Dillon Bastan Superposition is a new Max For Live probabilistic concatenative multi-sampler that switches creatively between different playback states.
In recent years, developer Dillon Bastan has created numerous exciting, highly experimental Max For Live devices for Ableton Live. They range from exotic sound generators, highly sophisticated real-time sample manipulators, and creative effects to chaotic modulators.
These original Max For Live devices (Coalescence…) supercharge Ableton Live with capabilities far beyond those of the factory devices. Dillon Bastan’s latest M4L device, Superposition, picks up where he left off. It takes you on a wild trip of sample manipulation.
Dillon Bastan Superposition
Superposition is a new M4L mono multi-sampler for Ableton Live 10+ with rich probabilistic capabilities. Its engine is based on the probabilistic Markov system that describes a sequence of possible events in which the probability of each event depends only on the state attained in the previous event.
Dillon Bastan Superposition is about states, specifically transitioning sample playback states. You can create up to 16 states. A state must be seen as an independent preset packed with tweakable parameters.
Each “preset” offers up to six sample slots, and each has an individual warping option. Things get exciting with the three distinct playback modes: normal, granular with grain size and spray options, and spectral.
In addition, you can choose between three different start position modes and set various other key parameters, such as playback direction, loop length, repetitions, and more. Yes, there is a lot of freedom to customize the individual states.
Dillon Bastan also added colorful, tweakable effects to each state: filter, distortion, sample reduction, wave folder, phaser, delay, and reverb.
Indeed, that’s not all. They also host an independent modulation engine with an ADS envelope, step sequencer, LFO, and a random spray. Yes, you can modulate almost all the state parameters with this neat selection of modulators.
The modulation values and their mappings are individual per state, which is pretty powerful. Plus, you have a randomizer for each parameter category.
Creative Playback
You can play these states (up to 16) once you have set your samples. They can be manually triggered or with two modes of auto-triggering the next playback state.
Other neat features include adding MIDI control to playback states, parameter transition gliding, gated playback, and locking + looping the last set number of transitions.
Since each state has different parameters, different playback modes, etc., you can generate very complex rhythms with it. Dillon Bastan says it works great for sample mangling, generative melodies, breakbeats, glitch rhythms and textures, and more. Here are two videos of it.
First Impression
Superposition looks excellent and very accessible from the interface. I like that you have various sample playback engines and effects per state, which gives you plenty of ways to manipulate the sample content.
I’m pretty sure anyone who finds the Ableton Simpler or Sampler devices too rudimentary will enjoy Dillon Bastan’s new release.
Dillon Bastan Superposition is available now for $20. It requires Ableton Live 10/11/12 Suite or 10/11/12 Standard with a license of Max For Live.
More information here: Dillon Bastan
It is so cool that he still supports Ableton 10.
Thanks Tom for the info!