Ableton Operator
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| Developer(s) | Ableton |
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| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
| Type | Virtual FM synth |
| Website | www |
Operator is a software synthesizer developed by Ableton. Initially released in 2005, Operator runs within Ableton Live on Windows and Mac OS X.
Operator is included in the Suite version of Ableton Live. Lite and Standard edition users are able to purchase and use Operator within Ableton Live for a $99 USD price tag. Operator is usable only within Ableton Live, and is currently not available as a standalone program.
Operator is a hybrid synthesizer that combines frequency modulation (FM) with subtractive and additive synthesis. Operator utilizes oscillators with the ability to change waveforms and modulate each other’s frequencies, allowing for complex timbres. These features include:
After the release of Live 8, Ableton revamped Operator to include new features while keeping the UI the same. These features include:
With its inclusion in the Suite version of Ableton Live, Operator is aimed at both amateurs and professionals alike. Within Ableton Live, there are tutorials included to learn Operator’s functions and synthesis methods. Operator also includes various presets for users to edit to their liking, allowing for sounds to be created without a knowledge of synthesis. Users are able to pose questions on Ableton’s official forum in regards to Operator. Ableton’s official website also features their Live manual for references, including Operator’s section, as well as featured tutorials to synthesize sounds within Operator. Other resources also available for users to learn how to utilize Operator can be found through various tutorials created by amateur and professional users.
Since its inception, Ableton Operator has generally garnered positive reviews throughout its lifetime. These reviews tended to focus on Operator’s ability to quickly and easily create many timbres as well as its many editable features. According to Future Music, “With all these fabulous parameters to tweak, you would think you need to have multiple arms like Shiva, but that's where Ableton's Everything Must Be Automated, philosophy really shines. Almost all parameter moves can be recorded and this allows for detailed sonic manipulation. This powerful facet makes Operator really shine and show be taken advantage of whenever possible.” With all of its features Operator has found itself in many artists hands including the likes of Skrillex and Monolake.
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