Ableton Live 12 Standard is a professional-grade digital audio workstation (DAW) offering unlimited audio and MIDI tracks at 32-bit/192 kHz resolution, advanced multitrack recording, and deep MIDI sequencing capabilities.

New Instruments and Devices

Ableton Live 12 Standard introduces Meld, a twin-engine synth for complex modulation; Roar, a powerful saturation tool with multiband routing and feedback paths; and Granulator III, a granular synthesiser from Robert Henke with enhanced real-time control and visual feedback. These tools support everything from subtle harmonic shaping to extreme sound mangling, expanding sonic possibilities across synthesis and sampling domains.

Advanced MIDI Editing and Transformations

The updated MIDI editor allows users to stretch, split, strum, and shape velocity and pitch across notes. MIDI Transformations offer intuitive manipulation with deceleration curves, harmonic connection of notes, and guitar-style articulation. Users can experiment with Glissando and LFO-based transformations while creating rhythm and melody through built-in MIDI Tools and Generators.

Expanded Sound Design Tools and Packs

The Core Library includes over 38 GB of samples, loops, and instruments. New Packs such as Lost and Found, Performance Pack, and curated Sound Oracle drum collections provide diverse genre-ready content with an emphasis on texture and genre-specific authenticity. The Sound Similarity engine uses neural networks to recommend comparable samples and presets, enhancing workflow and discovery.

Flexible Workflow Enhancements

Live 12 Standard features a redesigned interface with unified Clip, Automation, and Device views, an integrated Arrangement View Mixer, and improved browser tagging with search history. Macro knob customisation and improved modulation behaviour offer deeper real-time control. Session View and Arrangement View workflows support seamless transitions from idea to execution.

Live Performance and Controller Integration

This edition supports full MIDI mapping, automatic configuration for hardware controllers, and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) for granular expression across compatible instruments. Tempo Following and Comping ensure timing flexibility and tight editing. Push 2 and 3 users can save Templates, access Macro Variations, and take advantage of integrated filtering and auto-tagging directly from the hardware.

Global Tuning and Scale Compatibility

Live 12 Standard enables key and scale locking for MIDI notes and supports global tuning for microtonal composition beyond the standard 12-tone equal temperament. These features integrate seamlessly with Live’s instruments and third-party MPE-capable plugins.

Accessibility and System Requirements

Screen reader support and updated keyboard navigation improve accessibility for visually impaired producers. Live 12 supports macOS 11 Big Sur or later and Windows 10/11 (version 22H2 or higher), requires an Intel or Apple Silicon processor, 8 GB RAM, and a minimum resolution of 1280×800 on Mac or 1366×768 on Windows. It is supplied as a digital download via email activation.