GridLatch v1.0

Overview

GridLatch captures MIDI input in real time and transforms it into synchronized, reusable phrases. Designed for live electronic performance, it bridges the gap between improvised input and structured playback.

Unlike standard MIDI loopers, GridLatch focuses on gestural capture: it records not just notes, but the timing and velocity character of your playing, then lets you manipulate these gestures while staying locked to the session tempo.

How It Works

Capture Phase

When armed, GridLatch listens to incoming MIDI and records the last 1-8 bars of input (configurable). The capture is always running in the background, so you can decide retroactively which phrase to keep.

Latch Phase

Pressing Latch freezes the current captured phrase and begins looped playback. The phrase is quantized to the grid while preserving micro-timing feel from the original performance.

Transform Phase

While latched, you can apply real-time transformations: pitch shift, reverse, pattern shift, and density reduction. These are applied non-destructively and can be changed during playback.

Interface

Quantize Modes

Off

Raw captured timing is preserved. Useful for capturing subtle groove variations, but may drift relative to the grid over multiple loops.

Soft (default)

Notes are nudged toward the grid while preserving up to 30% of original timing feel. Best balance of tightness and human feel.

Hard

Strict grid quantization. All notes snap to the nearest 16th note (or configured resolution). Good for electronic genres and tight rhythm parts.

Performance Techniques

Building Tension

Capture a simple pattern. While latched, gradually reduce Density to create sparse variations, then snap back to 100% for impact.

Transition Fill

Set One-shot mode and record a fill pattern. Trigger at the end of a phrase for automatic transition into the next section.

Layered Capture

Use multiple GridLatch devices on parallel MIDI tracks. Capture different elements (bass, chords, lead) independently and mix their outputs.

Pitch Modulation

Map Pitch Shift to a continuous controller. Sweep during sustained phrases for build effects, or step through intervals for harmonic variation.

MIDI Mapping

All controls expose MIDI mappings for hardware integration. Recommended controller assignments:

• Pad 1: Arm (toggle)
• Pad 2: Latch (momentary or toggle)
• Pad 3: Clear
• Encoder 1: Pitch Shift
• Encoder 2: Density
• Button: Reverse (toggle)

Sync Behavior

GridLatch follows Live's transport state:

• When Live stops, playback pauses (does not clear)
• When Live resumes, playback continues from where it left off
• Pressing Latch always aligns to the next bar boundary
• Retrigger aligns to the next beat

Session Recording

GridLatch output can be recorded into clips just like any MIDI track. This lets you:

• Capture transformed phrases for further editing
• Build up layered arrangements from live input
• Freeze a performance for consistent playback

Troubleshooting

Notes Cut Off Early

GridLatch captures note-off events. If notes are being cut short, increase the Length setting to capture the full phrase including release tails.

Timing Feels Rigid

Try Soft quantize mode instead of Hard. Or turn off quantization and manually edit the resulting clip to taste.

Stuck Notes

Press Clear to send all-notes-off. This can happen if a note-on is captured without its corresponding note-off.

System Requirements

• Ableton Live 11 Suite or Standard with Max for Live
• Max 8.3 or later (included with Live 11)
• Any MIDI controller or computer keyboard input

Installation

1. Download and unzip the archive
2. Copy GridLatch.amxd to your Ableton User Library MIDI Effects folder
3. In Live, find it under User Library → MIDI Effects
4. Drag onto a MIDI track

Changelog

v1.0 (December 2025) — Initial release