![]() ![]() Drag a MIDI effect to the signal chain before the instrument and the incoming note information can be manipulated in real-time. Live's MIDI functions also allowed the introduction of MIDI effect devices. Live's own built-in instruments offered two alternative takes on sampler plug-ins: Impulse (an eight-part drum sampler) and Simpler (a basic but effective melodic sampler). For the first time, Live users could work with virtual instruments (VST for Windows, VST and AU for Mac) and record and edit MIDI note information. Without doubt, the most exciting new feature was the introduction of MIDI sequencing. Released in the summer of 2004, Live 4 was the biggest overhaul of the program since its introduction. With the release of version 4, though, Ableton Live really came of age. Versions two and three, released late in 20 respectively, fine-tuned the formula without making radical changes. Even so, as a sample arrangement tool or DJing package, Live was highly capable. The program was capable of hosting VST plug-ins for effects, but the lack of MIDI sequencing meant that VST instruments were not supported. Triggering loops, playing samples and creating arrangements was made easy thanks to exceptional implementation of real-time audio timestretching features, but whether you could really have called Live a DAW at the time is debatable. The live performance bias and the focus on electronic music meant that the workflow was significantly more hands-on and intuitive for dance producers than a traditional DAW. Live 1 offered absolutely no MIDI sequencing features, focusing solely on audio with the emphasis on loops and manipulation of samples. Newcomers to Live might be surprised to look back at version one and see just how far the software's come in the course of ten years. The approach was an immediate hit, winning over producers of all electronic genres. Crucially, Live uses two main views to manage the production, composition and performance features: Session View offers mixer functions and a grid-based representation of all the clips (audio loops and samples) in your Live Set, while Arrange View uses a more traditional horizontal timeline, allowing arrangements to be pieced together from clips. ![]() Live is a much younger product, designed from the ground up without any legacy features or restrictions to limit it or force it down a particular route.ĭespite Live's excellent audio capabilities, the clever user interface and workflow were some of the most striking features of the program when it launched. Pro Tools came at things from the opposite direction, focusing on multi-track recording first and foremost then building a MIDI and mixing environment around it. Other DAWs, such as Logic and Cubase, began as MIDI sequencing packages then added digital audio and mixing features to become all-in-one music recording and production packages. Initially launched as a relatively simple loop arrangement tool, Live quickly expanded to become a complete DAW, MIDI sequencer and VST host. For many more Ableton Live guides go to our massive learning hub: Learn Ableton Live and Ableton Push: music production tips and tutorials Blank canvasįrom the very beginning, Live threw out the rulebook on how music software should work.Live's unique selling points make it a seriously attractive package for electronic music producers, so we'll check out just what makes it stand out from the crowd. ![]()
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