Ableton Live 13 is heading into public beta with a new Step Sequencer, ARA 2 support, and major Push 3 upgrades. The full release is still on the way, but users can try the new tools ahead of launch.
Audio editing gets a big change with ARA 2. Users can work with pitch, timing, and other audio fixes right in Live, rather than switching between apps. Suite also gets Melodyne Essential, which gives producers another way to tune vocals and fix timing.
Beat makers get a fresh Step Sequencer with a lot of room to play. Each row can have its own length and playback rules, while single steps can change in volume, pitch bend, repeat, and chance. That opens up odd rhythms and shifting MIDI parts without much setup.
Capture Automation is another neat addition. A producer can move knobs or press controls while testing a sound, then save those moves as editable automation. Contextual Browsing also cuts down on menu trips, as devices and presets can be picked right from an effects chain.
Sound design gets a new Drum Synth for classic hits, modeled percussion, and stranger tones. Suite users also get Looplet, a Max for Live tool with four playheads that can grab audio and turn one sample into loose loops, drones, and chopped-up textures.
Racks get more control as well. Users can set up to 32 Macros, change how each one acts, and link them to buttons or parameters. Round Robin can send notes through different chains. Envelope Clips bring more ways to change return effects across scenes, while Multiband and Mid-Side Racks let users treat parts of the sound separately.
For mixing, Live Suite adds Clipper and Transient Shaper to deal with peaks, punch, and sustain. Softube also brings five classic gear-style effects, with FET and optical compression, British console processing, and analog drive. New presets and templates cover vocals, guitars, and final mix work.
The mixer itself gets Device Slots, which let users view and move effects right from each track. Small send sliders, easier panel controls, and smoother resizing aim to make the daily workflow less of a chore.
Push 3 has its own set of upgrades. Custom Layouts let players place note pads, faders, clip controls, and XYZ controls where they want them. Each Live Set can have a layout built for its needs, and the feature works in both Connected and Standalone modes.
Performance Mixer gives the pads touch-based level controls, with clip and scene access close by. The Step Sequencer also moves onto Push, with hands-on edits for patterns and note behavior. Better Device Mode access makes it easier to move through nested Racks and drum routing.
Ableton is also cutting Live 12 prices by 20% across all editions during the offer. Buyers who get a license before Live 13 ships qualify for the matching upgrade at no added cost.
Audio editing gets a big change with ARA 2. Users can work with pitch, timing, and other audio fixes right in Live, rather than switching between apps. Suite also gets Melodyne Essential, which gives producers another way to tune vocals and fix timing.
Beat makers get a fresh Step Sequencer with a lot of room to play. Each row can have its own length and playback rules, while single steps can change in volume, pitch bend, repeat, and chance. That opens up odd rhythms and shifting MIDI parts without much setup.
Capture Automation is another neat addition. A producer can move knobs or press controls while testing a sound, then save those moves as editable automation. Contextual Browsing also cuts down on menu trips, as devices and presets can be picked right from an effects chain.
Sound design gets a new Drum Synth for classic hits, modeled percussion, and stranger tones. Suite users also get Looplet, a Max for Live tool with four playheads that can grab audio and turn one sample into loose loops, drones, and chopped-up textures.
Racks get more control as well. Users can set up to 32 Macros, change how each one acts, and link them to buttons or parameters. Round Robin can send notes through different chains. Envelope Clips bring more ways to change return effects across scenes, while Multiband and Mid-Side Racks let users treat parts of the sound separately.
For mixing, Live Suite adds Clipper and Transient Shaper to deal with peaks, punch, and sustain. Softube also brings five classic gear-style effects, with FET and optical compression, British console processing, and analog drive. New presets and templates cover vocals, guitars, and final mix work.
The mixer itself gets Device Slots, which let users view and move effects right from each track. Small send sliders, easier panel controls, and smoother resizing aim to make the daily workflow less of a chore.
Push 3 has its own set of upgrades. Custom Layouts let players place note pads, faders, clip controls, and XYZ controls where they want them. Each Live Set can have a layout built for its needs, and the feature works in both Connected and Standalone modes.
Performance Mixer gives the pads touch-based level controls, with clip and scene access close by. The Step Sequencer also moves onto Push, with hands-on edits for patterns and note behavior. Better Device Mode access makes it easier to move through nested Racks and drum routing.
Ableton is also cutting Live 12 prices by 20% across all editions during the offer. Buyers who get a license before Live 13 ships qualify for the matching upgrade at no added cost.
