Live 7 LE from Ableton continues the pioneering tradition of the first Live iteration, offering a different perspective on audio recording/editing from the traditional linear "tape machine" paradigm. The software provides two main views - the Session View and the Arrangement View - both of which interact in a powerful and unique way, and allow the user to create, produce and perform music all in a single application.
The Session View acts as a musical sketch and launch pad, and encourages the user to experiment, try out new ideas and improvise freely. Each cell in the Session View grid can hold a loop, recording, MIDI file, complete song or any other musical element. These ideas can be recorded on the fly or dragged in from the Browser, combined and played in any order required.
The Arrangement View offers a timeline-based approach for traditional recording, MIDI sequencing, arranging, editing and other musical production tasks. And while improvising in the Session View, all actions can be recorded into the Arrangement View, where they can be later edited and perfected at any time. Live 7 LE includes some powerful new features drawn from the full Live 7 version, making it an attractive and powerful tool suitable for beginners and more advanced budget-conscious users alike.
Prominent amongst these is "Multiple Automation Lanes" which allows for the simultaneous display and editing of all automated parameters for a single track. The enhanced audio engine also delivers plug-in delay compensation while improving overall fidelity. A new "Spectrum" device is an analyzer that provides real-time visual feedback for any audio signals within Live. Side-chaining is now supported for relevant plug-ins and a new compressor offers a additional model based on a feedback design commonly found in vintage compressors.
