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Ableton Live 8
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All user reviews of 5/5 for the Ableton Live 8

General Sequencer from Ableton belonging to the Live 8 series

4.4/5
(27 reviews)
52 %
(14 reviews)
33 %
(9 reviews)
15 %
(4 reviews)
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Users reviews
  • -Liam--Liam-

    Very well thought out

    Ableton Live 8Published on 11/07/12 at 08:15
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Installation on Macbook ultra simple. We insert the CD, it installs and it works!
    Config is absent or almost all installs automatically.
    The manual is a real bible, quite complex but clear and really comprehensive. If something goes wrong, it contains the solution, being harder to find among the hundreds of pages.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    RAS in Macbook Pro 2011/2012.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I lutilise for almost 1 year. This is my second sequencer after quite tripotté Fruityloops.

    The +:
    - His real strength: the ergonomics and ease of use. I had Fruityloops (and not a pro level, far from it), and I have hardly struggled under Live. After a few hours, we arrive at the …
    Read more
    Installation on Macbook ultra simple. We insert the CD, it installs and it works!
    Config is absent or almost all installs automatically.
    The manual is a real bible, quite complex but clear and really comprehensive. If something goes wrong, it contains the solution, being harder to find among the hundreds of pages.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    RAS in Macbook Pro 2011/2012.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I lutilise for almost 1 year. This is my second sequencer after quite tripotté Fruityloops.

    The +:
    - His real strength: the ergonomics and ease of use. I had Fruityloops (and not a pro level, far from it), and I have hardly struggled under Live. After a few hours, we arrive at the dip of the soft mode and have fun directly. The movie mode is great, it allows to compose freely as the ideas come from, in order (first chorus, then intro riff and a verse, etc.). Rather than having to write the chainson A to Z chronologically. Clip mode becomes a small mosaic of sounds which must then assemble in Session mode: really nice, and very intuitive.

    - The interface is very clear, very readable, except one or two windows a little stashed one is never lost. It is a small feat given the many info on the screen at the same time.

    - The sounds are very typical electro, in the classic version (not "Suite") are not without many millions. But given the substantial effect bank, they are bidouillables the almost infinite, which gives a depth of quite enormous possibilities.
    - The effects are really successful.

    The -:
    - Sound bank may be a bit much right level, and again.

    The price / quality ratio is good, after that is expensive to buy but we do not regret it saw the immense possibilities of the beast.

    I would do this choice without hesitation.
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  • BeyondRBeyondR

    Consistent and powerful DAW

    Ableton Live 8Published on 07/27/12 at 09:45
    Ableton is one of the most popular daw’s right now, it’s being used by many famous artists and producers.
    Ableton is a software designed to create melodies, music, grooves, basslines, to record , midi editing, midi warping, etc, some dj’s are using it for mixing even live.
    Ableton has some really unique features like resampling, a completely new groove engine, a warping technique that is extremely handy on remixex and resampling.

    Basically Ableton is a huge resampler with many possibilities, it has a pretty design too.
    It’s pretty complex regarding the instruments that are build-in, but at the same time It’s very comfortable to work either on session view or arrangement view.

    SUI…
    Read more
    Ableton is one of the most popular daw’s right now, it’s being used by many famous artists and producers.
    Ableton is a software designed to create melodies, music, grooves, basslines, to record , midi editing, midi warping, etc, some dj’s are using it for mixing even live.
    Ableton has some really unique features like resampling, a completely new groove engine, a warping technique that is extremely handy on remixex and resampling.

    Basically Ableton is a huge resampler with many possibilities, it has a pretty design too.
    It’s pretty complex regarding the instruments that are build-in, but at the same time It’s very comfortable to work either on session view or arrangement view.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    The program has two main views, the arrangement view and sessions view, the sessions view is primarily used in remixex because it’s easier to handle and much faster for some people.

    Skrillex is one of the persons that uses ableton in creating his beats and music, Airbase is also a fan of ableton, and many other great music producers.
    Ableton Live is one of the daw’s that I found really handy, easy to use, and also a pleasure to work with, the great design, the unique features , they really make producing music to seem much more fun and endless regarding the possibilities of creating an unique sound, some great drums or just composing something completely original.

