Ableton Max for Live designs custom add-ons
updated 03:40 pm EST, Mon November 23, 2009
Results integrate with Live interface
Ableton and Cycling '74 have launched Max for Live, a development tool for Ableton's Live 8 production suite. Users can build original audio components, which help to produce more distinct sounds during performances and recordings. Once finished, components are integrated back into the Live interface.
Max for Live includes several functions, such as a step sequencer that supports up to four concurrent sequences with up to 16 steps apiece. A loop shifter uses MIDI notes to trigger playback changes, and a buffer shuffler mixes up input audio according to custom patterns. Likewise incorporated is a collection of MIDI and audio effects and a button matrix step sequencer.
Fourty Pluggo-made components are bundled by default, and more committed developers have access to an API which exposes the internal workings of Live. The code can for instance be used to assign new mappings to hardware controllers. Max for Live costs $299 new, and $99 for Max 5 users.
