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Upgrade from Live 1-11 Standard. Full-featured digital audio workstation designed for professional production and performance, offering unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, high-resolution multitrack recording, expressive MIDI sequencing with MPE support, advanced generative tools, powerful new devices like Meld and Roar, AI-assisted sound browsing via Sound Similarity, deep integration with Max for Live and Push controllers, and a 71+GB library of samples, instruments, and creative effects for complete sound design flexibility.
At a glance
- Unlimited tracks, 32-bit/192kHz recording, and full MIDI sequencing
- Meld, Roar, and Granulator III among 20 powerful instruments
- 58 audio and 14 MIDI effects, plus 14 MIDI Tools
- MIDI Transformations, comping, and real-time pitch correction
- AI-powered Sound Similarity and browser tagging system
- Max for Live integration, Note iOS app, and Ableton Link support
- 71+GB of samples, new Packs, and Push 2/3 performance features
Ableton Live 12 Suite is a high-performance digital audio workstation (DAW) for advanced music production and live performance, offering unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, 32-bit/192kHz multitrack recording, and deep sequencing capabilities for both software and hardware instruments.
New in Version 12.1
Live 12.1 introduces Auto Shift, a flexible pitch correction tool with MIDI sidechain harmonisation and modulation via MPE or LFOs. Drum Sampler combines creative one-shot sample editing with built-in effects including time-stretching, FM, and bit reduction. Sample management now features automatic tagging for clips under 60 seconds and plugin metadata tagging for VST3. The updated Limiter includes True Peak and Maximise modes with refined release curves and Mid/Side routing, while Saturator gains a Bass Shaper and simplified interface. MIDI editing sees improvements through toolbar filters and advanced MPE transformations such as Glissando and LFO modulation. Push 2 and 3 integration enables saving Default and Template Sets, applying Macro Variations, and using auto-tagging. MIDI Tools by Philip Meyer and Ableton's own Sequencer devices further expand generative composition options.
Core Functionality
Live 12 enhances composition through MIDI Transformations and Generators that simulate expressive gestures like strumming, accelerating sequences, and ornamentation. The updated MIDI editor enables complex note shaping, chord connection, and non-linear transformations. Probability-based note triggering, global tuning adjustment, and support for alternative scales allow deeper musical experimentation. Meld offers expressive synthesis with dual sound engines, Roar delivers multiband distortion and dynamic saturation, and Granulator III brings refined granular synthesis via Robert Henke.
AI-Enhanced Sound Design
Sound Similarity uses machine learning to locate and suggest comparable sounds and presets, making it easier to explore variations and develop sonic ideas. Samples and presets can be swapped instantly in Drum Rack or Sampler, while the redesigned browser allows tag-based searching, history tracking, and streamlined content organisation.
Workflow and Interface Enhancements
Live 12's interface features a decluttered aesthetic with flexible layout views. The Arrangement View now includes a built-in Mixer for unified control, and users can display multiple detail views simultaneously. Clip, Automation, and Device editing have been consolidated for faster navigation. Overall workflow is significantly faster, with redesigned tools tailored for a modern production environment.
Accessibility and Integration
Live 12 includes full screen reader support, enhanced keyboard navigation, and theme options for high-contrast visibility. It integrates with MPE-compatible controllers, provides MIDI-mapping for hands-on control, and connects with iOS via the Note app. Max for Live enables user-created instruments, generative tools, and visual integrations, while Ableton Link synchronises tempo with external apps and gear for seamless collaboration.
Sound Content and Expansion
The Suite includes over 71GB of samples, loops, and presets, with Packs such as Lost and Found, the Performance Pack, and Sound Oracle’s custom drum kits for hip-hop and trap production. It includes 20 instruments (such as Operator, Wavetable, Sampler, and Granulator III), 58 audio effects (including Hybrid Reverb and Spectral Time), 14 MIDI effects, and 14 MIDI Tools.
Performance-Ready Features
Live’s Session and Arrangement Views support both improvisation and structured composition. Tempo Following adapts to incoming audio in real time. Users can comp multiple takes, extract MIDI from audio, and modulate sound using 16 assignable Macros. Its real-time warping, MIDI mapping, and responsive audio engine make it suitable for live DJ sets, bands, or hybrid performance setups.
System Requirements and Download
Ableton Live 12 Suite supports macOS 11 (Big Sur or later) and Windows 10/11 (version 22H2+), requiring a minimum Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon CPU, 8GB RAM, and a display resolution of 1280x800 (Mac) or 1366x768 (Windows). The software is delivered as a digital download code sent via email.