Preview Tuner
How curious that Ableton still hasn't included this feature...
- Type
- Audio Effect
- Author
- OSTINSOLO
- Version
- 1.0.2
- License
- None
- Live version
- 12.0.5
- Max version
- 8.6.2
- Downloads
- 0
- Updated
- 2026-05-21
Description
How curious that Ableton still hasn't included this feature, but that's exactly why we exist.
Preview Tuner does what it says on the tin: it lets you hear your sounds in tune with your project. It includes an algorithm that detects the fundamental frequency of polyphonic sounds and can also read the root note from your file names. As a result, every sound you preview in your browser will always be in tune with your session.
It can also load the audio clip already tuned to the project using Ableton's Complex Pro algorithm, which is apparently the best way to keep it free of artifacts. The clip can always be repitched to a note that is part of the scale without pitching twice, it works in real time for preview.
Usage: Privacy & Security → Accessibility → Ableton Suite 12 → turn it ON.
Once loaded, you can control it in Ableton using shortcuts or a MIDI controller.
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Changelog – Version 1.0.1
New Features
Cue volume linked to Master Track cue volume
The device’s cue volume control is now connected to the Master Track’s internal cue volume. Adjusting one updates the other for consistent monitoring levels.
Bug Fixes
Prevent unintended deletion of highlighted clip at runtime
Fixed an issue where the device would incorrectly delete the currently highlighted clip during runtime. The highlighted clip now stays intact as expected.
Load clip in Arrangement View at playback mark
Resolved a bug that prevented loading a clip directly into the Arrangement View at the current playback cursor position. Clips now land exactly where the playhead is.
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Changelog – Version 1.0.2
Improved Device Gain mapping so it now accurately follows Live’s non-linear Cue Volume curve and matches the displayed dB value.
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Special thanks to Connor Patrick McDonough – https://www.mcdonoughproductions.com; it's his idea, and he currently uses it in his workflow.
Contact me if you have a Max for Live device idea. I may like it and realize it for you.
Comments (7)
Samples are cut off in the first milliseconds of playback, transposition does not occur
Errors in the console:
Preview Tuner.amx • node.script • Node script not running, can't handle 'script stop'
Live API is not initialized, use live.this device to determine when initialization is complete.
Preview Tuner.amxd • live.object • call delete_clip: no valid object set sliveapi set path: invalid path jsliveapi • get: no valid object set
Visual bugs, when clicking any on any icon of device in arrangement view.
The flashing effect you see in the Arrangement View is normal; it’s not a bug. Normally, Ableton doesn’t allow loading clips from the browser using Max for Live or MIDI, unless you are using a Push. However, this device can do it. What it does in the background is: first load the audio sample into a Session Scene, then move it to the Arrangement, and finally delete the temporary file from the Session.
Accessibility is ON
Switching keys/autodetect on-off/toggling stop-play button/load button/listen button don’t affect anything
(Key switching only affecting project’s global key )
samples either just stops after half a sec or just playing in their default key
I’ve tried loading device to main and audio channels, browsing in session and arrangement mods
Tried to press buttons with mouse and mapping to keyboard
Also in detect pitch section always displayed Cb
Sorry for bad English, not my native language
I know from your description of the cut audio situation that the accessibility settings cause that, the tune detection won’t work until the settings are correct, to confirm if you turn off the little headphones icon 🔵 you won't hear anything, because the audio comes from the device. Also please include in the email your Ableton version, and if you are planning to use the newest update 12.4. So I will sort it out for you, it's okay.
I just needed to remove ableton app from accessibility and then add again
Now it’s working, thank you!