Serato and Ableton announce partnership

Serato and Ableton announce partnership

17 October, 2008 | 9.12AM

• Written by: Christen Reutens
• Filed under: Music News: ableton live, serato

Ableton and Serato, two of the great names in digital DJing software, are joining forces to create what they hope will be the ultimate solution for live computer performance.

By combining Ableton’s unrivaled on-the-fly audio editing power with Serato’s clever digital vinyl system, the two companies are hoping to offer computer musicians with a versatile and exciting platform that will outperform the new Traktor Scratch Pro software from Native Instruments.

Ableton Live sets have always been boring to watch - how many jokes have been dropped about how it looks like the DJ is checking their email? - and Serato has slowly been losing ground to Traktor in the last few months after it was endorsed by techno king Richie Hawtin and hip hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash.

This partnership could however, lead to a product that will allow DJs to play Ableton’s infinite loop possibilities using Serato. Now that sounds bad ass. 

“Ableton and Serato take different approaches to modern musical performance,” said Ableton’s CEO Gerhard Behles, “But both companies live by the philosophy that software should be straightforward, easy to use, and most importantly, reliable and stable onstage and in the studio.

“Ableton has never had an answer for the DJ who wants vinyl control, and rather than try to emulate what Serato do so well, we simply make sure that our products work well together.”

Serato’s Audio Research CEO Steve West agreed, “After years of talking together, we’re thrilled to be working with Ableton. It’s exciting to think about what we can offer to DJs and producers: the ability to go beyond just spinning records and add a personal stamp to the music they play.”

There’s still no word yet as to what exactly might come of this partnership.They might develop something that allows you to control Ableton clips using vinyl.

Or maybe they’ll work on a stable synchronization solution that allows you to DJ using Serato but also layer Ableton loops over the top of mixes on beat right in Serato.

That means no need for two laptops or MIDI clocking, Mr. Hawtin.

While Serato is great for emulating the feel of playing vinyl, Ableton Live is the most useful tool for live remixing.

For Ableton converts like DJ Sasha, this might just be their dream set up.

Of course, the timing couldn’t have been better planned by Ableton and Serato as this announcement is likely to steal the thunder from Native Instruments, who unveiled their brand spanking new Traktor Scratch Pro just yesterday.

Possible names for the product

Here’s our predictions, add your own in the comments below.

Ableton Scratch (my pick)
Serato Live
Seraton
Ableto

www.serato.com
www.ableton.com

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