Hi,
I am a student in Dublin, Ireland and I'm currently undertaking some research for my thesis. Ableton Live is a core focus in my thesis and I would be very greatful if I could get some Ableton users to give me their thoughts on (some or all of) the following;
1.In general, do you tend to embrace new technologies or are you a “cautious converter”? (i.e. Do you believe that new technologies are not necessarily better technologies?)
2.How did you first hear about Ableton Live?
3.What attracted you to first start using Ableton Live?
4.How much more flexibility in production does the software give you versus other software tools?
5.In your opinion does the software sometimes lead you to producing pieces/sections of pieces that may not have come about otherwise, i.e. does Ableton facilitate or dictate during the creation process?
6.In your opinion can you recognise the Ableton sound in other people’s music?
7.What other equipment / software do you use in conjunction with Ableton Live?
8.Have you ever used the Ableton software in a Live performance / as a DJ tool? If so does the software allow for a greater expression of creativity during the performance? How?
9.In your opinion does using Ableton Live as a DJ tool to alter tracks on the fly demean the creativity of the original recording?
10.Do you use more traditional methods while performing live (e.g. turntables)? If so why?
11.Are there any features that are not currently in Ableton Live that you would like to see implemented in the future?
Any help is much appriciated!
Ronan.
Would anyone mind answering a few questions????
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sprattronan
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 4:56 pm
1) I tend to be a "late adopter" unless something is "just what I've been waiting for". (In other words, to me, a TV that is '15% brighter' wouldn't be worth switching to on the premise of better stats, alone.)
2) I first heard about it in early 2001, when 'Monolake' mentioned it on the "IDM-Making" Yahoo group. It was not released yet.
3) I was attracted to it because carrying around tons of samplers and stompboxes, and cables, etc..., was a lot of hassle, and even then not as well-integrated as Ableton.
4) It is extremely flexible...I'd say, as of 2006, the limitation on 80% of the software tools is imagination. Most of them seem very, very powerful nowadays.
5) I feel that it is a very transparent tool, though not perfectly so. I feel that long hours of practice with an instrument facilitates "creative transparency" moreso than some aspect of the design prevents it, however.
6) It's not the sound I recognize that often, unless something is extremely pitched or stretched, but I think a lot of people tend to overuse the ability to "mix anything with anything!" when they first discover it.
7) I use an Apple laptop, PD, running custom software, as a MIDI parser, 2 identical, small MIDI keyboards, and a firewire audio interface/scratch mixer. Typically the output is recorded to an analog tape machine.
8) I've been using the software live since v1, and the main advantage is that you can "change modes" on a dime. With hardware this would have required lots of patching and a lot more preplanning.
9) I think as long as the focus remains on the music, then this won't happen. I think the main problem is when people overuse the power "just because they can".
10) I'm primarily in improvising musician in the "free jazz" tradition, and over the years Ableton has slowly eclipsed the other instruments I play (mostly upright bass, electric bass, and tuba).
11) The main thing I would like to see is a continued focus on the "core", which is an easy to use "software instrument". I think that the ability to do "27 different kinds of self-modulation" should take a back seat to this, since the "live core" of the software is what originally set it apart.
$0.01,
rs
2) I first heard about it in early 2001, when 'Monolake' mentioned it on the "IDM-Making" Yahoo group. It was not released yet.
3) I was attracted to it because carrying around tons of samplers and stompboxes, and cables, etc..., was a lot of hassle, and even then not as well-integrated as Ableton.
4) It is extremely flexible...I'd say, as of 2006, the limitation on 80% of the software tools is imagination. Most of them seem very, very powerful nowadays.
5) I feel that it is a very transparent tool, though not perfectly so. I feel that long hours of practice with an instrument facilitates "creative transparency" moreso than some aspect of the design prevents it, however.
6) It's not the sound I recognize that often, unless something is extremely pitched or stretched, but I think a lot of people tend to overuse the ability to "mix anything with anything!" when they first discover it.
7) I use an Apple laptop, PD, running custom software, as a MIDI parser, 2 identical, small MIDI keyboards, and a firewire audio interface/scratch mixer. Typically the output is recorded to an analog tape machine.
8) I've been using the software live since v1, and the main advantage is that you can "change modes" on a dime. With hardware this would have required lots of patching and a lot more preplanning.
9) I think as long as the focus remains on the music, then this won't happen. I think the main problem is when people overuse the power "just because they can".
