Ableton Live 6

Other new features include dual-core and multiple processor support, improved support for MIDI hardware and the ability to warp the timing of multiple tracks simultaneously, which is useful for manipulating entire compositions or multi-microphone drum recordings. The mixer finally includes a numerical readout of each channel's level, both in terms of the fader position and its peak output level, clearly showing when an output buss is distorting. However, these are only visible by expanding the fader section's height rather than by default, so it isn't the easiest feature to find.

Live 6 is a worthwhile update to an already excellent program. Once again, many of the new features are geared more towards studio production than live performance, but these don't stand in the way of Live's aptitude for use on stage. In this role, it remains peerless. In the studio, the competition is tougher, but video support and the Sound library means the gap between Live and options such as Cakewalk's Sonar (see issue 139, p85) is smaller than ever. The price continues to creep up - Live 5 cost £299 including VAT - but for software this sophisticated, flexible and fun, it's money well spent.

Author: Ben Pitt