I have Ableton Live but didn't invest in the software because I want it for a different use. I have a feeling that the $170 for the additional samples would be a good investment. Why? My past experience, until you get familiar with any software like this, its much better to use add-on products that are part of the company's package, tested and optimized to work. The $170 is most likely a very good investment and will sound great. They will also have the sound that other users are drawn to it in the first place. I'd buy it Bob, get the Suite!

Ableton Live is a loop monster totally unique. Its very very cool and proficient. The Akai controller for it would be another thing that I would look at.

Hope that helps!

Thanks a lot. That's a good point. This is going to be her first sound library so it's probably worth it to get the integrated package.

I have Ableton Live 8 Suite, and the instruments are amazing; Analog, Operator, Sampler those are the ones i use everytime i open Live, plus you get the Essential Instrument Collection, and Drum sessions. My advice is you should go for the big package. And get the 8 version, it is so much better and easier to use than the previews versions.

The sidechain features on Ableton 8 are great. And if you getting it for your daughter class, just make sure you get the educational discount, saves you a few bucks.

As audiokid said above... ABLETON LIVE IS A LOOP MONSTER. And if you get the Akai Apc 40... none can stop you :)

Good luck

4 years past, how is she liking Ableton now Bob, and have you become familiar with it?