10) I'm primarily in improvising musician in the "free jazz" tradition, and over the years Ableton has slowly eclipsed the other instruments I play (mostly upright bass, electric bass, and tuba).
11) The main thing I would like to see is a continued focus on the "core", which is an easy to use "software instrument". I think that the ability to do "27 different kinds of self-modulation" should take a back seat to this, since the "live core" of the software is what originally set it apart.
$0.01,
rs
Re: Would anyone mind answering a few questions????
1. Cautious in hardware, less cautious in software.
2. Bought an M-Audio mobilpre, used the delta version, was hooked.
3. Intuitive interface and well designed, supports different models of music creation, also an aura of being an elite brand.
4. it is not midi-centric, it is music centric.
5. Yes. Facilitates always, dictates never.
6. Sometime, yes.
7. See signature, also Rejoice HID to MIDI.
8. Yes, play with it live. Not as a DJ tool (playing/mixing/mashing others' or my own full recorded track) but as a musical tool (improvisation with notes and rhythm). It never misses practice and doesn't argue or complain as much as a band.
9. not applicable, see ( 8 ).
10. I will combine electric guitar and vocals with Live as well.
11. Yes.
2. Bought an M-Audio mobilpre, used the delta version, was hooked.
3. Intuitive interface and well designed, supports different models of music creation, also an aura of being an elite brand.
4. it is not midi-centric, it is music centric.
5. Yes. Facilitates always, dictates never.
6. Sometime, yes.
7. See signature, also Rejoice HID to MIDI.
8. Yes, play with it live. Not as a DJ tool (playing/mixing/mashing others' or my own full recorded track) but as a musical tool (improvisation with notes and rhythm). It never misses practice and doesn't argue or complain as much as a band.
9. not applicable, see ( 8 ).
10. I will combine electric guitar and vocals with Live as well.
11. Yes.
UTENZIL a tool... of the muse.
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Former Pharaoh
- Posts: 467
- Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2004 3:42 pm
- Location: Inside Britney's vag
I admit i do embrace new technology when it comes to creativity. Other than that, technology is nothing more than natural capabilities found in nature itself being implemented through artificial means (machines). In this day and age, it's uses are for control and the advancement of that control through society.1.In general, do you tend to embrace new technologies or are you a “cautious converter”? (i.e. Do you believe that new technologies are not necessarily better technologies?)
I saw a small add from an imported magazine. I forget which one it was. Live at the time was unheard of and it cost me exactly $106 for version one. In fact, the sales rep that sold it to me didn't even know he had it or what it was. How funny is that?2.How did you first hear about Ableton Live?
The add stated something like audio being completely elastic and the app was geared for live usage. That was enough for me.3.What attracted you to first start using Ableton Live?
As far as flexibility, i like how i can create a song and have fun mangling it in different ways to create something completely new. Since Live is intuitive (at least for me it is), it takes me no time to get a song going where i can save it and then have a blast tweaking and rearranging stuff.4.How much more flexibility in production does the software give you versus other software tools?
Absolutely. All the time.5.In your opinion does the software sometimes lead you to producing pieces/sections of pieces that may not have come about otherwise, i.e. does Ableton facilitate or dictate during the creation process?
Depends. The pitch shifting effect is obvious when i hear it. Other than that, not really.6.In your opinion can you recognise the Ableton sound in other people’s music?
I use all software controlled via a basic MIDI controller and my PC keyboard. The software i use along with Live is EnergyXT, occasionally Bidule, Liveslice and a bunch of freebies.7.What other equipment / software do you use in conjunction with Ableton Live?
Nope. I prefer to use Bidule or Ext. I can't stand standard DJing with Live and for what i like to do live, Live doesn't cut it.8.Have you ever used the Ableton software in a Live performance / as a DJ tool? If so does the software allow for a greater expression of creativity during the performance? How?
Does remixing demean the creativity of the original recording? It's just another variation. It's boring just playing the songs as is. If that's demeaning so be it but i say it isn't.9.In your opinion does using Ableton Live as a DJ tool to alter tracks on the fly demean the creativity of the original recording?
No.10.Do you use more traditional methods while performing live (e.g. turntables)? If so why?
Yes. DUH!!!!11.Are there any features that are not currently in Ableton Live that you would like to see implemented in the future?
