Ableton 9.5 is now with us, with a host of new features... here they are at a glance:

• Better sampling with Simpler
• Improved waveforms and coloring
• Peak and RMS meters
• Analog-modeled filters
• More sounds, samples, and drums
• New Max Essentials
• Play in time with Link
• Create a song with Push 2

Simpler, Live's powerful but easy-to-use sampling instrument, has been completely overhauled with a new interface, warping, slicing, and new analog-modeled filters built in conjunction with Cytomic. Slice samples across the keyboard, play single hits, or warp long samples so that they always stay in time with your song.

New waveforms show more detail and zoom and scroll smoothly. To help keep your Sets organized, new clips take their track's color, and tracks are now automatically colored by default.

Updated meters show both peak and RMS, to indicate both sudden changes in level as well as perceived loudness. This makes it easier to control the dynamics of both individual tracks and your overall mix.

Live 9.5 introduces new analog-modeled filters based on classic vintage hardware models that will self-resonate, feedback, and distort beautifully. These filters were built in collaboration with Cytomic and are included in Simpler, Sampler, Operator, and Auto Filter.




The library of included sounds has been updated for Live 9.5 to get you making music even faster. This includes new drum kits, presets using the new analog-modeled filters, hundreds more one shots, and new audio clips.

The new Max Essentials Pack includes three new synthesizers with wide-ranging sound design possibilities and a streamlined set of controls.

We've already introduced you to Push 2 in another news story but another major feature in 9.5 is Link which will let users play with others, in perfect sync. Link is a new technology that keeps you in time over a wireless network - with Link you can jam with multiple instances of Live and a growing collection of iOS apps.

A spokesperson told us, "With acoustic instruments, playing in time comes naturally. You can jump in when the time's right, and everyone keeps their flow. Playing together with electronic instruments hasn't always been so easy. Now Link makes it effortless. Link is a technology that keeps devices in time over a wireless network, so you can forget the hassle of setting up and focus on playing music. Link will soon be available to Live users as a free update, and to the wider music-making community as a built-in feature of a growing number of iOS apps. Hop on to the same network and jam with others using multiple instances of Live – Link keeps everyone in time. Anyone can start and stop their part while others keep playing. And anyone can adjust the tempo and the rest will follow. No MIDI cables, no installation, just free-flowing sync that works. People make music using a range of instruments, so Link helps you play together using a range of devices. A growing number of iOS apps will soon have Link built in, which means anyone on the same network can play them in time with Live. Or you can play Link-enabled apps in time with each other, even without Live in your setup."

Ableton want Link to help musicians connect and collaborate in innovative ways, so will be sharing the Link SDK for free. Get in touch with the company if you're an app developer who's interested in joining the band of music-making apps that have Link built in.





Pricing and Availability:
9.5 is a free upgrade for Ableton users.

Live 9 comes in three editions: Intro (Euro 79), Standard (Euro 349), and Suite (Euro 599). The editions share common features, but Standard and Suite have additional features, Instruments, Packs, and Effects.

More information:

• www.ableton.com

 

More From: ABLETON

• Exploring Abletons MIDI Generators 19-Apr-24
• Ableton Live 12 Is Out 05-Mar-24
• Push Upgrade Kit - Now Available 06-Dec-23
• Ableton LIVE 12 Public Beta - First Look 14-Nov-23
• Strategies For Performing With Push Standalone 25-Sep-23

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