Creating Default Sets in Ableton Live

The number one element that makes Ableton Live so great is its work flow. One thing that I do to keep my musical inspirations flowing is to utilize my own custom Live default set. I basically set up an entire session with my favorite drum kits, effects and instruments inserted into the project so when I open Ableton Live, my favorites are open and ready to go. This of course allows me to get to creating instead of trying to remember which instruments or effects I used in my last set.

This is easy to do. The first thing you want to do is to go ahead and create as many audio, midi or return tracks as you wish. Once you do this, insert your favorite instruments in the tracks and make any adjustments to them as needed. I even set my tempo to the range I like to work at the most; of course this can be adjusted at any time, as with any other element.

Once you have the set configured the way you like, open up your preferences (Ctrl + , for PC, Cmd + , for Mac) and go to the “File Folder” tab. Go to the first option in this window which is “Save Current Set as Default” and click save.

All done! Now every time you open Ableton Live all your favorite tools will be automatically at your disposal.