Ableton Forum

From the Ableton manual:

The algorithms used in the Complex and Complex Pro Warp modes use an entirely different technology from the algorithms behind Beats, Tones, Texture and Re-Pitch modes. Although the Complex modes may sound better, particularly when used with mixed sound les containing many different kinds of audio material, they are never neutral not even at the original tempo. Because of this, and because of the increased CPU demands of these algorithms, we recommend using them only in cases where the other Warp modes don't produce sufcient results.

"Neutral" is defined thus: Procedures in Live that will cause absolutely no change in audio quality are referred to as neutral operations.

How is it that clips played at the original tempo are changed in complex mode? Why does warp need to do anything even in complex mode when a clip is at the original tempo?

It changes the audio when activated ... why is probably a pretty "complex" answer...lol

It needs to be 'malleable' and play by the rules of the controls given to you. For that kind of algorithm, the control settings can produce some pretty polar results, er.. they are never 100%. They are however very sufficient results for their application. If it is in a 'mode', then it needs to follow the rules of that 'mode' in this case, it just happens that this mode has a lot going on and plays audio differently.

Kind of like how an mp3 is not neutral in contrast to a wav.

.....yes....even the complex mode can't leave your audio completely untouched....it gets a bit muddy, some crispyness is gone and the transients become lush....

Time for a stretch mode that kicks out the realtime pitch shifters...they make the mud....no need to change pitch on complete tracks....

Well, at least, it's all in realtime....

this makes me wonder why Complex and Complex Pro are not "bypassed" when Master Tempo = clip's Seg. BPM (hence, they would be neutral)