The Sensory Percussion 2 plugin for Ableton is here! The VST3 plugin has all the same features of the standalone app, but loads as a plugin inside Ableton, which makes it super easy to record and edit your Sensory Percussion performance.
We created an Ableton template with all of the tracks routed for you. So all you have to do is install the plugin, download the template, and start recording!
For a detailed walkthorugh of the installation, recording, and editing processes, check out our official Plugin Tutorial video below:
How It Works
As the image above shows, there are three main things we’re concerned with when it comes to the plugin:
- Sensor Input Tracks
- Sensory Percussion 2 Plugin
- Plugin Output Tracks
“Sensor audio” refers to the audio recorded to the sensor input tracks (#1), which use the sensors as microphones to directly record the sound of your sticks hitting the drum. You don't hear or see this sensor audio when using the standalone app, but it's important nonetheless. It's the raw audio that our algorithm uses to determine what you're playing.
This sensor audio is then sent to the plugin (#2), where our algorithm does its magic to translate the raw audio in real-time to a multi-track performance of the drum kit you've set up.
These layered audio samples are routed to the output tracks (#3) and recorded there as our final audio output. There's a lot to this process, but it all happens in the blink of an eye so that the output tracks match the timing of the input tracks.
Why It's Important
With the performance audio recorded separately from the plugin's audio output, you can go back into the plugin, change your sounds, and then run the same original sensor audio back through the plugin, which will result in a new audio output.
This workflow is similar to how you can change the MIDI notes in a MIDI clip and then re-record the audio output of a VST instrument.
This means that nothing is ever set in stone in terms of the sounds you're controlling. As long as you recorded the original take's sensor audio, you can continue tweaking and re-recording the output until you're satisfied!
For more information on the Sensory Percussion 2 plugin, check out the Ableton Plugin page in our user manual.
