Sep 16, 2015 As its name suggests, the BeatSeeker is an Max 4 Live device that detects the tempo from an external source (i.e. A mixer’s output) and then tells Ableton to follow that tempo. This means that any audio source can control the tempo of clips being launched in Ableton which makes the DJ less restricted by Ableton’s set tempo. Step 1 - Download the Live installer. Log in to your User Account, select the Live version and operating system from the drop down menu and click 'Download'. Step 2 - Install Live. Mac: Double-click on the downloaded DMG file and a mounted disk named 'Ableton Live 10' will appear on your desktop and open automatically.
Ableton has introduced BeatSeeker by Andrew Robertson, a new device that syncs Live's tempo with drums.
Bands who use Live in their setup often use a click track to make sure they're in time. The drummer follows the computer and their groove locks to the grid. BeatSeeker is a Max for Live device designed to reverse these roles. Now Live doesn't have to set the tempo; it can follow it.
BeatSeeker is designed to allow drummers to take control and helps bands maintain their natural groove when performing with Live. BeatSeeker works by detecting the BPM of any rhythmic audio signal and matching Live to its tempo. Then you can launch clips and BeatSeeker adapts Live's tempo to respond to the signal and keep on the beat. Drummers can switch between playing to a click or having Live react to shifts in tempo by using one simple control, which can MIDI-map to a footswitch or other controller.
BeatSeeker is for use with live drums, but can also be used by DJs to sync Live with turntables, or with any other rhythmic or percussive signal used in performance or production. The device has been developed by Andrew Robertson, based on research at the Centre for Digital Music, Queen Mary University of London.
Price: USD $29 / EUR 24.
2015 was another good year for Live users. Not only did the free release of 9.5 bring a revamped Simpler, new waveforms, new filters, and compatibility with Push 2, it also saw the release of yet more instruments and sound libraries in the Live Pack bundle format. Here's some of the year's highlights, in no particular order.
1. OSCiLLOT by Max for Cats
While Max for Live is ostensibly an object-oriented instrument building platform in itself, Max for Cats found a gap between the programming language of Max and the average synth-tweaker's knowledge and bridged it admirably with this impressive virtual modular rig. Competing with the likes of Reaktor and Plogue Bidule, OSCiLLOT provides users with a potent collection of oscillators, filters, modulators, and other synthesis modules that can be wired together intuitively via the unique GUI, at a very competitive price, without ever leaving the Ableton ecosystem. Consider the expanding nature of the user device database and OSCiLLOT clearly emerges as a supremely powerful synthesis engine.
Web: https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/oscillot/
Review: https://ask.audio/articles/review-oscillot-build-modular-synths-in-ableton-live-9
2. MAX 7 PITCH AND TIME MACHINES by Cycling '74
Max/MSP developer Cycling '74 unveiled a slew of new devices tailored for the latest iteration of their Max software, version 7. Featuring 18 devices that include dramatic pitch shifting, inventive sampler players, multi-part harmonizers, intricate vocoders, MIDI side-chain utilities and more, this free Live Pack exponentially expands the possibilities of Ableton Live.
3. BEATSEEKER by Andrew Robertson
Wanna synchronize your Live set with the shifting tempos of a real drummer, unchaining them from the tyranny of the metronome and setting your improvisations free? Look no further as Andrew Robertson's innovative Beatseeker does just that, synchronizing to any audio input source it's fed and controlling the master tempo from there: an brilliant solution to a classic problem.
4. TERRA by K-Devices
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Renowned Max for Live developers K-Devices delivered a flagship instrument late this year with TERRA, a multi-mode synthesizer with a unique interface. Constructed from a novel merger of Phase Distortion, Frequency Modulation, Ring Modulation, and Wave Shaping synthesis, combined with powerful effects and a flexible routing system, Terra provides rich, layered tones and a wealth of modulations. Thanks to Terra's handy randomization functions, unusually exquisite sound design starts with just a few clicks.
Web: https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/terra/
Review: https://ask.audio/articles/review-k-devices-terra-for-ableton-live
5. POLYPHYLLA by Mellisonic
Mellisonic's Polyphylla brought the esoteric technique of additive synthesis to the masses with a robust synthesis engine and attractively intuitive design. Three methods generate the source tones: a 120-partial stochastic additive oscillator can easily be drawn into shape with a graphical editing area and combined with an analog noise generator for additional texture; fixed waveforms can be morphed between for somewhat more standard synthetic sounds; alternatively, overtone frequencies and amplitudes can be specifically dialed in as needed. The easy modulation assignment and unique motion section ensure things never get stale, while lush effects and an elegant display give it an extra touch of class.
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Web: https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/polyphylla/
Review: https://ask.audio/articles/review-polyphylla-max-for-live-additive-synth
Honorable mentions:
- Polytek by Sonic Faction
- IRCAMAX 2 by IRCAM
- Patter by Adam Florin
- Analogik Waves by Flatpack
- Entangled Species by AAS
- Holder by K-Devices
- Magic Racks by Sample Magic