Axis

Axis is a MIDI Transformation for Ableton Live that helps you create expressive, coherent and surprising variations of your melodies and harmonies. It takes your original material and transforms it into new versions that feel musically connected but live in different, often unexpected harmonic spaces. This makes it especially useful for producers and composers who want to explore new harmonic territory without losing the thread of their original ideas.

Axis is based on a generalization of Lendvai’s axis system that works with arbitrary groups of notes. It combines two simple techniques: negative harmony which inverts the emotional character of your material, and transposition by minor thirds which links these inversions together. When combined, these processes give you a rich palette of harmonic transformations that are structurally related yet emotionally distinct.

You don’t need to know the theory behind it to use it, however. Axis is designed to be intuitive and flexible, whether you’re reharmonizing a melody, developing a motif or looking for new harmonic colors.

Usage instructions

Axis has three simple parameters:

• Pivot Note - The note used as the center for transformations, usually the root of the current key closest to where your notes are
• Negative - Inverts your notes using negative harmony, creating a mirrored version with a different emotional feel
• Transpose - Transposes your notes by minor thirds

System requirements

Live 12 or higher, plus Max for Live

If you want to learn more about the axis system that this device is based on, you can check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuDbaL86q2M&t=1701s&ab_channel=ProfessorMiltonMermikides