Ableton Live 12.1 Beta introduces a range of exciting new features aimed at enhancing the user experience and expanding creative possibilities. From improved automation and modulation workflows to new devices and tools, this update promises to significantly enrich the music production process. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new in Ableton Live 12.1 Beta.
Automation and Modulation Keyboard Workflow
The new keyboard workflow in Live 12.1 Beta streamlines working with automation and modulation in the Arrangement timeline and the Clip Content Editor’s Envelopes view mode. Screen reader users now receive spoken feedback while manipulating automation, making the software more accessible. Key functions include:
• Creating and Selecting Breakpoints: Insert markers and select breakpoints easily with the Enter key.
• Editing Breakpoints: Modify values and timings using arrow keys and type new values directly.
• Navigating and Deleting Breakpoints: Move between breakpoints with Tab and Shift + Tab, and delete them with the Delete or Backspace keys.
Auto Shift
Auto Shift is a new real-time monophonic pitch tracking and correction device with formant shifting, ideal for vocal work but versatile enough for other monophonic signals. Key features include:
• Realtime Pitch Correction: Perfect for vocal harmonization and pitch correction.
• Modulation Sources: Includes a dedicated vibrato LFO and a multi-purpose LFO for extensive modulation options.
• MIDI Mode and MPE Modulation: Capable of MIDI sidechain harmonization and MPE modulation.
• Scales: Supports both built-in and user-defined scales.
Drum Sampler
The new Drum Sampler is tailored for playing back one-shot samples within Drum Racks. It offers:
• Essential Controls: Sample start and length, AHD amplitude envelope, Transpose and Detune controls.
• Playback Effects: Time stretching, looping, frequency and ring modulation, sub-oscillator, noise layering, punch, and degradation effects.
• Compact Filter Section: Includes low-pass, high-pass filters, and a single-band half-parametric EQ.
• Velocity Modulation: Modulate volume and other parameters with velocity.
• Default Drum Rack Pad: Easily set as the default for Drum Racks for streamlined workflow.
Drum Sampler is available in all Live editions.
Updated Limiter
The Limiter effect has been redesigned for better sound and usability. New features include:
• Improved Envelope: Smoother release times for more natural sound.
• New UI: Enhanced level and gain reduction metering.
• Mid/Side Routing: Limit monophonic and stereo portions separately.
• Operating Modes: Standard, Soft Clip, and True Peak modes, with a new Maximize toggle for dynamic range control.
Updated Saturator
Saturator has undergone significant changes, focusing on essential parameters and real-time visualization. New features include:
• Bass Enhancer Shaper Curve: Ideal for low-end signals with seamless morphing between soft and hard clipping.
• Additional Clipping Mode: Option for Hard Clipping in the second stage.
• Expanded View: Displays pre-shaper EQ curve alongside input and output spectra.
Filter and Select MIDI Notes
The new Find and Select Notes option in the MIDI Note Editor enhances note selection workflows. Features include:
• Various Filters: Search by pitch, time, velocity, chance, duration, condition, count, and scale.
• Repeated Time Selection: Make evenly spaced selections with ease.
• Multiple Pitch Selection: Select notes within multiple specific pitches by holding Shift and clicking keys in the piano ruler.
Chopping MIDI Notes
Chopping MIDI notes is now more intuitive and powerful with new tools and improved workflows:
• Chop MIDI Tool: Allows chopping notes into up to 64 parts, designing patterns, extending chunks, and adding random variations.
• Improved Mouse Workflow: Enhanced interaction for chopping notes using mouse and keyboard combinations.
MPE MIDI Tools
New MPE MIDI Tools offer advanced manipulation of MPE parameters for selected notes:
• Glissando: Connects pitch bend envelopes of successive notes, with adjustable shapes and starting points.
• LFO: Sets oscillating envelopes for Pitch Bend, Pressure, or Slide, with customizable shape, rate, and amplitude envelope.
Ableton Live 12.1 Beta offers many new features and improvements to enhance the creative process for everyone. These updates open up new possibilities for exploring and expanding musical ideas, whether you’re an experienced producer or just starting out. We look forward to seeing what new features future updates will bring.
