Ableton Live 7 is your companion during every stage of the musical process, from creation to production to performance.
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130 People rated this product : 9 out of 10
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 9 out of 10
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Feature:
Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but the modular capability for working with loops is really really great! I've used Sonar (producer) and I like this program much better. It doesn't appear to be set up for scoring to video--but if I were doing that, I'd just use another program--though I would seriously consider doing my initial sketches in Ableton.
Quality:
Again, compared to Sonar, I've found this product to be very bug-free. Set-up procedures and audio calibration procedures are much clearer. The graphics are a bit primative--something like Reason or Spectrasonics graphics would be nice. But hey--I'm working with SOUND! The graphics are functional and accurate. I would like to see some more detail on meters.
Value:
I find this program very very functional. Which was the whole idea to begin with! I spent a lot more for Sonar but Ableton is what I use. The functionality for the price is really outstanding.
Desirability:
I was just too frustrated with Sonar and the Ableton Lite that I got with my Line 6 UX1 was really functional, easy to use and bug-free by comparison. Once I figured out what the 2 views/modes of Ableton were about I had to have it. Most programs are one dimensional--things are laid out in on one axis (horizontal). Ableton has one view that does this and one view that is two dimensional (horizontal and vertical). This is a unique and very very cool innovation.
Sound:
Sound, of course, will depend on your computer's power and your soundcard. If you skimp on these you lose the full effect of the program. I've run it with the computer's Realtek system (OK, not great), with a Line 6 Toneport UX1 (MUCH better, ASIO) and with Audigy (OUTSTANDING).
Ease of Use:
Again, I've used Sonar Producer and I find this program MUCH easier to use. There are a lot of features to work with, not as many as Sonar. The on-screen tutorials from the Help menu are exceptional. The pdf user manual is one of the best I've encountered. Very well cross-referenced (a "back" function would be nice once you've checked a cross reference, but this may not be possible in Adobe). There are a couple of instances such as track muting (= disable track) where the illustration is not clear.
Support:
I haven't really had to use them yet, but if the manual and on-screen tutorials are any indication, the company is very strongly oriented toward functionality--they realize that when we're doing music things have to WORK!!
Overall:
So far it does everything I want it to--it records live and electronic instruments. It records multiple tracks of vocals. It works with (and creates) loops/clips and allows multiple vocal tracking over such loops/clips. What it does, it does better than any other program I've tried (Sonar, Sony ACID). The only thing it doesn't do is video scoring--but the program was created by performing musicians for performing musicians. As such, you get the kind of functionality performing musicians need which then is also available for studio recording. It wasn't created for film work and I really hope Ableton doesn't try to be everything to everyone but continues to provide the high level of functionality in music creation and recording and sound design.
Submitted: 7/12/2006
Style of Music: folk, blues, looping
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5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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Feature:
Ableton has everything you would want from a Digital Workstation and more. The warp features are simply fantastic and having the choice between a session window and arrangement window makes it a joy to work in. The whole process of creating is simplified. EVERYTHING is automatable which gives you the ultimate flexibilty. Also the screen is set up so that windows never get lost, you always hav immediate access at the click of a button. I can't think of anything I wish this program had that other programs have. With a little creativity you can easily make any kind of music you like. I use it for both Dance Music as well as for mixing and recording live bands. It can handle it all well and is also quite stable and cpu friendly.
Quality:
These guys are simply quality and make a fantastic product. There may be a couple things you think you need, but you'll soon realize they found an easier way to get the job done.
Value:
You couldn't ask for a better price for what you get. nuff said!
Desirability:
This is a very sleek design and doesnt tire your eyes after hours and hours of use. This can't be said for soem other digital audio workstations.
Sound:
The Sound is great and in most cases does the job from start to finish. With the versatility and ease of use it doesn't take long to get the sound you're looking for. It also works very well as a rewire instrument slave or master. Works well with Reason, Cubase, Logic, Fruity loops and Pro Tools. It also sounds amazing as a Live Performaance tool whether DJ'ing or doing live edits on the fly. A good tip when warping sounds is to not overdo it on the tempo or pitch changing and choose the warping options wisely. They have different setting for beats, vocals or full tracks. Try them all out.
Ease of Use:
This program mayt take people a little time to get used to the way Ableton works, but once you get it you will wish every program worked this way. It's easy, intuitive and immediate. There is also some great tutorials straight out of the box and thier website has some very informative forums. As far as using virtual synths it is flawless if you have an asio capable sound card.
Support:
I havent dealt with the company but most people who have are pretty happy with how they are treated. This is a company that really listens to their users and when they make an upgrade it is usually a huge leep forward.
Overall:
I think this product is just going to get better! You already see many a Pro Tools user switching to Ableton or at least incorporating it into regular use. I feel ableton will be on top of the game for quite a while. It has Literally changed the way peopel are able to make music... for the better!
Submitted: 7/18/2006
Style of Music: Underground House Music, Indie, Electro
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5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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