Live 3.0

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

Ableton Live is one of several digital audio products that have genuinely transformed the music scene in the past few years. The software is about as close as it's possible to get to a computer-based sequencer that can be played live, like a real instrument. Recording and arranging audio is effortless with its elegantly designed interface, and its Arrange window makes composition just as enjoyable. MIDI composition and editing can be integrated seamlessly into compositions that also use prerecorded audio. Adding effects and manipulating sounds in radical ways, all on the fly, is a snap, and the software supports third-party plug-in technologies including VST. Rewire functionality helps connect it to other sequencing software or applications such as Reason. The package comes with a snazzy software synth called Operator, which takes both visual and sonic inspiration from vintage analog synths. Our only real objection is that, like most pro audio apps, Live's learning curve has become increasingly steep with every release. Even the step-by-step instructions left us scratching our heads at times. But with virtually limitless capabilities, Ableton Live is one of the most captivating music-production packages on the market today.

Publisher's description

From ableton :

Live is the first full-featured digital audio workstation to blur the separation between recording, composition and performance.

Live transforms rigid audio into elastic matter. In the context of a multitrack recording system, this means you can instantly change your recordings' tempo, pitch and groove at any time after the fact. Combine loops, phrases and songs from diverse origins and let Live take care of playing them all in sync with your chosen tempo.

Live has introduced the notion of the sequencer as an instrument. Launch loops or sound effects on the fly; follow your intuition rather than a fixed linear timeline. Automatic beat-matching and real-time quantization help your creativity keep the flow. Improvise song arrangements, instantly drop samples on cue, interact with other performers, musicians or DJs. Recording, arranging, experimenting and improvising have never been faster or easier.

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