Iftah Slippery Slope: This M4L Synth Brings the Sound of Acid Back to Ableton Live – For Free!
Add real acid character to your live sets and studio work
If you work with Ableton Live and want to delve into the world of acid basslines, Iftah’s tools are essential. Following the musical pattern generator Sting 2, the monophonic bass synthesizer Slippery Slope is the perfect companion. Clearly following in the tradition of the classic TB-303, it also boasts modern features that fit perfectly into your live set and creative workflow. The name of this new Max for Live device is Slippery Slope – and it should be taken literally. This little synthesizer glides effortlessly through acid, bass, and analog energy sounds.
Slippery Slope by Iftah: The Perfect Companion for Sting 2 in Max for Live
The concept is simple, which is precisely why it’s so effective. While Sting 2 functions exclusively as a MIDI generator, it previously lacked an internal sound source perfectly matched to its expressive power. Slippery Slope fills this gap. The two devices combine seamlessly, harmonizing not only logically, but also musically. The interface has been deliberately kept minimalistic. Classic parameters such as waveform, filter with cutoff and resonance, adjustable decay phase, accent, and volume are all displayed on a single page. If desired, a small animation can be activated for visualization, or it can be turned off to focus on the essentials.
Notably, Slippery Slope was designed to be accessible from the outset. All parameters can be controlled via a tab function. This allows blind or visually impaired users to operate the synthesizer entirely. For a tool that aims to be part of everyday creative life, this is more than just an added bonus – it’s a significant step toward accessibility that will hopefully set a precedent. Push users won’t be disappointed either; both the second and third generations of controllers, including the standalone version, are fully compatible. This opens up Slippery Slope to those who choose to work without a laptop but still want to create expressive acid lines.
Slippery Slope Brings Back the Spirit of the 303 Directly Into Max for Live
Sonically, the synthesizer falls within the range many associate with the classic 303 but offers more flexibility. The single oscillator produces a powerful and assertive sound, and the filter resonance delivers a sharp bite without veering into harsh highs. The direct response to parameter changes allows for playful work, where sequences can be shaped and developed in real time. Things get particularly exciting when Sting 2 takes control of the sequences. Then, the term “slippery” takes on a new meaning as the basslines constantly change and shift while remaining musically coherent.
Slippery Slope is currently available in several versions, ranging from free to a fully supported version with bonus features. All versions have the same feature set, which shows that the developer is more interested in fostering a vibrant community than in monetization. If you use Sting 2, you should definitely try this synthesizer.
For Ableton Live users who rely on Max for Live, whether in the studio or on stage, Slippery Slope is an effective, simple way to explore the world of acid basslines without getting lost in complex sound design processes. The interplay between the two tools ensures that creative ideas can be developed and implemented quickly. It’s an absolute must-download for all Live users!
Prices and Availability
Slippery Slope is now available on the developer’s website in various versions: Free, €20 (plus VAT), €12 (plus VAT) for supporters, or €40 (plus VAT) for generous donors. You will need at least Ableton Live 11 Suite or Live Standard plus the Max for Live add-on. The synthesizer is also compatible with Push 2, 3, and 3 Standalone.