How to use Utility device

Use Ableton Live's Utility device for gain staging, stereo width control, and phase correction.

Getting Started · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Load Utility on a track

    Open Browser > Audio Effects > Utility and drag it onto any track. It's one of the most versatile tools in Ableton.

  2. Adjust gain staging

    Use the Gain knob to increase or decrease the signal level before it hits the next effect in the chain.

  3. Control stereo width

    Adjust the Width knob from 0% (mono) to 200% (extra wide). Use 0% on bass and kick tracks for a focused low end.

  4. Flip phase and mute channels

    Use the Phz-L and Phz-R buttons to invert phase on individual channels. Use the Channel selector to isolate Left, Right, or both.

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