Live 7 from Ableton is music production software that allows one to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The software integrates loop-based and linear production methods, includes unique virtual instruments and effects and presents them together in a single interface for unparalleled creative freedom.
The audio engine has been updated in Live 7 with precision 64-bit summing at all mix points throughout the program, POW-r dithering, optimized sample-rate conversion and other advances. Hardware integration has been streamlined with the addition of two devices - External Instrument and External Audio Effect. These allow hardware synthesizers and effects to be inserted into device chains just like software plug-ins.
On the plug-in side, a new compressor adds a model based on the classic feedback design found in some highly-valued vintage hardware compressors. Side-chaining is available for the compressor as well as the gate and auto filter plug-ins. The side-chaining feature in auto filter allows another audio signal to modulate the filter's envelope follower, and also trigger the operation of the gate in the gate device.
Several devices now have an optional "high quality" mode to help with anti-aliasing processing, which in turn reduces digital artifacts. A spectrum analyzer device has been added that provides real-time visual feedback for any audio signals within Live. The analysis window can be enlarged for more detail and shows note names as well as frequency and amplitude. The MIDI engine has been upgraded to provide tighter MIDI timing.
