Press Release
December 20th, 2002
Ableton releases Live version 2 - The audio sequencing instrument now includes a full blown recording and editing suite and introduces a new groundbreaking feature: Elastic Audio
Berlin, Germany - December 20th, 2002 - Ableton, an innovative Berlin-based music software company, released today Live version 2, a major upgrade of their award-winning sequencing instrument for Mac OS9, Mac OSX, and Windows. Introduced in 2001 as an audio sequencer to be played like an instrument in live performance, Live was quickly embraced by studio musicians and post production professionals because of the swiftness and ease it provides for executing musical ideas. Live 2 enhances the performance and jamming features of the original software and also adds multitrack recording and editing with Elastic Audio.
Elastic Audio refers to Live 2's unique ability to treat audio as being totally malleable and to independently control tempo and pitch. This feature allows tempo to be set at anytime during recording, performance or playback. In addition, users can drop in recordings, loops and complete songs that will play in sync direct from disk. Live 2 makes it possible to synchronize loops and recordings of any length at any point in a session or performance. Time stretching is no longer limited to loops but can now be applied to any audio material. Also, time stretching algorithms have been optimized to produce the highest fidelity for rhythmic and melodic material.
Tap Tempo allows the user to tap tempo during recording and playback. Tempo changes are recordable and editable as a continuous curve. This allows for increased flexibility and creative efficiency in looping, synchronizing, improvising and recording. Making music has never been faster, easier or more fun.
Multitrack recording and editing in Live 2 transforms the Arranger View into a full blown multitrack recording and editing suite offering extensive real-time effects, dynamic parameter automation and unlimited undo. Recording can be initiated directly from the Arranger View.
"We initially developed Live as our own dream tool for performing live, but we knew it would appeal to many others. We are very proud that it has become so successful and that we receive this much acclaim," comments Ableton founder Gerhard Behles. "A lot of professional studio musicians that are using the software have told us that the features that make Live a great performance tool also make it great in the studio. We decided to add recording and editing features to make Live a more integrated tool: one that can take the music from the stage to the studio and back to the stage. We focused on Elastic Audio, being able to combine audio from all formats and change tempo at anytime. Making this effortless and fast allows our users more room for creativity."
Other new features of Live 2 include:
- Advanced automation handling
- DJ-like crossfading
- Relative Session Mapping: assignable scene up/down and track launch buttons
- Tempo and Transport controls can be mapped to MIDI and keys
- Presets to save and recall effect settings
- New effects: Gate and Redux
Pricing and Availability
Live 2 is now available online from www.ableton.com and from Ableton dealers worldwide for a MSRP of EUR 399. Upgrades from Live 1.5 are available online. The boxed version costs EUR 89; the unboxed version costs EUR 69.
About Ableton
Ableton's aim is to develop modern software technology that empowers and inspires creative people. Since the company started in 1999, more than twenty developers and business professionals have joined Ableton, and many of them are active musicians or DJs. The company has received outstanding press and customer feedback since the initial release of Live in October 2001.
Free reproduction of this document is permitted. Please send a proof or copy.
Live 2 Demo Version, Packshots and Screenshots available on our website: www.ableton.com
For more information, contact:
AbletonClaudia Weidner, PR
Schönhauser Allee 6/7
D - 10119 Berlin
T: +49-(0)30 288763-211
F: +49-(0)30 288763-11
press@ableton.com
www.ableton.com