(Berlin, DE) - After the launch of Ableton’s slimmed down version Live LE, we didn’t expect a new Ableton release anytime soon, but boy have we been wrong. During a press event last week, Ableton announced the release of a new installment of their software, and several new synth add-ons tailored to the popular program, which are to be released before the end of the year.

Given the importance of their rapidly growing userbase, the Berlin based software purveyor decided to listen carefully to their forum users. From version 7 onwards, Time signature changes can now be inserted in clips, video can be exported, multiple automated parameters can be modified at once, there is a nudge function for live musicians and DJs, and there is support for popular Rex sample formats.

The innards of the software have been thoroughly revamped, with (jargon alert), 64-bit mix summing, POW-r dithering, optimized sample-rate conversion and other advances. In other words, it sounds better, also given new plugins such as the new compressor (featuring three compression models), the addition of High Quality modes for various fx, and a 64 bit mode on the included 8 band eq.

There is a new spectrum analyzer (to get more grip on what you are doing), the midi engine has been reworked for additional tightness and hardware is better integrated in the work-chain. For the drum heads, there is a new "Drum Rack", remniscent of other ‘pad’ oriented packages, with fx per sample/sound, filling up an important gap in Ableton’s current offering. Moreover, there are several new instruments, that can be purchased for existing users, or as a “suite” at discounted rates. To quickly sum them up for you:

1. TENSION is a physical modeling string synthesizer,
2. ELECTRIC offers the much sought-after sounds of classic electric pianos,
3.ANALOG emulates the unique circuitry and irresistible tweakability of vintage analog synthesizers,
4. SESSION DRUMS is a meticulously multisampled library of acoustic drums,
5. DRUM MACHINES offers a choice selection of classic drum machines,
6.ORCHESTRAL STRINGS, BRASS, WOODWINDS, PERCUSSION-four collections of sampled orchestral instruments
7.ESSENTIAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTION 2-the second installment of a multi-gigabyte collection of sampled instruments

All in all an impressive package on paper, as the sound quality ( a point of discussion for some), the eq, the drum programming and the available number of expansions have all been improved. Fact is, we are awaiting our review copy for some real feedback on features such as the nudge option (essential for hybrid DJ’s) and the new synths need some testing. Watch this space for a review!