The boundless possibility and esoteric nature of Cycling '74 Max/MSP and the versatility and ease of use of Ableton Live find a happy compromise at Winter NAMM 2009 with the announcement of Max for Live, which integrates the Max/MSP environment into Ableton's wildly popular digital audio workstation. Max for Live lets you build devices that expand and personalize Live's capabilities with creation possibilities ranging from instruments to controllers to audio effects to MIDI processors. Basically, if the universe was Ableton Live, Max for Live would designate you as God.

When you develop a device with Max for Live, you gain access to the same features as made by Ableton engineers including UI controls, MIDI mapping, multiple undo, tempo-based effects, sample-accurate automation and file and preset management. Preview mode allows you to edit in Max as audio or MIDI processes as if in Live. Once you're done, you can share your Max-made devices across the interweb.

Max for Live includes devices like Step Sequencer, a MIDI effect with four 16-note sequences of selectable step sizes. The sequencer bears some nifty features like sequence shift buttons, random mode and real-time MIDI control. Another device called Loop Shifter is a new loop playback device that operates by using MIDI to alter the way loops are replayed. This device contains automated mapping and playback modes that'll have you in for a real treat. A final Max for Live extension for another new NAMM goodie, the Akai APC40, transforms buttons on the new hardware controller into a step-sequencer style editor for Live MIDI clips.

If you're not up to snuff with using Max/MSP devices yet, Max for Live not only includes the bricks and mortar for building new devices, it also includes a comprehensive set of interactive tutorials. 15 new Max objects twin the UI elements from Live devices, manage parameter state and give you more control than ever before over Abletone Live.