    The requirements for this software are:
    2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended on Windows Vista and Windows 7)

    2 GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron compatible CPU or faster

    Sound Card


    OVERALL OPINION

    You can also put your own Vst's and combine the build-in features with your own vst’s to make the next hit single.
    So without a doubt, you should give it a try and compose something with the brand new live 8 which is absolutely on a different levels from another daw’s that are even more expensive than live is but don't be fooled it's one of the greatest daw's right now and the value of price/quality is superb and I would make the same choice over and over again, check their web-site for the product
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  • Anonymous

    Great for the Live!

    Ableton Live 8Published on 04/28/12 at 07:18
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Easy installation,
    no problem recognizing the card and then turning,
    manual (paper) more than enough,
    The only incompatibility for now (I hope set!): UVI Workstation to run ...

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    Excellent stability (if I except the only problem with UVI). I can run multiple plugs Native Komplete same time without latency, no problem. (If I open them on the fly during a game live, although there 1 or 2 seconds of hesitation, but Live it first opens the set with all the plugs, then everything is going well ;))

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for a few months: I am very happy!
    Before, I struggled to plant: it was a year I struggled with programming problems, and th…
    Read more
    Easy installation,
    no problem recognizing the card and then turning,
    manual (paper) more than enough,
    The only incompatibility for now (I hope set!): UVI Workstation to run ...

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    Excellent stability (if I except the only problem with UVI). I can run multiple plugs Native Komplete same time without latency, no problem. (If I open them on the fly during a game live, although there 1 or 2 seconds of hesitation, but Live it first opens the set with all the plugs, then everything is going well ;))

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for a few months: I am very happy!
    Before, I struggled to plant: it was a year I struggled with programming problems, and that I did not play very little music factory ...

    There, with Live, I have a working base rich enough (although far less than what may propose a customized workspace on Factory) available now! This is what I wanted and that plant does not offer me (even loading patches ready-made)

    Now, regarding the limits of Live, bin ... I load plant as a plug, and I ask him to do what Ableton Live can not do, and it bathes.

    What I really appreciate with Live is that it is not dedicated ELECTRO ... One can easily create a complex pattern in the window arrangement (with unusual time signatures and tempo changes audacious, when the electro runs in 4/4 turns and loops and loops on the same tempo before operating the change).

    The special feature I like most is the ease and speed to compose a set of work and to play something fun (and I speak instrumentalist: it can also make beautiful "mosaics" techno with electro-made loops).

    The feature that I like least: few options missing like the ability to create a shortcut to place a loop between two markers. Another option I would like, but there may be: the ability to write notes related to a scene or a track (like Cubase allows for example).

    Quality / price ratio: being a teacher, I took advantage of the tariff Education, so I can not complain!

    With experience, I will buy this software before purchasing plant. But having bought my first plant was discovered modular programming, a community of gold, and a soft cheaper and more comprehensive than Max for Live ;).
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  • Whiterabbit06Whiterabbit06

    Live + Electro = 20/20

    Ableton Live 8Published on 01/23/12 at 14:47
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Installation is no problem.
    Everything is quick and clear .. the manual is provided.
    No compatibility issues for me.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    My PC: i7 2600 K
    16 GB of ram
    RME card babyface

    Live runs very well, however it puts a lot of time to open a project.
    I n addition UNEA machine equipped with a 2.4 ghz cpu when intel with 2 gb of ram .. and well it is an interminable time to open a project that is not necessarily very heavy.

    Live = gas plant

    OVERALL OPINION

    I used Cubase before and after finding one studio I was dropped with great pleasure!
    I turned my fesait live on a measurement loop 3 times and I must say that when I am forced to use live ca .…
    Read more
    Installation is no problem.
    Everything is quick and clear .. the manual is provided.
    No compatibility issues for me.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    My PC: i7 2600 K
    16 GB of ram
    RME card babyface

    Live runs very well, however it puts a lot of time to open a project.
    I n addition UNEA machine equipped with a 2.4 ghz cpu when intel with 2 gb of ram .. and well it is an interminable time to open a project that is not necessarily very heavy.

    Live = gas plant

    OVERALL OPINION

    I used Cubase before and after finding one studio I was dropped with great pleasure!
    I turned my fesait live on a measurement loop 3 times and I must say that when I am forced to use live ca .. have been the REVELATION!
    How can we not have used it before?!
    Everything is pretty intuitive and the purchase of APC40 was almost mandatory, but wow! What up!

