Live 3, the next version of Ableton’s sequencing instrument for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x, will be released next month; however, a public beta should be available in the next few days.
Built for musicians, Live is an audio sequencer you can play like an instrument. It integrates multitrack recording and editing functionality, so you can play studio arrangements on stage or record live improvisations and edit them in the studio. You can also manipulate the speed and pitch of any audio while it’s streamed from disk.
Version 3.0 will offer users control inside of a sample, according to Ableton. You’ll be able to change individual notes or a specific part of your sample and instantly draw volume, pitch, pan, effects controls and more on any portion of a sample. You can add dynamic musical expression to previously static samples. In fact, Live 3 will let you create “infinite variations” from just one sample in real-time thanks to the new Clip Envelopes feature, Ableton says.
Live 3 also has a new Consolidate command that turns each track within a selected time range of the Arrangement into a new clip that’s ready to be looped or dragged into the Session View for immediate use. The update will also have a variety of new effects.
Live 3 will have a manufacturers suggested retail price of US$399. Upgrades from Live 2.x will be $69 for an electronic download and $99 for a boxed version. If you’re using Live 1.x, upgrading will cost you $99 for a download and $129 for a boxed version. If you bought Live after August 1, you’re eligible for a free upgrade.
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