ABSTRACT

My favorite feature(s) of Live are the software instruments. I find myself using them all the time. When I’m mixing and I’ve been given a weak bass, I’ll pull up Analog to give it some extra heft.

Phil Tan, Mixer and Producer

15.1 Introduction to Live Devices Software instruments and effects are the backbone of the digital audio workstation. Whereas the project studio was once crowded with racks and racks of outboard gear, hardware samplers, synth keyboards, sound modules, reverb units, and drum machines, it’s more likely now that your whole production studio fits in your backpack or at the most takes up a small corner in your bedroom; just you, your computer, an audio interface, and your MIDI controller. By no means are we suggesting that you abandon all analog devices or reduce your project studio down to a shoulder bag, but current trends have led us to the point where there are some amazing software-based sample players, virtual synths, and every imaginable DSP-powered (digital signal processing) effect you can imagine. So, some of you may have never even handled outboard gear except at the used and discounted section of your local pro audio store. That being said, we don’t suggest running out and trading in all your hardware, not that anyone would take it, but you should consider giving up the latest release of your favorite video game and trading in some old titles to buy some RAM and a hard drive! While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up or upgrade to Suite 8.