Feature Request: Export Arrangement Markers with LTC / SMPTE Timecode
First of all, I want to say that I absolutely love Ableton Live and the flexibility it gives live performers. I’m currently building a live playback system for touring, including sending LTC timecode from Ableton to lighting systems.
I am using a Max for Live LTC reader to monitor the timecode output, but I have run into a workflow issue where I need to manually document every section of every song.
It would be incredibly useful if Ableton could have a built-in feature (or Max for Live integration) that allows users to export Arrangement View markers/locators together with their corresponding LTC/SMPTE timecode positions.
For example, if a project has arrangement markers like:
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Intro
-
Verse 1
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Pre-Chorus
-
Chorus
-
Drop
-
Bridge
-
Outro
Ableton could generate a file containing:
Section
Bar
Time
LTC/SMPTE
Intro
1
00:00:00
01:00:00:00
Verse 1
17
00:00:32
01:00:32:12
Chorus
33
00:01:04
01:01:04:00
This could then be exported as a CSV, TXT, or similar file that can easily be opened in Google Sheets or other production software.
The ideal workflow would be something like:
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User creates Arrangement View markers.
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User selects “Export LTC Cue Guide.”
-
Ableton generates a document containing:
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Marker name
-
Bar/beat position
-
Tempo
-
Absolute time
-
LTC/SMPTE timestamp
-
The user can then add additional production notes such as lighting cues, video cues, or stage instructions.
This would be extremely valuable for:
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Touring artists
-
Lighting designers
-
VJs
-
Theatre productions
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Worship/live production teams
-
Anyone using Ableton as a show-control backbone
Currently, the information already exists inside Ableton, but users have to manually extract it. Automating this process would save a significant amount of time and make Ableton an even stronger platform for professional live performance workflows.
Thanks for continuing to build such an incredible piece of software.