Ableton Forum

Yes, I am asking this question.

I use Live primarily now for MIDI and audio, since I only had Logic 5 on OS 9. With Logic gone, I am using Logic on the g4 lappy solely.

But... I feel like something's missing. Like...

Maybe I'm not using it enough. I mean, I feel limitations when I use it. Like I'm not using it enough.

Should I record more hardware? DO more with envelopes?

I ask you... IS LIVE ENOUGH???

P.S. Live 5 gives me a giant manly chubby.

if you have to ask the question 'should i do more with envelopes?'
then the answer is probably YES!
envelopes and follow actions. learn to love them and you'll never want another DAW.

Hey CRT,

I live about a mile from you in Mass

We're all aware there are some limitations with Live, but I believe that is where it's strengths are.

Since I can't do as much complex MIDI editing, I focus on getting my recordings right first time. Since it doesn't have as many plugins (yet!) as Logic, I focus on getting the sounds correct right from the source. Since there isn't a thousand different ways to quantize something, I rely on my own human groove.

And it works - I've just finished a track I started two weeks ago. The last time I was this productive was 10 years ago with nothing but Dr T's KCS, a couple of synths and a sampler.

I have begun to messs more with envelopes. And I love the follow actions.

And right after I posted this I began to look into the Live 5 tour. Dios Mio!!!

I wonder though if the quantize rates can be increased. I need more than 16th's!!!

AdamJay wrote:if you have to ask the question 'should i do more with envelopes?'
then the answer is probably YES!
envelopes and follow actions. learn to love them and you'll never want another DAW.

I personally am now of the thought that Live is not enogh.
I am planning to soon use Logic, with Live running the MIDI (because I love the midi clips and stuff, it cant be beaten for live work) and logic running the synths and audio. I am looking into using surround sound, and music for film, as well as the superior audio engine of Logic (and its excellent native plugins)
But Live can be a great tool on its own, it depends what you want it for.
Steve

I often make chunks of songs up elsewhere before 'arranging' them in Live. Well not really arranging - more colliding!

A lot of people use Reaktor with Live (or MaxMSP) for the kind of modular weirdness noises. Which we will be able to freeze now of course

Also a lot of people use Reason with Live for the low CPU synths and drums, reason on its own is a bit under-featured (!).. but the combination of reason and Live is great.

There is also a tendancy to mix with Live as a rewire slave through Cubase or some other DAW, I do this myself from time to time. It is possible to get the same results through Live though I think .. it's just that sometimes I like to work this way. I'm weird.

Its not an anti-Ableton sin to make use of other apps plus points, I wouldnt want Live to be like cubase or reason .. but if you combine them - the minuses of all the apps cancel out.

reaktor midi-out->Live5 hosted synths + effect chains!!!

I've found that whenever inspiration runs low, or if I feel like im repeating myself I turn to step-sequencer-style editing. I even like the matrix sequencer in reason - and that thing is a disgrace to excellent vsts like ERA, imnsho..