Ableton Live

Ableton Live, currently up to version 8, is an innovative music production software package that has become incredibly popular since it’s arrival in the market in 2001.

Available for both PC and Mac, Ableton Live is an audio and midi sequencer complete with effects and instruments, and add-on sample collections and instruments are also available.
A cut down version “Live LE” is also available at a reduced price for those who do not require all the features of the full product.

Although Ableton Live originally started out as primarily an audio loop based sequencer, it has developed over the years into a fully fledged music production software studio, rivalling and for many actually bettering the two biggest rivals: Cubase and Logic.
One of Ableton Live’s original key features was it’s excellent ability to “warp” audio, and while this is still a key component, there are so many outstanding features that it has become a major player in a short amount of time.
In addition to the software’s features, Ableton Live is incredibly intuitive to use giving the musicians who use it the tools to quickly turn their ideas into completed tracks.

If you are in the market for a professional but relatively easy to use music production software package, you owe it to yourself to take a look at Ableton Live.