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OVERVIEW
Ableton has proven to be a top choice amongst Lab customers and even our employees. It represents the new generation of production...
expand review programs that works equally well for complex songs, quick remixes, djing, live performances, and more. The major feature of Ableton is that most actions occur in real time, allowing for spontaneous, flowing music production. In addition, you can change pitches and tempo on the fly, an excellent feature for sample based production, remixing, and live performances. Live 7 renews the core of Live for overall better sound and performance as well as many new features that make Ableton even more versatile.
NEW FEATURES AND ENHANCEMENTS IN VERSION 7.0
- enhanced audio engine improves fidelity with 64-bit mix summing,
POW-r dithering, optimized sample-rate conversion and other
advances
- new Compressor device integrates three compression models, one
of which is based on a feedback design commonly found in the most
praised vintage compressors
- fully integrated side-chaining capability is available for the new
Compressor, as well as Gate and Auto Filter
- high-Quality modes have been added to Operator, Dynamic Tube and
Saturator for anti-aliased processing and reduction of typical
"digital" artifacts
- EQ Eight has an improved user interface and a 64 bit mode for
increased accuracy
- new Spectrum analyzer provides visual feedback for any audio
signals within Live
- MIDI engine has been reworked to minimize timing error (jitter)
of recorded MIDI
- hardware integration has been streamlined - hardware synthesizers and effects can now be inserted into device chains just like software
plug-ins
- new memory management technology allows users of large sample
libraries, such as Ableton's new sampled instruments or third-party
libraries imported via Sampler, to run an impressive number of
instruments at the same time. This happens automatically, with no
setup changes required
- new audio and MIDI fact sheets explain exactly how signals are (or
are not) being modified when using specific features in Live and
provide tips for achieving the highest quality results
- time signature changes can be inserted in the Arrangement timeline
and tied to Session scenes
- warped and unwarped video can be exported to files
- multiple automation lanes per track can be displayed and edited at
the same time
- new "tempo nudge" function makes it easier to synchronize to live
musicians or DJs
- REX files can be dragged, dropped and played just like WAV or AIFF
files
- new DRUM RACK feature streamlines beat production via an easy
drag-and-drop interface and brings endless creative possibilities
- every drum pad can have its own Sampler, Simpler, Operator, or any other virtual instrument or plug-in, and its own individual effects chain -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Ableton's full production suite combines Ableton Live 7 with a complete collection of Ableton instruments in a consistent workflow. This is the most complete production package Ableton has to offer - everything you need for the entire musical process - from creation...
expand review to production to performance. This versatile program has proven to be the top choice amongst Lab customers and even our employees for production, remixing, DJing, and live performance.
FEATURES
Ableton Suite features Ableton Live 7, Sampler, Operator, Electric, Analog, Tension, Drum Machine, the Essential Instrument Collection 2 and Session Drums.
Ableton Live 7
Ableton Live 7 represents the new generation of production programs that works equally well for complex songs, quick remixes, djing, live performances, and more. The major feature of Ableton is that most actions occur in real time, allowing for spontaneous, flowing music production. In addition, you can change pitches and tempo on the fly, an excellent feature for sample based production, remixing, and live performances. Live 7 renews the core of Live for overall better sound and performance as well as many new features that make Ableton even more versatile.
NEW FEATURES AND ENHANCEMENTS IN VERSION 7.0
- enhanced audio engine improves fidelity with 64-bit mix summing,
POW-r dithering, optimized sample-rate conversion and other
advances
- new Compressor device integrates three compression models, one
of which is based on a feedback design commonly found in the most
praised vintage compressors
- fully integrated side-chaining capability is available for the new
Compressor, as well as Gate and Auto Filter
- high-Quality modes have been added to Operator, Dynamic Tube and
Saturator for anti-aliased processing and reduction of typical
"digital" artifacts
- EQ Eight has an improved user interface and a 64 bit mode for
increased accuracy
- new Spectrum analyzer provides visual feedback for any audio
signals within Live
- MIDI engine has been reworked to minimize timing error (jitter)
of recorded MIDI
- hardware integration has been streamlined - hardware synthesizers and effects can now be inserted into device chains just like software
plug-ins
- new memory management technology allows users of large sample
libraries, such as Ableton's new sampled instruments or third-party
libraries imported via Sampler, to run an impressive number of
instruments at the same time. This happens automatically, with no
setup changes required
- new audio and MIDI fact sheets explain exactly how signals are (or
are not) being modified when using specific features in Live and
provide tips for achieving the highest quality results
- time signature changes can be inserted in the Arrangement timeline
and tied to Session scenes
- warped and unwarped video can be exported to files
- multiple automation lanes per track can be displayed and edited at
the same time
- new "tempo nudge" function makes it easier to synchronize to live
musicians or DJs
- REX files can be dragged, dropped and played just like WAV or AIFF
files
- new DRUM RACK feature streamlines beat production via an easy
drag-and-drop interface and brings endless creative possibilities
- every drum pad can have its own Sampler, Simpler, Operator, or any other virtual instrument or plug-in, and its own individual effects chain
Sampler
Sampler is a sampling instrument that brings powerful multisample playback and import, as well as profound sound design capabilities to Ableton Live.
