Ableton Live 7 (Mac/Win)

Mar 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Len Sasso

Live 7 is the latest version of the sequencing and performance software.

BONUS MATERIAL
Read about Analog, Electric, and Tension in Live 7.
Web Clips: Click for audio clips and videos that accompany the March 2008 issue of EM.

Plugged In

Version 7 introduces a number of improvements to Live's built-in effects and virtual instruments. The new Compressor replaces the two compressors in previous versions, and it provides a graphic of the compression curve along with real-time visual feedback showing how the signal is being affected. You get soft-knee compression and three envelope-follower modes (Peak, RMS, and Opto). Three Model types (FF1, FF2, and FB) correspond to the old Compressors I and II and a new feedback-compression model. A sidechain input, complete with multimode EQ for processing the sidechain signal before it reaches the compressor, rounds out Compressor's bag of tricks. The Gate and Auto Filter plug-ins also have sidechain inputs.

EQ Eight has improved graphics and, along with the Operator, Dynamic Tube, and Saturator plug-ins, a 64-bit antialiasing Hi-Quality processing mode. You access that mode by right-clicking on the plug-in control panel.

The new Spectrum plug-in (see Fig. 4) performs real-time frequency analysis, and you can place it anywhere in the signal path. You choose the block size and refresh rate (accuracy), channel (left, right, or both), style (line or bar graph), and scale (linear, logarithmic, or semitones). For a larger display, toggle the spectrum graphic to occupy the space below the mixer. It then resizes with Live's window.

The virtual instruments Analog, Electric, and Tension are versions of instruments by Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) modified to fit Live's look and feel. For details, see the online bonus material at www.emusician.com and Web Clip 3.

If you're already a Live user, you will undoubtedly want this upgrade. The price is modest, you'll definitely use some of the new features, and you'll need it if you want any of the new premium content. If you haven't tried Live, you have two easy options to find out what it's all about: you can download a demo of Live 7 or buy the less expensive Live 6 LE ($149) from the Ableton Web site. Live's unique approach to integrated live performance and sequencing has gained a lot of fans for a reason.

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Len Sasso is an associate editor of EM. For an earful, visit his Web site at www.swiftkick.com.

PRODUCT SUMMARY

digital audio sequencer	$499
upgrade	$159

PROS: Drum Racks (yes!). Content available to suit any taste. Many user requests implemented. Direct REX file support with automatic slicing.

CONS: Purchase alternatives are a little perplexing. Access to multiple libraries could be smoother.

FEATURES	1	2	3	4	5
EASE OF USE	1	2	3	4	5
QUALITY OF SOUNDS	1	2	3	4	5
VALUE	1	2	3	4	5

Helpful Resources

Applied Acoustics Systems, collaborator in designing Live's premium virtual instruments Analog, Electric, and Tension

Chocolate Audio, collaborator in designing EIC 2 and Session Drums

Puremagnetik, purveyor of Micropaks for Live, including the factory Drum Machines library

SoniVox, collaborator in designing EIC 2

BONUS MATERIAL
Read about Analog, Electric, and Tension in Live 7.
Web Clips: Click for audio clips and videos that accompany the March 2008 issue of EM.