Ableton has introduced BeatSeeker by Andrew Robertson, a new device that syncs Live's tempo with drums.
Bands who use Live in their setup often use a click track to make sure they're in time. The drummer follows the computer and their groove locks to the grid. BeatSeeker is a Max for Live device designed to reverse these roles. Now Live doesn't have to set the tempo; it can follow it.
BeatSeeker is designed to allow drummers to take control and helps bands maintain their natural groove when performing with Live. BeatSeeker works by detecting the BPM of any rhythmic audio signal and matching Live to its tempo. Then you can launch clips and BeatSeeker adapts Live's tempo to respond to the signal and keep on the beat. Drummers can switch between playing to a click or having Live react to shifts in tempo by using one simple control, which can MIDI-map to a footswitch or other controller.
BeatSeeker is for use with live drums, but can also be used by DJs to sync Live with turntables, or with any other rhythmic or percussive signal used in performance or production. The device has been developed by Andrew Robertson, based on research at the Centre for Digital Music, Queen Mary University of London.
Price: USD $29 / EUR 24.