Operator
Operator is a frequency modulation synthesizer that delivers an eclectic spectrum of sonic possibilities and musical inspiration.
Electric
Electric offers the sounds of classic electric pianos through physical modeling synthesis, allowing you to dive inside and play with the guts of the instrument.
Tension
Tension is a physical modeling string synthesizer capable of creating incredibly accurate reproductions of real stringed instruments or otherworldly hybrids.
Analog
Analog emulates the unique circuitry and irresistible tweakability of vintage analog synthesizers. Able to produce everything from silky pad sweeps to earth-shaking bass.
Drum Machines
Drum Machines offers a choice selection of classic drum machines, meticulously sampled to faithfully reproduce the original sounds.
Session Drums
Session Drums is a meticulously multisampled library of acoustic drums that reproduces the nuances of a recording session and puts you in the engineer's seat.
Essential Instrument Collection 2
A choice selection of acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, bass, drums, orchestral instruments and more.
OUR OPINION
This is the ultimate package for anyone that wants to get the most out of Ableton. With all the included instruments and plug-ins, you can really take your productions and performances to the next level, even if you do not have a studio full of analog synths and drum machines. It is also an incredible value considering how much power and how many tools are included. Recommended. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Logic Studio is THE ULTIMATE music creation package for Mac and is now more affordable than ever. It contains a full featured suite of programs to create, perform and record professional music from the first note to the final product. This box...
expand review set contains full versions of the following software:
- Logic Pro 8
- Soundtrack Pro 2
- Mainstage
- Studio Instruments
- Studio Effects
- Studio Sound Library
LOGIC PRO 8
Logic Pro 8 is the center of Logic studio. This is where all your recording, writing, editing and mixing takes place. Logic Pro 8 has been thoroughly redesigned to make it easier than ever to translate your musical inspiration into finished professional productions. This production powerhouse still contains the top features of the previous versions like audio file and I/O resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz, over 980 definable key and MIDI commands, comprehensive surround sound support, extensive MIDI composition, full support of Apple Loops, complete music notation, robust video playback features, precision editing tools, pro mixing and automation and much more.
NEW FEATURES IN LOGIC PRO 8
- simple-window design - the new simple window design consolidates all production activities in a single, central, elegantly designed Arrange window. Record multiple takes, cut, move, stratch, browse, etc. all from one central space without managing multiple windows
- simplified setup - quick start up with production ready templates, streamlined track setup window, and dynamic channel strip
- effortless multitake recording - region-based take management speeds up multitake recording, editing, and processing
- quick swipe comping - swipe over the best parts of each take to create a seamless comp complete with transition smoothing crossfades
- new audio editing tools - snap-to-transient selection, graphical time stretching, and sample accurate editing in the Arrange window
- surround sound mixing and processing
- portable preferences
- XSkey-free operation - no more dongle taking up a USB port, a simple serial number unlocks Logic
STUDIO INSTRUMENTS
With over 40 powerful instrument plug-ins available, Studio Instruments provides the largest software instrument package ever put in a single box. The instruments seamlessly integrate into Logic Pro 8 and Mainstage so you'll never be without a particular instrument.
