New for Ableton Live 8 Software

New Groove Engine
Apply groove patterns to any audio or MIDI clips in real time
Change the feel of the whole piece or just selected clips
Choose from an extensive library of groove patterns, captured from songs played by some of music's most original, expressive, and soulful drummers
Extract groove patterns from any audio or MIDI source to build your own groove library from your favorite tracks
Quantize audio and MIDI in real time: non-destructive velocity and timing adjustments for rhythmic correction
Randomize audio and MIDI timing for a more human feel

New Warping Engine
Intuitive warping allows you to adjust events on the timeline instead of stretching and squeezing the timeline around the events
Transient handles analyze and assign handles to the transients in audio files automatically
Slice by transient: slice audio to MIDI-based on Live 8's new transient analysis
Enhanced Beats Warp Mode for improved warping of percussive material and new control options
Improved Complex Warp Mode using ‚lastique Pro for warping complex, polyphonic material with fewer artifacts

Looper
Set up for remote operation so you can record, overdub, undo, and more using a single footswitch (not included) and without touching the computer
Endless overdubs, tape-loop style for infinite improv jams
First loop sync: Live reads the tempo from the length of the first loop you record and automatically syncs up to eliminate timing issues and let you record without the click
Simple loop management: drag-and-drop a loop from Looper into a clip slot to make a clip; drag a clip back again to reload it into Looper
Multiple Looper sync lets you run as many Loopers as you want without any synchronization headaches

5 New Effects
Vocoder is classic vocoding plus advanced, intricate control for flexibility and rich sound design
Multiband Dynamics: effective processing plus a refreshing approach to visualizing the dynamics involved lets you really see and hear what's going on
Overdrive: models the circuits found in legendary stompboxes and forms a perfect complement to Saturator and Dynamic Tube
Limiter: an effective brick-wall limiter that will keep your peaks in check
Frequency Shifter: frequency shifting and ring modulation for flange effects, atonal harmonics, and the sound of 50s science fiction

Workflow enhancements
Crossfades in Arrangement View for real-time, non-destructive crossfades, neatly integrated into Live's familiar workflow.
The enhanced MIDI editor now features step recording, an insert marker, and editing improvements.
Group tracks let you group selected tracks (e.g. a group for drum tracks or a group for all backing vocals), and each group works like a separate mix buss with its own effects and routing settings
Collapse grouped tracks to preserve screen real estate.
Multi-parameter manipulation
Magnify the user interface for optimal visibility on dark stages or hi-res screens and zoom out for the big picture
Browser waveform display: Audio and MIDI browser preview now with waveform display and scrubbing for more informed browsing and file selection
Improved configuration and control for plug-ins with numerous parameters.

Other features
Multitrack recording up to 32-bit/192kHz
Complete nondestructive editing with unlimited undo
Powerful and creative MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments
Real-time time-stretching and warping of AIFF, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC and MP3 files for improvisation and instant remixing
A comprehensive selection of built-in audio effects, including a host of creative delays, filters, distortions, studio compressors, and EQs
Built-in software instruments: Simpler for creative sample-based synthesis, Impulse for sampled drums
Instrument-, Drum-, Effect Racks for creating and managing complex performance setups, drum kits, and multi-effects
VST and AU effects and instruments support; automatic plug-in delay compensation
REX file support and native sliced audio file creation
Video import and export for scoring to picture or warping picture to music
Realtime control of parameters with any MIDI controller—just MIDI-map it or choose from a list of popular supported controllers for instant mapping
Full ReWire support, runs as Slave or Master
Single-screen user interface for simple, creativity-focused operation
Multicore and multiprocessor support
Extensive built-in step-by-step tutorials
Localized software menus, tutorials, and PDF reference manuals available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese
Printed reference manual in English, Spanish, French, German, or Japanese.