ARTIFACT_01 · DOCUMENTATION
PARASEQ Documentation
v1.0 · Modulator · Ableton Live 11+ · Max for Live · Free
What is PARASEQ?
PARASEQ is a Max for Live modulation device that fuses the rhythmic precision of a step sequencer with a chaotic Infection Engine — giving you deep, expressive modulation control over any parameter in your Ableton Live session.
Instead of drawing automation by hand or tweaking knobs in real time, PARASEQ lets you paint modulation curves as step sequences, inject randomness, capture live mouse gestures, and auto-map movement to entire devices in one click.
PARASEQ is a modulator — it controls other devices. It doesn’t produce sound on its own.
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| DAW | Ableton Live 11 or higher |
| Max for Live | Included in Live Suite, or available as a paid M4L add-on |
| Device file | PARASEQ v1.0.amxd |
Installation
- 01Rename the downloaded file to PARASEQ.amxd if it isn't already.
- 02Copy PARASEQ.amxd into your Ableton User Library (recommended: User Library / Max for Live / Audio Effects /).
- 03Restart Ableton Live (or rescan the library).
- 04In Live's browser, navigate to the file and drag PARASEQ onto any track.
- 05The target device you want to modulate can be on any track in the same session.
Interface Overview
Step Editor — the central element. A horizontal grid of steps that define your modulation curve. Click and drag steps up or down to draw any shape — ramps, spikes, pulses, staircases. The shape you draw becomes the modulation signal looping in time.
Output Scope — a real-time display of the live modulation signal being sent out. It reflects all Smooth, Jitter, and pattern changes in real time so you always know exactly what’s happening to your mapped parameters.
Parameters
CORE CONTROLS
| Parameter | What it does |
|---|---|
| Steps | The active length of the sequence. Fewer steps = faster-cycling patterns at the same BPM. |
| Depth | Master modulation intensity — the global volume of your modulation signal. Down for subtle movement; up to take over. |
| Smooth | Blends between hard step jumps (0%) and smooth interpolated transitions (100%). |
| Jitter | Adds random variation on top of the pattern output. Low = organic drift. High = deliberate unpredictability. |
MAPPING CONTROLS
| Parameter | What it does |
|---|---|
| Map | Enables manual parameter learning. Click Map, then interact with any parameter to assign it. |
| Min % | Lower bound of the modulation window — the parameter never goes below this value. |
| Max % | Upper bound of the modulation window — the parameter never goes above this value. |
Mapping Modes
Manual Mapping
Click Map, then click or move any parameter on any device in your session. PARASEQ locks onto it. Set Min % / Max % to constrain the range, then dial in Depth, Smooth, and Jitter. Best for targeted modulation — filter cutoff, reverb size, delay feedback, pitch, pan.
Infection Engine
The defining feature. Click a device, then click Infect: PARASEQ scans it, picks up to 8 eligible parameters, and maps modulation across all of them at once. It skips on/off switches, gain/volume, and quantized parameters — targeting the continuous, musical ones. Best for injecting instant movement into a synth, drum machine, or effect chain.
Reinfect
After infecting a device, Reinfect reshuffles which parameters are mapped without changing the target — same device, different parameters moving. Hit it repeatedly for rapid variation. Built for live performance and fast exploration.
Pattern Tools
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Randomise | Generates a completely new random step pattern instantly. |
| Rotate Left | Shifts the entire pattern one step to the left (delays the groove by one step). |
| Rotate Right | Shifts the entire pattern one step to the right (advances the groove by one step). |
| Push Up | Increases the overall amplitude/intensity of the current pattern. |
| Push Down | Decreases the overall amplitude/intensity of the current pattern. |
Gesture Recording
Record your own mouse movements directly as a modulation curve. Position your cursor over the Step Editor, hold R to begin recording, move your mouse freely to draw modulation in real time, then release R — the gesture is captured and loops continuously.
Your cursor must be over the Step Editor before you press R. If recording doesn’t start, make sure the device window is in focus and your cursor is positioned correctly.
Recommended Configurations
Subtle Pulse — Breathing Pad
Adds slow, organic movement without dominating the sound.
Rhythmic Chop — Synced Gate
Hard step jumps at full depth create a rhythmic chop/stutter without a gate plugin.
Full Chaos — Experimental Infect
Use on a synth with many parameters. Every Reinfect gives a different result.
Gesture Performance — Live Automation
Your hand becomes the LFO. Great for one-take expressive automation.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No modulation at all | Check Depth is above 0% · Confirm a parameter is mapped · If using Infect, click the target device header first, then click Infect. |
| Modulation is too chaotic | Reduce Depth · Increase Smooth · Reduce Jitter · Tighten Min/Max ranges. |
| Modulation is too subtle | Increase Depth · Widen Min/Max range · Try Reinfect to find more active parameter combinations. |
| Device not responding to Infect | Click directly on the target device's title bar in Live so it's active, then click Infect. |
| Gesture recording doesn't start | Make sure your cursor is hovering over the Step Editor before pressing R · Check the PARASEQ window has focus. |
| Steps setting has no effect | Make sure you're adjusting the Steps count and not Depth — they are separate controls. |
Credits & License
BY DISEKTOR // ARTIFACTS (a project by Disektor)
ARTIFACT 01 · Version 1.0
LICENSE Free for personal and commercial use. Do not redistribute the .amxd file without permission.
SUPPORT disektor.live@gmail.com · @disektor_
ARTIFACT_01 is now in circulation. More instruments are coming from the Lab. You’re first in line.