INCLUDED SOFTWARE INSTRUMENTS
- vintage instruments - EVB3 (tonewheel organ), EVD6 (electric clav), EVP88 (electric piano)
- synthesizers - EFM1 (FM synth), ES E (ensemble synth), ES M (monophonic synth), ES P (polyphonic synth), ES1 Synth (analog synth),
ES2 Synth (subtractive synth) TS, EVOC20 PS (vocoder synth)
- XS24 Sampler MO
- sculpture (component modeling synth) TS
- ultrabeat (drum synth/sampler/sequencer) MO
- external insst plug-in
- klopfgeist (metronome)
- test oscillator
- all 24 GarageBand instruments
STUDIO EFFECTS
Over 80 effect plug-ins are at your disposal giving you a wide variety of ways to craft your sound. Everything from vintage compressors, amp models, delays, effects and more enhance your music productions, live performances and post production projects and integrate seamlessly into Logic Pro 8.
INCLUDED EFFECTS
- amp modeling (2)
- delay (5)
- distortion (6)
- dynamics (13)
- EQ (13)
- filter (5)
- imaging (2)
- metering (5)
- modulation (11)
- pitch (3)
- reverb (6)
- denoiser
- utilities
MAINSTAGE
Mainstage brings the live performance element to the Logic Studio like never before. It allows keyboardists, guitarists, and other musicians to perform with software instruments and effects through a full-screen 3D interface designed specifically for the stage.
FEATURES
- stunning 3D interface created specifically for the stage proving just what you need on screen for a live show
- keyboard racks - start up quick with keyboard templates featuring studio instruments and studio effects
- templates - customize your live rig with a wide selection of templates designed for different instruments and styles
- hardware control - use any MIDI or USB controller with Mainstage
- guitar rigs - build your own custom rig that you can control with hardware pedal boards
- stability - under even the most demanding conditions, Mainstage allows you to perform live with confidence
SOUNDTRACK PRO 2
Completing the bridge between sound and picture, Soundtrack Pro 2 allows musicians to take their creative inspirations to the screen. Comprehensive editing tools, surround mixing, and seamless integration with Final Cut Pro make audio post-production a breeze.
FEATURES
- steamlined multitrack interface - single-window design and an integrated multichannel audio editor simplify the audio post-production process and let you focus on creating and editing great sound
- dialogue tools - record, edit, and restore dialogue quickly, easily, and with precision using the Multitake Editor, Lift & Stamp audio matching, and automatic find and fix features
- mixing for picture - create mixes for film and video projects in both stereo and cinematic surround
- advanced audio editing - professional tools designed for post-production include spectrum view editing, tape-style scrubbing, and the multichannel Waveform Editor
- sound design - create pristine soundtracks using thousands of royalty-free sound effects and music beds, or customize sounds with action-based editing
- compatibility - seamlessly collaborate with the world of Final Cut editors and easily share projects and files between Soundtrack Pro 2 and other popular audio and video applications
STUDIO SOUND LIBRARY
1000's of channel strip settings, Apple Loops, sound effects, and EXS sampled instruments are provided for music creation, production, and performance. New surround content allows you to build beautiful, immersive productions.
FEATURES
- jam packs - Studio Sound Library comes with five Jam Pack collections, featuring redesigned content that incorporates the professional sound quality of Studio Instruments and Studio Effects
- channel strip settings - 2400 professionally-designed channel strip settings offer combinations of Studio Instruments and Studio Effects that can be used right out of the box or customized to fit your personal sound
- surround sound - 600 royalty-free surround channel strip settings and over 1000 multichannel sound effects and music beds
- Apple loops - 8,000 royalty-free Apple Loops let you build a rhythm, grab a melodic phrase, or simply sketch out an arrangement
- EXS instruments - 1300 EXS instruments provide a world of beautifully sampled, authentic sounds -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The new MBox 2 is the updated version of the most popular Pro Tools solution. It includes both the newly designed MBox 2 interface and the industry standard Pro Tools LE production program.
NEW FEATURES IN VERSION 2
Improved Sound: Digidesign has improved the...
expand review already excellent sound of the original Mbox by replacing the high quality Focusrite mix preamps with new Digidesign preamps. Also Digidesign has also included new digital and analog converters with better fidelity.
New Interface Design: The Mbox 2 interface can be positioned horizontally or vertically for easy placement. Mbox 2 comes with two faceplates, which are easily swapped using the included hex wrench. One faceplate features a large handle that makes the unit easily portable. The second faceplate, which offers a rubberized grip, allows Mbox 2 to sit flat on a desktop and reduces the space required when the unit is packed for traveling.
More Simultaneous Inputs: 2 analog / 2 digital simultaneously.
