Automap 3.2

Novation have updated there excellent automap software to version 3.2. Some of the new features include…

• Full support for Reason and Record
• Control range editing (restricting the range a controller will operate on)
• Normal, momentary, toggle and step button types added
• Support for iphone and ipod touch automap
• Plugin manager updated
• Scroll through settings with keyboard arrows
• Improved full reset for hardware
• Home page icon added to edit window
• QWERTY keyboard shortcuts (Pro version only)

Theres some important features included in the update, my favourite being the new button types (going to have some fun with the momentary type) and the control range editing could be very useful.

It was also anounced that logic pro’s update to 9.0.1 would inlcude full intergration between logic, automap and Novation hardware.

You can download the update for free from Novation site. 

Zander

Software Automap software, Logic, Novation, Reason, update

Midi controllers Akai MPD32, live performance, Midi controllers, production, review

Novation Nocturn 25

Well I stumbled upon the news today that Novation are releasing a new line of Nocturn controllers. The new line called Nocturn 25 and Nocturn 49 are basically a Nocturn with a keyboard and some pads attached. Nice.

Features

• Full size, velocity sensitive Fatar keyboard with after touch
• 8 touch sensitive knobs with 11 LED rotary value
• Novation Speed dial
• 8 velocity soft drum pads
• 14 backlight buttons
• Modulation wheel
• USB powered, can power down without being unplugged
• Bundled with Automap software 

Price

Nocturn 25 – £164 $271 184 euros

Nocturn 49 - £219 $362 245 euros

Midi controllers Automap software, Midi controllers, Nocturn 25, Nocturn 49, Novation Nocturn, USB

SCS software

Well today is an exciting day as I published the first guest post on live-laptops.com. The post is by Martin and is a tutorial on how to use SCS software to play pre recorded audio live with a band.

SCS was originally designed to be used for lighting and theater shows by Martin had a brain wave and used it to compile and automate pre recorded material he wanted to use live with his band.

Check out the tutorial

I just want to say thanks to Martin for taking the time to write and submit the article. Having users contributing articles and information was one of the goals when I started the website, so it makes me very happy and thankful to see it happening.

If you have any information, tips, techniques or advice and you would like to write an article for live-laptops.com please do get in touch and we’ll publish it.

Zander

Software, Tutorials guest post, live performance, SCS, Software, tutorial

Using a mouse for Ableton Live is really boring so I  thought I’d round up the top 5 controllers for Ableton Live.

1. Akai APC40

Akai APC40

 The daddy of all Ableton Live controllers, the APC40 has it all pads, knobs, faders, a crossfader, buttons and even lights up like a christmas tree. Can you tell I want one.

2. Akai MPK25

Akai MPk25

 Maybe not on everyones top Ableton Live controller lists but you have to think outside the box a little. All the elements are there, keys, knobs, pads and buttons it’s up to you how you use them.

3. Monome

Monome

 Incredebly hard to get your mits on and growing a cult following by the day. The monome is probably one of the more geekier controllers and requires a little bit of programing than your average out of the box job. That said it’s possibiltys are endless and although it’s not always associated with Ableton Live I think the two have a bright future together.

4. Akai MPD32

5. Nocturn

Conclusion

Well there you have it the top 5 controllers for Ableton Live. Post your own top 5 in the comments. One thing has become obvious though that there is only one controller made for Ableton Live and thats the APC40.

Midi controllers Ableton live, Akai APC40, Akai MPD32, Midi controllers, monome, MPk25, Novation Nocturn

Well I was browsing the net other day and stumbled upon a post on the Drowned in sound forum. The post is a questionaire about what people think about laptops in live music check it out.

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/music/4195237

You can complete the full survey here. Will be very interesting to see the results. I’m going the contact the guy who conducted it and see if he’ll let me post the results here.

Zander

Live live performance, poll, research