Ableton conceptualist Robert Henke describes the vision and research behind Operator:

"I have always had a special fascination with early digital synthesizers. Instruments such as the early Yamaha FM synthesizers, the PPG system and the Synclavier all have an original and truly unique character. It is clear that much love and attention to detail went into designing and creating these instruments.

As I began researching and prototyping a synthesizer, I continually compared my own creations to the hardware machines that I own and love. It became apparent along the way that sonic quality depends a great deal on the oscillators - that they are the key to creating a great synthesizer. We began developing oscillators that achieved this sonic quality, inclusive of the oddities of the older systems when desired.

In my own musical works, I use FM more than any other form of synthesis, creating everything from drums and percussion to string pads or bass and lead sounds. With FM synthesis, one can create an incredible variety of timbres from a limited number of parameters. Because of this great potential, it was obvious that an instrument based on FM synthesis would be the perfect match for Live.

Our aim was to create a truly unique and inspiring instrument that combined the sonic richness and character of hardware synthesizers with the power of Ableton Live. The result is Operator, which for me stands well beside the hardware instruments that I own and love in terms of sonic depth and character. More importantly, Operator sounds amazing!"