Chance Pack Four by LDM Design

Overview & Inspiration

What happens when you blend Brian Eno’s generative philosophy with modern MPE expression? You get controlled chaos that breathes life into rigid MIDI sequences.

Chance Pack FOUR is a collection of 10 MaxforLive devices designed to inject unpredictability into your productions while maintaining musical coherence. What began as a simple update of earlier Chance and MIDI Filter tools for MPE compatibility evolved into something far more sophisticated: a complete redesign from the ground up, rethinking and combining the ideas behind probability and filtering in ways that feel both intuitive and transformative.

Whether you’re splitting notes by velocity, randomizing pitch bands, quantizing dynamics, or triggering note clusters, these devices give you precise control over musical uncertainty. They’re built for producers who want to escape the grid without losing their groove.

Features & Highlights

Play Pro – Consistent Probability Density

Rethinks traditional probability by guaranteeing consistent note density. Instead of coin-flip randomness that can sound erratic, Play Pro allows through a definite percentage of a set number of notes. Set it to 50% of 8 notes, and you’ll always get exactly 4 of every 8 notes—predictable density, unpredictable pattern. Perfect for creating rhythmic interest that maintains groove integrity.

Note Filter – Surgical MIDI Routing

Pass or block up to 6 specific notes or an entire range, each with individual probability settings. Route MIDI between tracks and filter output with precision. Want only C notes with 75% probability? Done. Need to block everything above F#4? Set it and forget it. Essential for creating layered arrangements where different instruments respond to different note ranges.

Force Note – Instant Transposition

The simplest device in the pack, but don’t underestimate it. All incoming notes convert to one specific pitch. Route melodies to different tracks and Force Note turns them into rhythmic patterns on a single note—instant hi-hat patterns from chord progressions, or bassline triggers from pad voicings.

One Two – Weighted Note Selection

Takes the Play Pro algorithm and applies it to choosing between two notes. Any incoming note plays one of your selected pitches according to weighted probability. Set the note range, adjust the balance, and watch single-note sequences transform into evolving two-note patterns. Great for creating call-and-response effects or subtle harmonic movement.

Velocity Band – Dynamic Layer Splitting

Splits incoming notes into three velocity bands, each with individual probability control. Want only soft notes (1-55) passing through at 100%, medium notes (56-97) at 50%, and hard hits (98-127) blocked completely? Drag the threshold bars and set your probabilities. Perfect for creating dynamic-responsive arrangements where soft playing triggers pads while hard hits trigger percussive elements.

Pitch Band – Frequency-Based Filtering

Functions exactly like Velocity Band, but splits notes by pitch instead. Create three pitch zones (low, mid, high) and assign probability to each. Route bass notes to one instrument, mids to another, highs to a third—all from a single MIDI source. Essential for multi-timbral arrangements and creative sound design.

Humanize – Timing Variation

Adds random delay up to your specified maximum to each note. Simple, effective, essential. Turn robotic programmed sequences into organic performances. The secret weapon for making quantized MIDI feel human.

Vary Press – MPE Pressure Modulation

The only device specifically designed to modify MPE pressure data. Works with Live’s piano roll pressure automation, adding random variation to pressure/aftertouch values. Just like velocity variation humanizes dynamics, Vary Press brings life to MPE expression—particularly useful when programming MPE data in the piano roll rather than playing it live.

Quantize Velocity – 303-Inspired Accents

Inspired by the legendary TB-303’s accent functionality, this device quantizes velocity to 2, 3, or 4 specific levels instead of allowing the full 1-127 range. Set thresholds so notes above a certain velocity trigger maximum impact (127) while everything else stays minimal (1). Map velocity to filter cutoff or resonance, and suddenly you have dramatic, stepped modulation instead of gradual changes. Perfect for acid lines, techno stabs, or any sound where you want velocity to switch parameters dramatically rather than fade smoothly.

