hear the change, not just a volume jump. Switch while it plays.
What it does
A volume LFO for sidechain-style pumping, trance gates and rhythmic movement. The whole shape is on the device, so you can see and edit it without opening a window.
Why I made it
Inspired by Xfer's LFO Tool, which I used for years. Curves is my own take: fewer controls, only the ones I reach for most, in a compact device that looks like it came with Live. Not affiliated with Xfer Records.
Inside Curves
Draw your shape
Click to add points, drag to move them, and drag between two points to bend the line into a curve.
Block and Draw
Paint trance gates column by column, or draw freehand. Clean tidies extra points.
Rates
Notes, Triplet or Dotted, from 8 bars down to 1/64.
Swing and Smooth
Swing pushes every second step late. Smooth rounds off clicks and sharp edges.
Depth
Sets how strong the effect is. The shape on screen follows it.
Grid and Expand
Set the grid from 1 to 16 steps with snap on or off, or open a bigger editor window.
45 presets
Pumps, trance gates, grooves, wobbles, swells and steps in 7 folders. Each preset sets its own rate and grid. Step through them with the arrow keys.
See the sound
Your audio is drawn behind the shape, so you can line the dips up with the kick.
See Curves in action
// Technical specsLatency, channels, sample rate
- Latency
- None (0 samples). Nothing to compensate
- Channels
- Stereo in / stereo out
- Sample rate
- Any rate Live runs at
What buyers say
Only verified buyers can leave a review, and every review is shown. Bought it? Leave a review
Perfect! Simple and runs nice and tightly in native.
This is simply everything I've ever dreamed of at ableton. If I recommend it? I would buy it twice if I could... This shit is amazing, I can't stop using it. It's on every channel!
Questions
Is this Xfer's LFO Tool?
No. Curves is inspired by Xfer's LFO Tool: my own take with fewer controls, as a Max for Live device that looks like it came with Live. Not affiliated with Xfer Records.
Can I make trance gates with it?
Yes. Switch to Block and paint the gate column by column. For ready-made gate patterns, see Rhythmic Gate.
Does it need a sidechain input?
No. The shape follows Live's tempo, so there's nothing to route and it keeps pumping even when the kick is muted.
What do I need to run it?
Ableton Live with Max for Live, which comes with Live Suite. It works on Mac and Windows.
Is it a one-time purchase?
Yes. You pay once and download the .amxd file. No subscription.
Requirements & install
- Ableton Live with Max for Live.
- Syncs to Live's tempo and transport.
- Download Curves.amxd and drag it into your User Library, or straight onto a track.
