It wasn’t that long ago that nobody knew the Ableton name – how things change in this industry! Today Ableton has announced a range of new products to be released before the end of 2007 that include Ableton Live 7, several new add-on instruments, and Ableton Suite, which combines Live 7 with a choice selection of instruments in one comprehensive (and more importantly) discounted package. Naturally, you want to know what’s new in Live 7, so here’s just a sampling:
- The enhanced audio engine improves fidelity with 64-bit mix summing, POW-r dithering, optimized sample-rate conversion and other advances.
- The new compressor device integrates three compression models, one of which is based on a feedback design commonly found in the most praised vintage compressors.
- Fully integrated side-chaining capability is available for the new
Compressor as well as Gate and Auto Filter. - High-quality modes have been added to Operator, Dynamic Tube, and Saturator for anti-aliased processing, reducing typical digital artifacts.
- EQ Eight has an improved user interface and a 64-bit mode for
increased accuracy. - A new spectrum analyzer provides visual feedback for any audio
signals within Live (plus it looks really cool!). - The MIDI engine has been reworked to minimize timing error of recorded MIDI information.
- Hardware integration has been streamlined, so hardware synthesizers and effects can now be inserted into device chains just like software plug-ins.
- Time signature changes can be inserted in the Arrangement timeline and tied to Session scenes.
- Warped and unwarped video can be exported to files.
- Multiple automation lanes per track can be displayed and edited at the same time.
- A new “tempo nudge” function makes it easier to synchronize to live musicians or DJs.
- REX files can be dragged, dropped and played just like WAV or AIFF files.
The new optional instruments result from Ableton’s collaboration with industry leaders. The instruments integrate tightly with Live, both in terms of workflow and resource management:
- TENSION is a physical modeling string synthesizer based on the advanced technology found in String Studio from Applied Acoustics Systems.
- ELECTRIC offers the sounds of classic electric pianos based on physical modeling found in AAS’ acclaimed Lounge Lizard.
- ANALOG emulates the unique circuitry and irresistible tweakability of vintage analog synthesizers, employing the renowned physical modeling technology of AAS’ Ultra Analog and is completely integrated in Live’s familiar interface.
- SESSION DRUMS is a meticulously multisampled library of acoustic drums with full control of the close mics for each drum as well as the overheads and room mics, so you can craft the perfect stereo drum mix for your songs.
- DRUM MACHINES offers classic drum machines, sampled and programmed by Ableton content developer PureMagnetik to reproduce the original sounds.
- ORCHESTRAL STRINGS, BRASS, WOODWINDS, and PERCUSSION were created in partnership with SONiVOX. Each collection takes advantage of complete integration with Live and its new resource-efficient sample engine.
- ESSENTIAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTION 2 is a multi-gigabyte collection of sampled instruments. Version 2 adds acoustic and electronic drums as well as presets optimized for better sound quality and faster loading.
Ableton Suite is an attractively priced combination of Live 7 plus a selection of Ableton instruments providing a comprehensive set of musical tools, all smoothly integrated into Live’s acclaimed workflow.
All these new products will be released during the last quarter of 2007. Users who unlock their Live 6 or Live 6 Upgrade between October 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008 will get a free download upgrade to Ableton Live 7, plus attractive instrument bundle offers.
