/ableton-init

name: ableton-init
description: Bootstrap a fresh Ableton Live project with our preferred bus structure, return tracks, group templates, and color/labeling conventions. Use at the start of a new project.

/ableton-init

Sets up a clean, production-ready Ableton session structure. Run this once per new project before recording or composing.

What it creates

Return tracks (3)

| Return | Device chain | Color | Send level | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **A — Verb** | Reverb (Hall preset, decay 2.5s) | Grey | 0 dB unity | | **B — Delay** | Ping Pong Delay (1/8 dotted, feedback 35%) | Grey | -6 dB | | **C — Parallel** | Glue Compressor (4:1, fast attack, auto release) | Grey | -∞ (manual) |

Master bus chain

• EQ Eight (HPF at 30 Hz to remove sub-rumble)
• Glue Compressor (2:1, slow attack, 1-2 dB GR target — bypass by default, on for mixdown)
• Limiter (-1 dB ceiling — bypass by default, on for export)

Tempo + time signature

• Default 120 BPM, 4/4 (user can override at invocation: `/ableton-init 95 4/4`)

Empty track palette (8 tracks, color-coded, unarmed)

| # | Type | Name | Color | Purpose | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | MIDI | Drums | Orange | Drum rack / kit | | 2 | MIDI | Bass | Yellow | Sub / 808 / bass guitar via Tension | | 3 | MIDI | Chords | Green | Pad, keys, harmonic bed | | 4 | MIDI | Lead | Purple | Melody, lead line | | 5 | Audio | Vocals | Pink | Recording slot | | 6 | Audio | Sample | Blue | Loops, foley, samples | | 7 | MIDI | Aux 1 | Light blue | Spare for whatever | | 8 | MIDI | Aux 2 | Light blue | Spare |

Workflow

1. Verify session is empty (or close to empty). If not, ask: "Session has N tracks already — proceed and add returns + master chain only, or stop?" 2. Set tempo and time signature. 3. Create return tracks with device chains and presets. 4. Insert master bus chain. 5. Create the 8-track palette. Set colors and names. Don't load instruments — that's the user's choice per project. 6. Send all tracks to Return A at -∞ (no auto-send), let the user dial in per track. 7. Save preferences in a `.ams` file (Ableton template) if user wants this as a default. 8. Report back: "Project initialized at 120 BPM. 8 tracks, 3 return tracks, master chain installed (compressor + limiter bypassed). Ready to compose."

Customization

User can override at invocation:

• `/ableton-init 95 4/4` — set tempo + time sig
• `/ableton-init lofi` — preset for genre (lo-fi loads softer reverb, no limiter, slower default tempo)
• `/ableton-init cinematic` — adds 16 tracks, organizes by section (strings, brass, woodwinds, perc, choir, FX)
• `/ableton-init minimal` — only returns + master, no track palette

Don'ts

• Don't activate the master limiter by default. Headroom matters during composition.
• Don't auto-send to reverb. Some genres want bone-dry mixes.
• Don't recommend or load third-party plugins. Stock Ableton only — universal compatibility.
• Don't enable record arm on any track. That's destructive on session start.