New MIDI I/O: MBox 2 adds a very use MIDI input/output.
More Free Software: The Mbox already featured the most free plug-ins and software in its class. Version 2 adds the very powerful Pro Tools Ignition Pack (click the manufacturer's link below for full list of contents)
FEATURES
Mbox 2 is a full-featured, USB-powered studio-in-a-box that works with your Window XP or Mac OS X. With a distinctive hardware interface that delivers exceptional sound quality, Mbox 2 works in conjunction with your computer and the included Pro Tools LE software to provide the creative power you need to achieve professional results. Complementing the hardware interface's analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Pro Tools LE software offers 32 tracks of simultaneous recording and playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and a host of additional features. As with all Pro Tools LE systems, Mbox 2 also ships with the Pro Tools Ignition Pack™ —an array of added composition and production tools to extend the power of your system.
OUR OPINION
The MBox Pro Tools solution is always the first Production suite we recommend. In the interface, you get a professional quality component with high quality inputs and mic pre-amp for top-level recording. With its new portable design, it's ideal for your home and mobile setup. As for the software, Pro Tools is simply the industry standard. The LE version offered here features everything you need to record, create, and finish a track; all within, the time-tested Pro Tools environment. If you need more options, Pro Tools has the most third party plug-ins and software enhancements available of all the production programs. And when you want to take your productions to the next level, your tracks will be compatible with any Pro Tools enable studio. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
This is the Factory Version of the Mbox 2 which includes a discounted package of the most useful Mbox 2 plug-ins including Moogerfooger Analog Delay, Cosmonaut Voice, Joe Meek VC-5 Meequalizer, and SC-2 Compressor. Sold separately, these plug-ins list retail approximately for...
expand review $1050.00! Get your sound one step closer to professional quality with this package.
The new MBox 2 is the updated version of the most popular Pro Tools solution. It includes both the newly designed MBox 2 interface and the industry standard Pro Tools LE production program.
NEW FEATURES IN VERSION 2
Improved Sound: Digidesign has improved the already excellent sound of the original Mbox by replacing the high quality Focusrite mix preamps with new Digidesign preamps. Also Digidesign has also included new digital and analog converters with better fidelity.
New Interface Design: The Mbox 2 interface can be positioned horizontally or vertically for easy placement. Mbox 2 comes with two faceplates, which are easily swapped using the included hex wrench. One faceplate features a large handle that makes the unit easily portable. The second faceplate, which offers a rubberized grip, allows Mbox 2 to sit flat on a desktop and reduces the space required when the unit is packed for traveling.
More Simultaneous Inputs: 2 analog / 2 digital simultaneously.
New MIDI I/O: MBox 2 adds a very use MIDI input/output.
More Free Software: The Mbox already featured the most free plug-ins and software in its class. Version 2 adds the very powerful Pro Tools Ignition Pack (click the manufacturer's link below for full list of contents)
FEATURES
Mbox 2 is a full-featured, USB-powered studio-in-a-box that works with your Window XP or Mac OS X. With a distinctive hardware interface that delivers exceptional sound quality, Mbox 2 works in conjunction with your computer and the included Pro Tools LE software to provide the creative power you need to achieve professional results. Complementing the hardware interface's analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Pro Tools LE software offers 32 tracks of simultaneous recording and playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and a host of additional features. As with all Pro Tools LE systems, Mbox 2 also ships with the Pro Tools Ignition Pack™ —an array of added composition and production tools to extend the power of your system.
OUR OPINION
The MBox Pro Tools solution is always the first Production suite we recommend. In the interface, you get a professional quality component with high quality inputs and mic pre-amp for top-level recording. With its new portable design, it's ideal for your home and mobile setup. As for the software, Pro Tools is simply the industry standard. The LE version offered here features everything you need to record, create, and finish a track; all within, the time-tested Pro Tools environment. If you need more options, Pro Tools has the most third party plug-ins and software enhancements available of all the production programs. And when you want to take your productions to the next level, your tracks will be compatible with any Pro Tools enable studio. -the mgmnt
The Mbox 2 is our bestselling interface and production software bundle. With this new Pro edition, the Mbox 2 becomes even more powerful, bridging the gap between the Mbox series and the more expensive 002 series.
