Serato & Ableton Finally Cross The Bridge
They actually did it. Serato and Ableton have released The Bridge, a software solution that “bridges” the gap between digital DJing and production. Although The Bridge is not exactly what many DJs were clamoring for, the announcement is good news for Ableton who weathered quite a storm when they released Live 8 and Max For Live.
“The Bridge encourages DJs to become producers and producers to become DJs. We can’t yet see the limits of where these combined tools will take our users, but it will be exciting to watch,” says Ableton CEO Gerhard Behles. We don’t think The Bridge will actually make DJs want to be producers, but it will allow them to add some of their own flavor to tracks in their crate.
‘Ableton Transport Control’ allows tight synchronization between Ableton Live and Serato Scratch Live. DJs can control multitrack productions using a turntable or CDJ; pitching, nudging and looping just as with a regular record or CD. It’s like having Ableton Live on one of your decks.
For those of you that have been living under a rock, the Ableton View in Scratch Live opens a window into Live’s Session View, where you can launch clips and scenes, control instruments and devices, mix, mute and solo from Scratch Live. Beatgrid implementation ensures that Ableton Live stays locked to the timing of your DJ set.
You also have the ability to record Serato DJ performances as Ableton Live Sets, complete with song placement and fader movements. Then use Ableton Live’s collection of effects, instruments and production tools to edit, enhance and polish the mix.
The Bridge is free for anyone who owns a registered version of Ableton Live 8.2 and Serato Scratch Live hardware. More information on The Bridge.
