A new Input Bus channel type allows a live audio input to be monitored with effects applied ?” essential for recording electric guitars direct into the computer.
Other improvements include the ability to drag objects to different tracks and to precede recording with a metronome count in. Colour coding to identify different sections would be welcome, though. It looks utilitarian to the point of ugliness but it uses limited space well and has the ability to hide or show particular settings or channel types. There’s finally a proper mixer, which pulls together the various mixing parameters into a conventional single-window interface. This latest release builds on the previous version’s focus on becoming a more rounded, conventional recording application. Version 1 was simplistic but incredibly friendly and quick, and it’s remarkable that subsequent releases have transformed it into a sophisticated, versatile production tool without compromising its immediacy. But Acid Pro has another string to its bow: unrivalled ease and speed of use.
In the last couple of years Ableton Live has eclipsed Acid Pro’s reputation for groundbreaking music-production techniques.