    What I like most is that for a loop-based sequencer it is really great! Like other ..
    Base effects are really pretty

    For the less I would say that the interface would benefit from a can ... I know .. modernized, and the synths are a core may sad.
    The audio edition I find it terrible.


    As a rule live coupled with the PCA 40 is the bomb!
    For those who swear by the loop is essential.
    It is expensive but certainly it is worth the price.
    It turns the mix super easy
    That difficult to hang at the beginning, for my part I have tested the demo quite a few times and each time I said "blah blah ..." .. But since the APC is the 40 foot! !
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  • DopperFxDopperFx

    excellent!

    Ableton Live 8Published on 09/24/11 at 05:02
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    easy installation and trouble-free
    easy configuration for a software pro ...
    not encounter a conflict, the opposite is true (plug, machines, controllers ...)
    in addition to the manual there are lessons and also a detailed help is visible from the application ...

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    I have a macbook pro i7 2.6GHz + 8GB RAM, but I used it on a macbook core 2duo 2Ghz + 2GB of ram ... no problems!
    it is the only soft music (pro) for the treatment really live then the coup it is much more stable and smooth than others ... especially for small config. In addition I use it along with my software from scratch.

    there were some bugs at first but since version 8.2.2 it is muc…
    Read more
    easy installation and trouble-free
    easy configuration for a software pro ...
    not encounter a conflict, the opposite is true (plug, machines, controllers ...)
    in addition to the manual there are lessons and also a detailed help is visible from the application ...

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    I have a macbook pro i7 2.6GHz + 8GB RAM, but I used it on a macbook core 2duo 2Ghz + 2GB of ram ... no problems!
    it is the only soft music (pro) for the treatment really live then the coup it is much more stable and smooth than others ... especially for small config. In addition I use it along with my software from scratch.

    there were some bugs at first but since version 8.2.2 it is much better, it is in the 8.2.6 ...
    max live for, the bridge and all the add-on works well
    no crashes at home.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for 5 years, I have used protools, cubase and logic test, but I sold my machines to use only live. Able to compose, play live and mix with a single soft it is convenient ...

    What I like most is:
    use an infinite number of plug directly calculated
    deal of intuitive
    can use any controller
    dedicated controllers (APC40, launchpad ...)
    noon and mix audio like
    bridge: since I use serato live scrtatch
    to me one day to max msp simplified version ...
    trigger video and sync to the post ...
    easily edit automations
    use any sound card ...

    what I like least:
    live is not running in 64 bit on mac
    the video mode that is readable arrangement
    details of the display, dedicated controllers ...
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  • the dwarfthe dwarf

    Ableton Live 8Published on 09/11/11 at 02:41
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Trouble free installation on Mac or PC.
    The packs are a little long to load especially when not in use.
    Configuration and handling very simple, it's Live.
    It has never done anything easy.
    No incompatibility!
    The manual is super clear. You can see search the index without all that can each button instantly.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    Mac mini core 2 duo 2010. Snow Leopard 10.6
    Presonus FireStudio Mobile
    Toshiba Core 2 Duo too. WXP sp3
    ESI quatafire 610
    Everything is stable

    OVERALL OPINION

    2 years.
    All tried and all Sony Steinberg.
    Live has completely changed my way of composing and editing.
    It's really much more than a loop-based sequencer.
    I love…
    Read more
    Trouble free installation on Mac or PC.
    The packs are a little long to load especially when not in use.
    Configuration and handling very simple, it's Live.
    It has never done anything easy.
    No incompatibility!
    The manual is super clear. You can see search the index without all that can each button instantly.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    Mac mini core 2 duo 2010. Snow Leopard 10.6
    Presonus FireStudio Mobile
    Toshiba Core 2 Duo too. WXP sp3
    ESI quatafire 610
    Everything is stable

    OVERALL OPINION

    2 years.
    All tried and all Sony Steinberg.
    Live has completely changed my way of composing and editing.
    It's really much more than a loop-based sequencer.
    I love the effects of live, the quality of stretching, which allows direct mapping
    really control everything (live and any VST instrument or effect).
    And all this for an unbeatable price.
    It changes everything for something direct and simple and about 300 euros,
    what more.
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  • roolioSP6roolioSP6

    Ableton Live 8Published on 06/09/11 at 05:31
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Installation was done without any problems!
    It should on the other hand, if you have nothing to do there, disconnect from the internet because it eats a lot of CPU power and it can paddle on small capacity Pross!

