What Do You Recommend?

axefly · Post by **axefly** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:50 am

Have been lurking for a short time and appreciate the detail with which most of you discuss your issues with Ableton Live. We wonder if anyone might aid us with...

Each of the seven guys in our band is looking to buy the same software for all the players with the below functionality. We will use this software on new PC laptops that are being configured with fast P4s (or AMDs), FSBs, 1.5 - 2GB RAM., big HDs, and all the other pieces of dedicated music laptops.

We will use these boxes to write songs/arrangements in our home studios, which will be used for backing live performances.

The music we'll use on stage, IOW, will be prepared in advance and support the live perfs by the band. There will be one laptop dedicated to the onstage work. Thus, it's prime function will be to store song files (of the formats above), and cue lists, and be able to play on the sequencer the sounds/tracks mixed from our studio creations.

It is paramount that the software we eventually select be stable, bug-free, and rock solid, as well as intuitive to learn and simple to operate onstage.

So, some of the functionality includes:

1) List pre-sequenced song files in SMF, MP3, and WAV file formats and allow easily manipulation of cue lists and mates easily and reliably with the sequencer.

2) A softsynth that is compatible with easily available sample formats, and which accepts plug-ins in common formats. We do not need one with all the bells and whistles, but do need one that can produce and/or handle a modest range of best-quality instrument and electronica-type sounds. The FX portion of the software may not be required to be excessively elaborate as long as it handles what's done in the studio and sends a clean signal to the FOH/monitor boards.

3) A capable, but not over-glossy sequencer that has a history of being rock-solid and easy to manage; one that let's you call up any song from cue lists fast and simple, and can handle long cue lists.

Ableton 5 was on the pre-list, but after reading about the problems you all are having with 5.02, we've eliminated it as a reliable tool.

So, would anybody here care to recommend solutions for the above?

Thanks for any assistance that comes this way.

axe

DJ VAKIS · Post by **DJ VAKIS** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:47 pm

Try 5.2 version.
Live ROCKS

Machinate · Post by **Machinate** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:53 pm

Live 5.2 really is a different animal.

(BTW, have you already ordered the laptops?)

cs759 · Post by **cs759** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:13 pm

I would agree with the 5.02 verdict, but 5.2 is stable for me.