AbleSet

AbleSet is a standalone application that connects to Ableton Live to manage live setlists. It recognizes the cue markers in your project and automatically generates a song list. The musician can control playback from their computer, a phone, a tablet, or any MIDI controller, without needing to modify the Ableton session during the concert.

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• Automatic setlist generation. The application reads the cue markers placed in the Ableton Live arrangement view and converts them into a structured song list. Each marker is interpreted as the start of a track, eliminating the need to create lists manually.
• Reordering songs without touching the session. It allows you to change the order of tracks by dragging them in the web interface. The changes are applied in real-time to Ableton Live playback, without having to move clips or duplicate tracks within the original project.
• Song division into sections. Using a simple text format in the marker names, you can define parts of a track (intro, verse, chorus, bridge). AbleSet displays these sections in the interface and allows you to jump directly to a specific part of the song.
• Automatic stop markers. By adding a specific keyword to a marker (for example, "Stop"), the program halts Ableton Live playback when it reaches that point. This is useful for pauses between songs or to end the setlist without manual intervention.
• Adding notes and annotations. Each song or section can include notes visible in the control interface. These notes can contain tuning indications, sound changes, messages for the sound engineer, or the song lyrics.
• Control via external devices. In addition to the browser, the program accepts MIDI commands to advance, go back, or stop playback. Any generic MIDI controller can send these commands to AbleSet, which translates them into actions on Ableton Live.
• Web interface accessible from any device. The built-in server generates an interface accessible via Wi-Fi. Phones, tablets, or other computers can connect to the address shown by the AbleSet client to view the setlist and control playback.
• Display of remaining and elapsed time. During song playback, the interface shows the time elapsed and the total time of the track, as well as the time remaining until the next marker or the end of the song.
• Tempo change per song. A specific tempo can be assigned to each track. When starting a song, AbleSet sends the tempo information to Ableton Live, allowing automatic speed changes between songs without manual intervention.
• Launching scenes and clips. In addition to arrangement view markers, AbleSet can work with the session view. It allows assigning clips or scenes to each song, triggering them at the right moment according to the setlist progression.
• Rehearsal and practice mode. It includes a feature to rehearse the setlist without needing the full sound system. You can simulate the progression of songs and hear the result directly from Ableton Live with a single click.

The development of AbleSet began in 2017 by software engineer and musician Leo Bernard. The application was created to solve personal needs for live setlist management with Ableton Live. The program is primarily written in the Go programming language, complemented by JavaScript components for the web interface.

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