How to edit transposition

Transpose audio and MIDI clips in Ableton Live to change pitch and key without affecting timing.

Editing · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Transpose MIDI notes

    Select MIDI notes in the MIDI Editor and press Shift + Up/Down Arrow to transpose by an octave, or Up/Down Arrow for semitones.

  2. Transpose audio clips

    In the Clip View for audio, adjust the Transpose knob in the Sample box to shift pitch in semitones. Use Detune for fine-tuning in cents.

  3. Transpose entire MIDI clips

    Select a MIDI clip and adjust the Transpose field in the Clip box on the left side of the Clip View.

  4. Use complex warp modes for quality

    For audio transposition, set the Warp Mode to Complex or Complex Pro for the best pitch-shifting quality on melodic material.

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