    The manual is very comprehensive! But for my part I look closely at the tutorials on youtube and I bought the DVD of Elephorm which is a good resource for advice!

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    I'm PC 2Ghz CPU HP dv7 dual core 2 duo.
    Ableton Live 8 runs perfectly with this config!
    The config is stable if I disconnect the internet that eats a lot of CPU capacity.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for one month!

    I had already used FL studio but am not invested more …
    Read more
    Installation was done without any problems!
    It should on the other hand, if you have nothing to do there, disconnect from the internet because it eats a lot of CPU power and it can paddle on small capacity Pross!

    The manual is very comprehensive! But for my part I look closely at the tutorials on youtube and I bought the DVD of Elephorm which is a good resource for advice!

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    I'm PC 2Ghz CPU HP dv7 dual core 2 duo.
    Ableton Live 8 runs perfectly with this config!
    The config is stable if I disconnect the internet that eats a lot of CPU capacity.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for one month!

    I had already used FL studio but am not invested more than that in the composition at the time!

    It is a comprehensive software, the effects are very well made, the composition of the clips very easy (at the same time I do nothing complex, I started) but otherwise I am very satisfied with my purchase!
    See you on the dancefloor !!!!!
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  • MaxlfoMaxlfo

    TOP 3 sequencers current

    Ableton Live 8Published on 06/29/11 at 07:03
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    The installation is done it without problems?
    No problem with instalation

    The general configuration is easy?
    Easy access Hergonomie thoughtful

    Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
    routing in complex with a sidechain compressor Fet

    The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
    Manual clear and relatively complete

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    What is the configuration of your computer?
    Mac Pro 8-core 2.4 GHz 8 GB RAM with an Edirol FA 101 Sound Card

    The software works he correctly on this configuration?

    With projects including thirty tracks and up to 70 VST CPU does not exceed 35%!

    This software + hardware is stable?

    Relatively yes, it happened that it cr…
    Read more
    The installation is done it without problems?
    No problem with instalation

    The general configuration is easy?
    Easy access Hergonomie thoughtful

    Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
    routing in complex with a sidechain compressor Fet

    The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
    Manual clear and relatively complete

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    What is the configuration of your computer?
    Mac Pro 8-core 2.4 GHz 8 GB RAM with an Edirol FA 101 Sound Card

    The software works he correctly on this configuration?

    With projects including thirty tracks and up to 70 VST CPU does not exceed 35%!

    This software + hardware is stable?

    Relatively yes, it happened that it crashes but fortunately the software keeps track of your work.

    OVERALL OPINION

    How long have you use it?

    2 years if version 8 since 2004 with version 2

    What is so special that you like most and least?

    The +
    Hybrid software composition and live (to the top of the live)
    Quality audio
    Quality of the original plugin
    Ease of use

    The -

    Routing some Vst imposible
    Conversion of audio tracks, not Global select (a trifle that I hope will be fixed in version 9)

    How would you rate the quality / price?

    very good

    With experience, you do again this choice?

    Without hesitation, essential for my use.
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  • benzouillebenzouille

    perfect

    Ableton Live 8Published on 07/26/11 at 14:36
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    easy installation even if it is a web connection to unlock the system.
    no conflict on OSX

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    my equipment; 2011 macbook pro 2 core i7, 6
    impec works: D

    OVERALL OPINION

    Using live from version 6
    this is my main sequencer and audio editor
    I use a lot of VST and making little concern and usually not related to live.
    + +
    usable components at ease as well as in live (session mode / innovative audio clips)
    the warp
    the many tools
    Max4live
    VST support
    any audio format

    -
    ??
    binding only for use with the native (video format that I like slightly)
    suequenceur mode arrangement sometimes sucks to zoom in and out of force


    I wi…
    Read more
    easy installation even if it is a web connection to unlock the system.
    no conflict on OSX

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    my equipment; 2011 macbook pro 2 core i7, 6
    impec works: D

    OVERALL OPINION

    Using live from version 6
    this is my main sequencer and audio editor
    I use a lot of VST and making little concern and usually not related to live.
    + +
    usable components at ease as well as in live (session mode / innovative audio clips)
    the warp
    the many tools
    Max4live
    VST support
    any audio format

