The Keith McMillen SoftStep and 12 Step are two extremely flexible USB powered MIDI controllers that give you the ability to trigger and run MultiTracks. The 12 Step is very easy to program and can have you up and running in minutes. Open an Ableton session use MIDI map mode and you're set to begin assigning triggers for your songs. It’s also small and portable and fits in most laptop bags. Although the SoftStep has more programable options, it does require more setup time. Once you download the SoftStep music software you can assign all your parameter settings. Once your pedal is setup you'll be able to trigger your MultiTrack session, fade in tracks, and have the ability to to control effects. In addition to controlling sounds, the SoftStep can also be used with anything that will accept MIDI or OSC data such as lighting effects, video and more.

If you haven't heard, we're teaming up with Ableton, FutureSonics, Keith McMillen, and the Digital Age and we're in the midst of a REMIX Competition with this month's FREE MultiTrack download "All the Poor and Powerless," by The Digital Age. We are really excited to announce all of our great prizes that will be awarded to the winner and the runner-up.  You don't want to miss this competition! Winners will be chosen by The Digital Age themselves and all entries must be received by August 15th at contest@multitracks.com.

Editing a session in Ableton Live can take a little time when you first get started. Knowing keyboard shortcuts can save you time and energy as you work through your edits. The Ableton computer keyboard by Editor Keys is a great product to help you navigate through your session quickly and help you memorize the most needed shortcuts. Please visit the Exclusive Content section of our Facebook to view this video!

This week we are releasing MultiTracks from Fellowship Bible Church's three EP's Fellowship Songs. Fellowship Bible Church is a thriving worship community in Brentwood, Tenesse.  Over the last few years they've released three EP's featuring original congregational songs written by their community of worship leaders Jason Ingram, Carl Cartee, Ronnie Freeman and Jeremy Deibler. The songs have rich lyrical content and a fresh modern sound that makes for great MultiTrack instrumentation. The MultiTrack sessions and LiteTracks feature killer electric guitar tones and great background vocal tracks to enrich your sound or send to your team to learn parts through Rehearsal Mix.

This week we are featuring the new single "You Shine Through" by the band Brothers McClurg.  This song premiered on iTunes this past June and is the first single released from their upcoming full length album titled Join in the Sound, which will be released July 31st, 2012.  This MultiTrack is layered by multiple acoustic guitar tracks and banjos that give you the ability to learn and perform the song the way it was recorded.  This is a great mid-tempo congregational song declaring God's redemptive nature and that through all our trials - God shines through.

We're always getting questions on what MIDI controllers we recommend.  There are many great keyboard controllers in the market today, but the Axiom Pro 49 keyboard controller by M-Audio really stands out to us on both quality and value.   The keyboard comes with premium TruTouch action, proprietary HyperControl MIDI mapping technology and a host of pads and faders that are great for MIDI and MutliTrack triggers.

MultiTracks.com and RehearsalMix will be in attendance again this year at the National Worship Leader Conference in Leawood, Kansas.  If you're going to be at the conference we'd love to meet you so please make sure to stop by our booth while you are there. We'll be teaching beginner and advanced classes throughout the conference on using Loops and MultiTracks in live worship.  Only 6 more days till National Worship Leader Conference!  See you there!