Patchworks has released a new version of Conductr, its Ableton Live control app for the iPad. Conductr 1.1 is now a free download, with additional features that can be unlocked via in-app purchases.
Here’s what the developers have to say about Conductr:
Conductr is not about having everything in Ableton Live on your iPad, but about offering a user experience that makes sense on an iPad.
We do not want to replicate hardware on a touchscreen; we want to get maximum advantage of multitouch technology to give musicians the kind of resources that they can’t get from a hardware controller. From an ergonomic interface that adapts to any momentary need —in other words: you only see what you need at any given time— to a gestural mode that allows the user to play without watching the iPad and a modular basis that will permit the app to grow through the addition of complementary modules.
Conductr 1.1 is now a free download, which will allow you to control 4 tracks and 11 scenes on any Ableton Live set. You can also create 2 user modules, each one can integrate up to 8 parameters from any device on any track of your set.
You can make in-app purchases for different premium modules and packs to get unlimited features and personalize Conductr based on your needs.
This update also includes a Sends Mode in the Mixer Module, a Mute Hiding button and the possibility to save your projects’ complete set-ups — features early adopters requested.
All early Conductr users will still have the full pack without any additional expense.
“We do not want to replicate hardware on a touchscreen,” Conductr CEO Julià Carboneras said. “We want to take maximum advantage of multitouch technology to give musicians the kind of resources that they can’t get from hardware devices. Our freemium update will give more artists the opportunity to try our app and buy additional modules to fit their individual needs.”
Conductr is a free download from the App Store. Additional features are available as in-app purchases.
If you’ve used Conductr, leave a comment and let us know what you think of it!
Paid $22 for this last September– has a very odd way of interacting with Ableton Live, and was a complete waste of money. Now free with in-app purchases? I know app development / marketing is tricky but…
Where do I apply for a refund?
” has a very odd way of interacting with Ableton Live”
Bad UI or something else? I was thinking about checking this out later in the week, so I’d be interested in more thoughts on the pros/cons of this. At least it’s free to try, now.
i paid too last year :S
what the market is doing with my money ?
oh noo
All the advanced features you paid for are still paid options. The free version just lets you try the application to see if you like.
Hi! I work at Conductr and would like to clarify that, as iMan said, what early users got for 22$ STILL cost 22$. The free version is a limited, trial version. Just like the Ableton Live lite used to be.
Peter Hannan, I’d like to know what do you mean with “odd way of interacting with Ableton”. May be I can help you.
On the other hand, you should have asked for a refund as soon as you noted that it was “a complete waste of money”. Unfortunately, the App Store does not make refunds beyond 90 days after the purchase.
Thanks for your comments!
OK– I apologize – that was a bit harsh “total waste of money” – mostly just annoyed that now its free. Not clear though at least in this article that all the in-app purchases bring you back up to the original purchase price.
I haven’t opened the app since I bought it, but from what I recall what I didn’t like was that you first have to set up a project that then mirrors your live setup. I thought this was a needless extra step and complication compared to a number of the other live controller apps that directly mirror your live setup.
I have bought most of the live controller apps – there isn’t one yet that completely covers all the bases, but there are a couple that work well for me at least.
Do not worry, I understand that if you do not get all the info you may get annoyed.
About the project’s set-up: you are right, you have to create a project in the app that mirors your Ableton project. That’s because that way you can save all your customized modules and playground set-up related to the Ableton poject for next time you want to use it, so you do not have to set it up again.
I think that controller apps are evolving quite fast and are here to stay. They even are getting more and more “targeted” depending on your needs. Conductr, for instance, is mostly oriented to live performance. Others are mostly focused on studio work.
Hope you’ll give it a try again!
Thanks for responding to reader comments and clarifying that there really isn’t a downside for early adopters – this is just making it easier for new users to try it out!
conductr is my favourite app of its kind. Its not as comprehensive as some, but it has the best GUI for live perormance hands down, and the best for a mac mini full stop.
I bought it at full pop and am not unhappy about the Freemium version of it. Actually, I heard a few days ago it was going free and was happy for the developers and users knowing it was going to get used.
They did price it out of the market for most and now they have found a way to get people into using it and hopefully people will buy the advanced features.
You know for those of us who use software instruments and controllers we are really spoiled by an embarrassment of riches and stoopid cheap software for the most part. Far too many people are belly aching about having to pay 20ish bucks for an amazing synth or controller (say Animoog, Nave or Lemur). Get over your 1st world narcissism.
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