    -
    ??
    binding only for use with the native (video format that I like slightly)
    suequenceur mode arrangement sometimes sucks to zoom in and out of force


    I will remake that choice without pb, besides, I raque for updates every time (which will quickly his last time ....)
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  • SynthaxErrorSynthaxError

    Very good software:)

    Ableton Live 8Published on 06/06/11 at 10:28
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Yes, very clean install:)
    Relatively easy configuration
    No problems of incompatibility.
    I did not use the manual. I learned to 'use it on the heap with a few tutorials on the net.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    ASUS P5Q SE
    Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 3.1 GHz
    Ram 2GB DDR3 Dual-Channel

    Yes, it works very well and the hardware / software config is excellent.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for 2 years.

    No, except for some really basic software (Magix Music Mixer ...)
    Read more
    Yes, very clean install:)
    Relatively easy configuration
    No problems of incompatibility.
    I did not use the manual. I learned to 'use it on the heap with a few tutorials on the net.

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    ASUS P5Q SE
    Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 3.1 GHz
    Ram 2GB DDR3 Dual-Channel

    Yes, it works very well and the hardware / software config is excellent.

    OVERALL OPINION

    I use it for 2 years.

    No, except for some really basic software (Magix Music Mixer ...)
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  • ToxikalienToxikalien

    very well

    Ableton Live 8Published on 06/06/11 at 08:44
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Installation nikel

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    quad q9800 4GB of ram horn One large processor if its ram! but hey I use a lot of vst + maschine + reason5 and running!!

    OVERALL OPINION

    A little over a year later that I have Live8 and I am very pleased
  • lefenzlefenz

    Very good

    Ableton Live 8Published on 06/04/11 at 04:12
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    The installation is done it without problems? proper installation

    The general configuration is easy? Takes a little time but easy

    Have you experienced any incompatibilities? not from the fact that ableton is still 32 bit only supports 4 gigabytes of ram .....

    The manual is clear and sufficient? oh yes ...... perfect

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    What is the configuration of your computer? 2.66 ghz dual core 8 gig ram, sound card FA101

    What performance? Excellent ....

    The software works he correctly on this configuration? if you do not exceed 4 gigabytes of ram

    This software + hardware is stable? Very stable ...

    OVERALL OPINION

    For how long have you been usi…
    Read more
    The installation is done it without problems? proper installation

    The general configuration is easy? Takes a little time but easy

    Have you experienced any incompatibilities? not from the fact that ableton is still 32 bit only supports 4 gigabytes of ram .....

    The manual is clear and sufficient? oh yes ...... perfect

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    What is the configuration of your computer? 2.66 ghz dual core 8 gig ram, sound card FA101

    What performance? Excellent ....

    The software works he correctly on this configuration? if you do not exceed 4 gigabytes of ram

    This software + hardware is stable? Very stable ...

    OVERALL OPINION

    For how long have you been using it? 4years

    Did you try many other models before getting this one? Cubase ....

    What thing do you like most/least about it? Simple, intuitive and responsiveness of sav ableton all done very quick

    What is your opinion about the value for the price? correct

    Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? rather than 10 times
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  • dr maboursedr mabourse

    Ableton Live 8Published on 01/25/10 at 17:04
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    Mac OS 10.5.8, no worries. No problems either with my plugs in (NI, Waves)

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    Mac Book Pro 2x2, 4, 4gb of ram. Digi 002. Some problems with the driver of the digi 002. Sometimes he refuses to engage in live, when I just left another audio application. very weird, but I think the worries just idiots of Digidesign, unable to turn their interface to something other than their bullshit pro tools. Raleur mode off (NB: I'm a fan of pro tools)

    Live purrs with four Kontakt, Massive, Guitar Rig 4 in the same session, + EQ / comp waves all the slices (20 average). It really consolidated level.

    OVERALL OPINION

    Intensive use for two weeks. This is my first …
    Read more
    Mac OS 10.5.8, no worries. No problems either with my plugs in (NI, Waves)

    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    Mac Book Pro 2x2, 4, 4gb of ram. Digi 002. Some problems with the driver of the digi 002. Sometimes he refuses to engage in live, when I just left another audio application. very weird, but I think the worries just idiots of Digidesign, unable to turn their interface to something other than their bullshit pro tools. Raleur mode off (NB: I'm a fan of pro tools)

    Live purrs with four Kontakt, Massive, Guitar Rig 4 in the same session, + EQ / comp waves all the slices (20 average). It really consolidated level.

