Chance Engine V2
Escape The Loop
Add compelling variety to MIDI patterns in Process mode - or bring dynamic new MIDI to life in Generate mode.
Chance Engine is a potent Max for Live MIDI processor and generator created by Ableton Certified Trainer Noah Pred. It introduces probability-driven control to rhythm, pitch, and dynamics – transforming static MIDI data into evolving, musical motifs.
Fully scale-aware, it reshapes incoming MIDI or generates new material through controlled randomness, Euclidean sequencing, and deep timing logic. Use Process mode to manipulate existing clips, or Generate mode to produce complex, autonomous sequences.
Version 2 delivers new count-based probability triggers and advanced pattern logic, bringing repetitive patterns to life with the power of dynamic variation.
Key Features
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Controlled probability for note playback, sustain, velocity, octave, pitch, and timing
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Five pitch randomisation modes: Chance, Drunk, Fluid, Pattern, and Decide
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Transpose via octave and semitone controls
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Scale and key awareness across 69 integrated scales via Global Hub
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Automation, modulation, and MIDI mapping for all parameters
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Dual Process and Generate modes for transforming or creating MIDI in real time
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Multiple playback behaviors including Free, Gate, Side, and Arp modes
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Flexible timing through metrical or millisecond Time modes
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Rate multipliers and offsets for advanced polymetric rhythm generation
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Swing, swing intensity, swing chance, and humanise timing options
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Base rate division in Generate mode for detailed rhythmic control
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Optimised Push compatibility and Live 12 integration
New in Version 2
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Euclidean Pulse Generation with direction and inversion
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Count-based Probability Triggers per parameter
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Three Arp and one Retrigger Mode
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Random Pattern Mode with direction and re-roll options
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Velocity Intensity Control and Global Transposition Shift
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Offset Chance parameter for probabilistic timing delays
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Output Delay Divisor and Global Swing Awareness
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Optimised interface and performance enhancements
Process Mode
In Process mode, Chance Engine applies probability to key aspects of incoming MIDI: note playback, velocity, rhythmic offset, swing, octave, sustain, and pitch. Each parameter can be randomised within defined ranges or synced to rhythmic intervals for repeatable variation. Five pitch algorithms – Chance, Drunk, Fluid, Decide, and Pattern – govern melodic evolution, while separate transpose controls shift in semitones or defined degrees.
Fully scale aware with Live 12, every parameter is automatable, modulatable, and mappable for full integration with Live and Push.
Generate Mode
Generate mode turns Chance Engine into a note generator all its own. Two MIDI input options determine how base pitches are defined: Internal mode uses the built-in pitch slider, while Receive mode follows incoming notes to anchor randomisation within defined progressions. Multiple playback behaviours support different creative uses:
Free generates continuous pulses, Gate reacts only while notes are held, Side triggers between held notes, and dedicated Arp modes introduce adaptive, melodic motion. Time modes switch between rhythmic divisions or millisecond-based timing, allowing fluid movement between metrical and freeform phrasing. Pulses can operate anywhere between 128th notes and whole notes, with triplet and dotted options, and can be offset, divided, and multiplied for polymetric layering. This rate then drives the built-in Euclidean pulse pattern sequencer.
Info View Annotated
Learn all you need to know directly in Live - just open the Info View and hover your mouse over any parameter.
Scale Aware
Natively integrated with Live 12's scale and key for seamless workflow.
Theme Adaptive
Device colours automatically adapt to your preferred Live theme.
Optimised for Push
All parameters are ready and available in Push.
- Requires: Ableton Live Suite 12.1.x or higher running Max 9.0.x on Mac or PC.
- Includes: Chance Engine device, Utility Boost, manual.
- Included with: Ultra Bundle, Max MIDI Bundle.