Ableton Suite

Drum Machines is a sample library that exploits the full potential of Drum Racks to reproduce classic drum machines such as the TR-909, while Session Drums does the same for acoustic drums. It includes 20 stereo and 13 so-called Multimic kits; the latter comprises up to five layered samples for each drum, so it's possible to mix the spot, overhead and room microphones separately, just as one would when mixing live drums.

If the Suite doesn't appeal, Live 7 is available with just the Essential Instrument Collection for £238 (£280 inc VAT), but both Live and the Suite are attractively priced. Although Cubase and Sonar handle straightforward recording tasks a little better, Live is packed with inspired features that make it the best choice for performance, composition and electronic music production.

Author: Ben Pitt