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westmonster
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 2:55 am
- Location: london UK
1.In general, do you tend to embrace new technologies or are you a “cautious converter”? (i.e. Do you believe that new technologies are not necessarily better technologies?)
cautious but do so eventually
2.How did you first hear about Ableton Live?
computer music mag
3.What attracted you to first start using Ableton Live?
easy to use and popular with artists
4.How much more flexibility in production does the software give you versus other software tools?
easy of use, quick to use too
5.In your opinion does the software sometimes lead you to producing pieces/sections of pieces that may not have come about otherwise, i.e. does Ableton facilitate or dictate during the creation process?
yes, because it allows me to do things very quickly
6.In your opinion can you recognise the Ableton sound in other people’s music?
no, not this specific software, but loop-based generally i can
7.What other equipment / software do you use in conjunction with Ableton Live?
native instruments vst plugin pro-53, tascam us122
8.Have you ever used the Ableton software in a Live performance / as a DJ tool? If so does the software allow for a greater expression of creativity during the performance? How?
i have and it does as you don't need to worry about beat-matching so you can think about other things. And you can add lots of loops over tracks, plus add effects
9.In your opinion does using Ableton Live as a DJ tool to alter tracks on the fly demean the creativity of the original recording?
it can do, as in you are making the statement that the original was not perfect
10.Do you use more traditional methods while performing live (e.g. turntables)? If so why?
turntables
11.Are there any features that are not currently in Ableton Live that you would like to see implemented in the future?
operator included for free, more synths, quicker and easier midi editing tool
hope this is of help
cautious but do so eventually
2.How did you first hear about Ableton Live?
computer music mag
3.What attracted you to first start using Ableton Live?
easy to use and popular with artists
4.How much more flexibility in production does the software give you versus other software tools?
easy of use, quick to use too
5.In your opinion does the software sometimes lead you to producing pieces/sections of pieces that may not have come about otherwise, i.e. does Ableton facilitate or dictate during the creation process?
yes, because it allows me to do things very quickly
6.In your opinion can you recognise the Ableton sound in other people’s music?
no, not this specific software, but loop-based generally i can
7.What other equipment / software do you use in conjunction with Ableton Live?
native instruments vst plugin pro-53, tascam us122
8.Have you ever used the Ableton software in a Live performance / as a DJ tool? If so does the software allow for a greater expression of creativity during the performance? How?
i have and it does as you don't need to worry about beat-matching so you can think about other things. And you can add lots of loops over tracks, plus add effects
9.In your opinion does using Ableton Live as a DJ tool to alter tracks on the fly demean the creativity of the original recording?
it can do, as in you are making the statement that the original was not perfect
10.Do you use more traditional methods while performing live (e.g. turntables)? If so why?
turntables
11.Are there any features that are not currently in Ableton Live that you would like to see implemented in the future?
operator included for free, more synths, quicker and easier midi editing tool
hope this is of help1. I think I am more likely a cautious converter.
2. In a music store doing research for software we could use to create music for interactive media applications.
3. usability
4. “improvisation” features make the creative process smooth and somehow support my chaotic (or non-linear) workflow
5. Live enabled me to see the computer as an instrument instead of a sequencer or meta-instruments. Live’s combination of both functions leads to different results.
6. I realize some effects or sound manipulations typical ableton, but you can get the same sound as with other sequencers if you target at it.
7. I use a sound converter, keyboards, guitars, voice and reason.
8. Live performance? Yes -as a DJ tool? NO. I can’t decide if it allows for a greater expression of creativity during the performance, Seems like a suggestive question for me. Using a computer on stage is sure different to performing Jazz guitar, which I traditionally do on stage.
9. NA (I am not a DJ, how would I know?)
10. traditional methods like playing guitar and playing with other musicians
11. a movie track for scoring
2. In a music store doing research for software we could use to create music for interactive media applications.
3. usability
4. “improvisation” features make the creative process smooth and somehow support my chaotic (or non-linear) workflow
5. Live enabled me to see the computer as an instrument instead of a sequencer or meta-instruments. Live’s combination of both functions leads to different results.
6. I realize some effects or sound manipulations typical ableton, but you can get the same sound as with other sequencers if you target at it.
7. I use a sound converter, keyboards, guitars, voice and reason.
8. Live performance? Yes -as a DJ tool? NO. I can’t decide if it allows for a greater expression of creativity during the performance, Seems like a suggestive question for me. Using a computer on stage is sure different to performing Jazz guitar, which I traditionally do on stage.
9. NA (I am not a DJ, how would I know?)
10. traditional methods like playing guitar and playing with other musicians
11. a movie track for scoring
...just trying to figure out how to make my computer sing....