In addition to the smaller, more...
expand review portable design, the Mbox 2 Pro features these improvements over the Mbox 2:
- Firewire connection (vs. USB)
- higher resolution, 24-bit / 96kHz (vs. 48 kHz)
- more simultaneous I/O channels: 6 inputs and 8 outputs (vs. 4/2)
- more analog inputs: in addition to 2 XLR and 2 TRS inputs, the Pro features (2) 1/4" and 2 RCA inputs.
- more analog outputs, there are 6 1/4" outputs (vs. 2)
- addition of World Clock compatibility
- dual headphone outputs (vs. single)
-the mgmnt
The Mbox 2 is our bestselling interface and production software bundle. With this new Pro edition, the Mbox 2 becomes even more powerful, bridging the gap between the Mbox series and the more expensive 002 series.
In addition to the smaller, more...
expand review portable design, the Mbox 2 Pro features these improvements over the Mbox 2:
- Firewire connection (vs. USB)
- higher resolution, 24-bit / 96kHz (vs. 48 kHz)
- more simultaneous I/O channels: 6 inputs and 8 outputs (vs. 4/2)
- more analog inputs: in addition to 2 XLR and 2 TRS inputs, the Pro features (2) 1/4" and 2 RCA inputs.
- more analog outputs, there are 6 1/4" outputs (vs. 2)
- addition of World Clock compatibility
- dual headphone outputs (vs. single)
This Factory version of the Mbox 2 Pro also includes Producer's Factory Bundle, a collection of Pro Tools most popular plug-ins:
Moogerfooger Analog Delay: The warmest delay in the digital domain. The hardware version goes for over $300.
Digidesign Maxim: World-class peak limiting and sound level maximizing. If you mix in Pro Tools and want your final audio tracks to have that professionally mastered sheen, add Maxim to your list of "must have" plug-ins. Maxim also offers built-in dithering, on-line help, and a full-color Histogram, making it an indispensable plug-in for mixing and mastering in any Pro Tools environment.
Joemeek Meequalizer VC-5: Recreates a treble and bass circuit with a sweepable mid, featuring simple controls and warm results. This gives your sound character and warmth.
Joemeek SC-2 Compressor: An effects compressor. It changes the clarity, balance, and even rhythmic feel of music.
Cosmonaut Voice: Achieve telephone voice, CB radio, even interplanetary effects. Cosmonaut Voice effects include distortion, noise, squelch, and even an authentic tone culled from recently declassified Russian space footage. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Pro Tools M-Powered is a huge break-through for Pro Tools users and potential Pro Tools users. Previously, this industry standard software worked only with Digidesign interfaces, limiting users to the Mbox or expensive Digi systems. This M-Powered version now works with a...
expand review wide array M-Audio interfaces, which offer inexpensive Firewire solutions and expanded options.
USES
- create tracks
- record audio and MIDI
- edit audio and MIDI
- mixing audio
FEATURES
Features-wise, Pro Tools M-Powered is virtually the same as Pro Tools LE incorporating all features that make Pro Tools the industry leader for all in one recording, editing, and mixing.
Aside from the great usability, the main strength of Pro Tools M-Powered is its flexibility. It is ideally suited for home or studio use, capable of carrying a track from recording to mixdown. And when you want to step up your production game, tracks that you create on PTMP are compatible with professional Pro-Tools-equipped studios. In addition, because Pro Tools is the industry leader, you have the widest selection of plug-ins for any production software, offering limitless options for designing your sound.
Pro Tools M-Powered already comes packed with plug-ins and extras. Aside from the basics such as EQ, dynamics, delay, and reverb, PTMP comes with the famous DigiRack and Bomb Factory plug-ins, totaling over 30 advanced options.
OUR OPINION
Like the Mbox, Pro Tools M-Powered should be the first solution you consider when starting or upgrading a home studio. The Pro Tools platform is firmly in place as the industry standard, and the M-Powered solution gives you even more options to utilize it. Beginners and intermediate producers can start off with PTMP and an interface such as the M-Audio Firewire Audiophile, immediately establishing a Firewire-enabled studio. Others may want to checkout the Ozonic, which gives you a Firewire interface and controller in one package. Advanced users, check out M-Audio's high end Firewire 410 or 1814 for expanded inputs and outputs. Although the Mbox is still the number one choice for starting a home studio (mostly because of its trusted name), PTMP offers the same functionality and more interface options. -the mgmnt
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