

Ableton’s ethos seems to be to do things well rather than to do them first. Don’t forget that MIDI sequencing wasn’t introduced until version 4 early versions were loop-based to the point of excluding other approaches to making music. Users have become accustomed to relatively frequent updates which gradually implement new features, but Live has always lagged behind its rivals in certain areas. Since its introduction in 2001, Live has followed a slow, steady, incremental upgrade path without ever radically redesigning or overhauling the fundamental features of the software. Ableton’s approach to sample-based sequencing was truly revolutionary, but Live has traditionally been slow to catch up with other DAWs in a number of areas. In the case of Live, this level of expectation might be misplaced.

At least until we get a release date for Logic Pro X… Fuelled by internet speculation (of which we freely admit we’re as guilty as anyone) and the relentless rumour-mill of the pro audio community, hype for Live 9 has reached unprecedented levels. Live 9’s startup screen demonstrates the new visual appearance and updated BrowserĪs time goes by, the level of anticipation with each major DAW update only seems to increase.
