Version 1.5 of Live Released

Main Screen (Click for a close-up)

Arranger Window (Click for a close-up)

Ableton, a Berlin-based music software company, has released version 1.5 of Live, the sequencing instrument for Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and Windows. The new version has everything to make Live a perfect fit in every studio and stage environment. The 1.5 update is now available as a free download from www.ableton.com.

"Due to its stability and low-latency audio streaming solutions for the production and processing environment, Mac OSX is ideal for real time performance oriented applications such as Live," commented Gerhard Behles, Founder and CEO of Ableton.  "We are excited to pioneer this powerful and intuitive audio sequencing software for musicians and DJs everywhere."

"Mac OS X delivers the best audio performance in desktop computing by offering ultra low latency, integrating MIDI services into the operating system and providing support for multiple channels natively," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations.  "Live 1.5 is a powerful multi-track capable audio application and we're delighted that it's now available for Mac OS X."

New Features include:

• As a Rewire master or client, Live 1.5 will run in perfect harmony with Cubase, Logic, Reason, or Digital Performer;
• As a MIDI Sync master or client, Live 1.5 will sync with every piece of hardware;
• Live 1.5 users can use controller boxes with endless knobs or motor faders to control their sequencing instrument in any desired way;
• The new version has a Render-to-Disk function for quick file export into other audio programs;
• Live will contain a new reverb simulator with extensive control capabilities;
• Live will be available in localised versions (menus and help texts in English, German, French and Japanese);
• The new version will use less CPU resources, and feature many other detail improvements.

Pricing and Availability

Live for Mac OS X and Windows is currently available at specialized local dealers in 17 countries. Live has a suggested retail price of Euro 349 or US$ 299.95. The free 1.5 upgrade can be downloaded from the Ableton website.