Ableton

Ableton have launched a new Probability Pack for Live 10. The pack contains five sequencers, each one based on a different algorithm, focussing on unpredictable outcomes and unexpected melodies.

Designed with Push in mind, the pack includes: Melodic Probability for monophonic stepping, Rhythmic Probability for polyphonic rhythms, Probability Arp with a built-in chord generator, Step Divider for micro, glitch sounds and Dr. Chaos, a "A neural network that strings together notes and generates melodies in unpredictable ways". There's a 60 new Ableton synth presets to experiment on. 

Ableton's LOOP summit has announced the first names for its yearly creative gathering, this time taking place in LA over Berlin. Having impressed in 2017, Ableton decided to move the summit to the West Coast, and the first wave of names invovled have now been confirmed.

Richie Hawtin has released a video explaining the inner workings of his audio-visual live show, CLOSE.

The show, which debuted at Coachella festival in April last year, is based around an improvised performance using a plethora of music tech, including Ableton, Traktor, some midi keyboards, a modular synthesiser and his self-designed Model 1 mixer.

Ableton's LOOP summit has opened its registration for those wishing to attend the 2018 edition. Having taken place in Berlin since its inception in 2015, the German DAW dudes announced earlier this year they are bringing the event to LA. Featuring talks, workshops, panels and demos, LOOP is an opportunity to meet other Ableton heads, hear from those using the software in innovative ways and try out the latest kit pushing music-making forward.

Ableton have announced a free suite of creative production and composition tools called Creative Extensions. Made up of eight devices, Creative Extensions includes Pitch Hack, a delay-based pitch effect, Gated Delay, Color Limiter, Re-Enveloper, Spectral Blur, a bassline instrument called Bass, a polysynth for retro sounds named Poli and a multi-lane MIDI instrument called Melodic Steps. 

Ableton and Envelop have released a set of free spatial sound tools you can use in popular music production software Live 10.

Non-profit Envelop — directed by Christopher Willits — are working to open up a space for exploring 3D sound in music. Now they’ve collaborated with Ableton to release “a set of Max for Live-powered devices for working with spatial audio production and live performance.”

Envelop for Live is most useful for those looking to work in spatial audio and live performance. You will need the full version of Ableton Live 10 Suite to run it.

Ableton are moving their popular summit Loop to LA for 2018. Taking place from 9th November to 11th November, the event - previously taking place in Berlin’s Funkhaus - will now happen in Los Angeles, where Ableton have a budding community of passionate users. LA’s Ableton groups were highlighted in a short video a few years back so it makes sense they’ve shifted their focus to the West Coast.

There are no speakers or events announced as yet, but we’ll update you with the programme once it’s announced. 

Ableton Live 10 has entered the public beta phase. The next version of the popular music production, sound design and performance software can be downloaded by users of Live 9 and Live 9 Suite through the bug-tracking Centrecode service. Any bugs or problems will auotmatically be sent to Ableton as and when you encounter them, though anything ultra-specific such as third-party plugin clashes may need to have some written notes alongside the report.