Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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TetraLigeti
download: https://www.remodevicocomposer.eu/maxforlive/
programmed by Remo De Vico

#ableton #electronicmusic #sound #sounddesign

A sampler inspired by György Ligeti’s concept of micropolyphony

TetraLigeti is a sampler deeply inspired by the compositional technique that György Ligeti called micropolyphony. Ligeti coined the term to describe the intricate, dense textures found in works like Atmosphères, Apparitions, and others from that period — sonic nebulas and sprays of sound, where harmonic clouds blur into evolving timbral effects.

This device imagines a kind of sonic meiosis: each audio sample is split into four independent voices, each with its own random rhythm. From even the most monophonic source, complex polyrhythmic textures can emerge — shimmering, drifting, or tightly clustered, depending on your input and settings.

The pitch of each voice is shaped by both the global tempo (BPM) and the specific portion of the sample being played. Each voice has its own gain control and can be assigned to a unique segment of the sample. Alternatively, you can select a specific portion in the original file and have all voices draw from the same region, creating subtle variations within a unified gesture.

TetraLigeti offers a playful yet precise way to explore density, fragmentation, and motion.

I built this device using Ableton Live 12 and Max for Live 8.6.4.

There’s also a hidden trick: the instrument features 10 output channels. Outputs 1/2 carry the main stereo mix, while 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, and 9/10 are the individual stereo outputs for each of the four voices.
To fully unlock the potential of TetraLigeti, route these outputs to separate Ableton tracks — then sculpt space, apply effects, and shape each voice independently.

check out my music on https://www.remodevicocomposer.eu/