Livestream setup [Sept 2023]
Original setup [Jan 2022]: https://medium.com/@ScruffyFox/livestream-setup-26f39b13d8f0
Setup Update [May 2022]: https://medium.com/@ScruffyFox/livestream-setup-may-1b3b7be8be16
Setup Update [Oct 2022]: https://medium.com/@ScruffyFox/livestream-setup-oct-17df724fa809
Setup Update [Mar 2023]: https://medium.com/@ScruffyFox/livestream-setup-mar-2023-24fe479fa98a
Setup Update [Jun 2023]: https://medium.com/@ScruffyFox/livestream-setup-jun-2023-eb15d7fc6b4f
Latest Update [Jun 2024]: https://medium.com/@ScruffyFox/livestream-setup-jun-2024-e5d7285ed527
My website: https://scruffyfox.fm
Watch me live: https://twitch.tv/scruffyfox
Watch a video run-through of my gear and Ableton Live sets! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dDzp-GAQCk
Not too much has changed fundamentally this time. Mostly just desk re-arrangement and the addition of a new synthesizer, the Behringer K2. See my previous posts for how everything links together.
Gear
Since June’s update, I have acquired a new synthesizer, the Behringer K2 (top right). I was able to pick up this synth for a very good price. Due to the configuration, and the size/position of the keyboard, I was unable to fit it into the frame nicely. I previously had the idea to create an under-desk drawer for the keyboard which could free up enough space to fit all my controllers and synths into the space and so I went and purchased a cheap (but sturdy!) under-desk drawer rail that I was able to fixate under my custom tabletop with enough space for the keyboard. After re-arraging all the gear, I still have potential space available between the 2 synths I could fill with more modular gear in the future (possibly a 40hp wide module). I think I’ll end up creating a custom rack of utility modules to compliment to the three hardware synths I already have.
One issue I had with my gear was that not all of them lay nice and flat, and now with the additional height on the table to make space for the under-desk keyboard, I needed to tilt the gear to make it easier for me to see screens and what not. I was able to use small rubber blocks/corks, and some old cuts of wood to prop up the controllers into a very neat and mostly square configuration. The launchpad minis all work the same as before and are now more accessible.
The Oxi One sequencer now powers 3 CV LFOs for the Neutron and K2 to modulate filter cutoffs quantised to the clock.
The K2 is patched into the Neutron in the same was as the Juno was before. Additionally, the K2 is patched into its external signal processor for the additional filter and gain. The oxi one can modulate both the LPF and HPF of the K2, and the filter cutoff of the Neutron.
Keyboard drawer
I was able to squeeze the Komplete Kontrol into the space under the desk with a couple of minor adjustments to the desk framing and riser block orientation. This works pretty well. Annoyingly, in order to access the Komplete Kontrol parameters, I still need quick access to the keyboard which can sometimes be a pain to pull out. I can modulate parameters via the Push2, but the way Ableton displays VST parameters, especially from KK, can make it difficult when they disappear.
Guitar Rig 6
I decided to replace my Ableton device chains for the guitar with an instance of Guitar Rig 6 that is hosted within REAPER. I can select different patches using program change CC messages sent from the launchpad, through ableton, and into REAPER.
Streams
Radio Improvs (scruffyfox.fm)
My radio improvs (95–110 bpm melodic electronic music) haven’t really changed. The project is mostly the same with some midi utility changes, but the workflow is the same as before.
Sub 90bpm Mellow Improvs
When i’m not performing/recording for my radio project, I like to do ‘throwaway’ improvs at lower sub 90 BPM tempos using a stripped back version of the radio project template. This template has a less focus on creating new melodies and sounds from scratch and is more like a modular setup where everything is as it was the last time it was used. These sets aren’t recorded as I discovered early on in the radio project that it is very difficult to mix tracks over 10bpm in difference together, so I’m much more strict in the tempo of improvs for the radio project improvs than the mellow improvs.
Ambient Improvs
Another new kind of project i’ve recently started doing is ambient music. Inspired by EarthsLastEchoes, I wanted to find a kind of music I could set up and let run itself — useful for daytime streaming whilst I’m busy working or unable to be as attentive as I otherwise would be for my Mellow/Radio improvs.
Based on the same project as the Mellow improvs, this template features 4 different reverbs all tuned for a slightly different frequency range, a delay, and a dry signal with some compression.
Reverbs:
- Raum — This is my go-to reverb. Really nice all-purpose reverb
- Blackhole — I love using this reverb for guitar, can create some huge sounds.
- Valhalla Supermassive — Another huge reverb, and is free!
- RC-20 — Currently this is my ‘flex’ verb, im experimenting with different reverbs to fill this space
5. Replika-XT delay — Another one of my go-to FX devices. Using this for a nice ping-pong delay
This project is mostly sequenced via the OxiOne, but does allow me to also record guitar and midi clips within Ableton. Listen to my previous ambient streams via my YouTube.
