Mixing & Mastering Tip #175 ·

Two Ableton workflow tools: Live Plugin Closer and Notes-Ki

Live Plugin Closer for Mac

Plugin Closer for Ableton Live header over open plugin windows

Live Plugin Closer is an app I made to optimize the Ableton workflow, and it has more than 1,500 daily users. The update lets you close individual plugins, keep your analyzers open on external screens and much more.

Live Plugin Closer preferences with close shortcuts, Auto Select Plugin and Displays options

Here is the change log:

Close plugin windows on specific screens

You can now close plugin windows on:

  • All displays
  • Main display only
  • External display only

Close selected plugin

A new keybind closes the currently selected plugin window. The default keybind is Cmd + Opt + E (customizable in settings).

Auto-select plugin option

  • Automatically selects and closes the most recent plugin window.
  • Gives a smoother experience by reducing manual selection.

If you’re updating, follow the instructions and properly uninstall the previous version before installing the new one. It’s Mac only for now.

Notes in Ableton

Imagine jotting down reminders, to-dos, or even adding screenshots of your hardware setups (for recall) right where you need them. Now this is possible.

This dirt cheap Max for Live plugin lets you embed text and image notes directly into your track’s effects chain. It’s called Notes-Ki.

Notes-Ki Max for Live devices showing text, checklist and image notes in a track

Watch the video on YouTube →

It also has a floating browser window that displays all your notes across the project, showing the track names and note types.

If you’re on Live 12, there’s an added perk: images can be automatically saved in the project folder. This means when you share your project, all your visual notes stay intact, which makes collaboration seamless.

For 8 dollars, I thought I should share it with you immediately.

Want this on your own track?

I master more than 1,000 songs a year for artists and labels, from stems or a stereo mix. Send me your track and I'll tell you what it needs.

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