Cluster – Advanced Note Grouping

The most complex and flexible device in the pack. Cluster triggers groups of notes together, each delayed over a set duration, with extensive control over timing, velocity, and note selection. The classic use: create realistic clap rolls by triggering multiple individual clap samples with natural timing variation. But that’s just the start.

Set your trigger note, choose how many notes (up to 12), define the root pitch, and specify which notes play relative to that root. Enable shuffle for random hit order every time. Use stagger mode for humanized timing within the spread. Apply velocity variation for dynamic range. Adjust the curve to create exponential spacing (more notes at the start) or reverse exponential (more at the end). Set duration and add time variation for organic feel. Cluster turns single triggers into complex, evolving note events—perfect for percussion, glitch effects, or rhythmic melodic patterns.

Full MPE Compatibility Throughout

Every device passes MPE data seamlessly, preserving per-note pitch bend, pressure, and slide information. Use expressive controllers like Seaboard, LinnStrument, or MPE-capable Push without losing nuance.

Push & Controller Optimization

Every parameter is fully mapped for hands-on control with Push or any MIDI controller. Tweak probability in real-time during performances, adjust filters on the fly, manipulate cluster timing live—all without touching your mouse.

Modular Architecture

Mix and match with devices from any Chance pack (TEN, TWO, THREE, or FOUR) to build custom MIDI processing chains. Stack Play Pro with Velocity Band and Humanize for complex generative patterns. Combine Note Filter with Cluster for filtered rhythmic bursts. The possibilities multiply with every device you add.

Clean, Minimalist GUI Design

LDM Design’s signature aesthetic makes complex probability functions feel simple and approachable. Visual feedback keeps you oriented, and the uncluttered interface means you spend less time reading and more time making music.

How to Use

Drop any Chance Pack FOUR device onto a MIDI track before your instrument. Each device processes incoming MIDI in real-time, outputting transformed notes immediately. Chain multiple devices together for compound effects—for example, use Note Filter to pass only certain pitches, then Velocity Band to split those by dynamics, then Humanize to add organic timing.

For routing workflows, send MIDI from one track to another using Live’s MIDI routing, then place Chance Pack FOUR devices on the receiving track to filter and modify what gets through. This lets you build complex layered arrangements from a single source sequence.

For MPE instruments and controllers, the devices preserve all expression data while processing notes, meaning your pitch bends, pressure changes, and slides remain intact even as notes are filtered, split, or randomized.

Map device parameters to Push encoders or any MIDI controller for live performance control. Adjust probability amounts in real-time, shift velocity thresholds on the fly, or manipulate cluster timing during your set.

Ideal For

• Producers using MPE controllers who want probability and filtering without sacrificing expression
• Electronic musicians creating generative compositions with controlled randomness
• Live performers who need real-time MIDI manipulation with hands-on control
• Beat makers building complex layered drum arrangements from simple patterns
• Sound designers exploring glitch effects and rhythmic variations
• Anyone who loves the previous Chance packs and wants expanded MPE-compatible tools
• Producers routing MIDI between tracks who need surgical filtering and modification

What’s Included

• 10 MaxforLive MIDI effect devices (.amxd files)
• Comprehensive user guide (PDF) detailing every device and parameter
• Full Push integration with optimized mappings
• Compatible with Ableton Live 11 Standard (with MaxforLive) or Suite
• Mac and Windows compatible

Technical Notes

The Cluster device creates up to 12 notes spread across MIDI channels. To prevent interference with MPE data allocation, non-trigger notes are sent out on channel 14. This means multiple non-trigger notes may interfere with each other, but won’t affect the cluster notes. Cluster is optimized for triggering multiple samples in a drum rack rather than MPE polyphonic playback.

All devices in Chance Pack FOUR can be combined with devices from Chance TEN, Chance TWO, and Chance THREE for expanded creative possibilities. The modular approach means you can build exactly the MIDI processing chain you need.

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