    OVERALL OPINION

    Intensive use for two weeks. This is my first version of Live. What can I say except that this app has changed my life <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_lol.gif" alt="" /> Coupled with an MPD 32, I found much of the great ergonomics of MBM. With the flexibility of a computer. It's perfect for my use. Management rack effects is exemplary. I am still on my ass on the simplified procedure for ultra high juggle / crossfader between different chains of effects.
    For now I use it for the composition, and counts with the Pro Tools mixer.

    In short, it's simple and most importantly, it frees the mind. I agree 100%
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  • songboysongboy

    Ableton Live 8Published on 12/30/09 at 13:01
    There were no compatibility issues running Ableton 8 on my Macbook. 
    I have browsed the manual here and there, but it is rather long and with the Ableton forums, great tutorials and google, you really don't need it at all. 
    If you have used a DAW software before, then the "arrangement" section shouldn't be to hard to figure out.  I also have Logic 9 and I prefer to use that.  I feel that Ableton's interface is a little inferior compared to Logic 9.  In Logic, the separation of the clips or tracks is very easy to see and therefore manipulate.  In Ableton, the background bleeds into every clip, making it a little hard to use.  When it comes to the "Session" view, things are very simple and ex…
    Read more
    There were no compatibility issues running Ableton 8 on my Macbook. 
    I have browsed the manual here and there, but it is rather long and with the Ableton forums, great tutorials and google, you really don't need it at all. 
    If you have used a DAW software before, then the "arrangement" section shouldn't be to hard to figure out.  I also have Logic 9 and I prefer to use that.  I feel that Ableton's interface is a little inferior compared to Logic 9.  In Logic, the separation of the clips or tracks is very easy to see and therefore manipulate.  In Ableton, the background bleeds into every clip, making it a little hard to use.  When it comes to the "Session" view, things are very simple and extremely useful.  The only complaint I have is the lack of a "Floating Window" feature.  When all of the windows are opened up, you run out of screen space really quick. 
    The typical functions are easy enough to access.  Ableton is really special because of its arrangement view which is really original.  The functions of that aspect are also easy to access.


    SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

    The software works great on my man with one exception, it seems that one of my favorite plugins (GSi's Mr. Ray 73) occasionally generates severe latency.  It happens all of a sudden and I cannot figure out what causes it either.  The big problem is that after I close/remove the plugin, the latency still persists.  Even if I close that session and open up a new one, it is still there.  The only remedy is to shut ableton down entirely and relaunch it.  This is a big problem for me because I really need a good Rhodes plugin and the GSi is the best I have ever had.  I have contacted Ableton about this but have not had a reply yet.  If only they had a Midi reset feature, like Logic 9/Mainstage 2 has, it would not be an issue.  Hopefully they will fix this in an update.  I also notice that Ableton 8 crashes on me once in a great while when I am changing my Audio output preferences (built in output changed to Presonus Firebox).  It has only happened 3 times over the past 2 months, and it only happens when I first open up the project.  Besides those two hiccups, ableton functions fine. 
    With those two problems in the mix, I can only give ableton an 8 out of 10. 
    I have been using Ableton 8 for 2 months.

    OVERALL OPINION

    What I like the most is the amazing abilities Live can give a performing musician.  First off, they have added a looping device plugin which is absolutely spectacular.  I used to own a RC 50, but I sold it when I found out what ableton was capable of.  Due to the fact that it is computer based, there is a extremely small amount of latency, but other than that, it kills!!!!! the RC 50 in every aspect.  Of course, I should mention the sheer value of the "session view" which for me is priceless.  I can do the "one man band" thing with great ease due to this software.
    The only fallbacks for me are the ones I mentioned earlier.
    There really is nothing else out there that can give you this much bang for your buck.  I paid $229 with an artist account and upgrade discount.  It is worth every single penny. 
    Besides the little bit of latency that happens when running analog instruments (guitar and bass), the precision is great and the sound quality is just as good as Logic/mainstage or any other DAW I have used. 
    I have used Logic, Cakewalk Sonar and Cubase.  I prefer Logic for Recording/writing but Ableton is the only choice when it comes to playing Live.
    Yes, I would happily buy this again if I had to.
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