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Ableton Live

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$270.00 to $439.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (2704)

2 Critic Reviews

651 Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Ableton Live

49 community setups

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Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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Price

$439.00

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4.9 (32)

$272.00 $270.00 $2.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $355

Standard/Professional

$149

$400+

Price Tier

In the DAW Software category, Ableton Live is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creative potential with Ableton Live, the dynamic DAW software that seamlessly integrates into both studio and stage environments. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or improvising live, Ableton Live offers a flexible platform that adapts to your musical vision. Its unique dual-view setup—Session View for nonlinear groove creation and Arrangement View for linear sequencing—empowers musicians to experiment with loops and clips in real-time, fostering a spontaneous and interactive music-making experience.

Ableton Live doesn't just stop at being user-friendly; it packs a powerful punch with its extensive toolkit. Dive into an expansive library containing more than 38GB of content, including 13 software instruments and 55 effects. This DAW stands out with advanced features like multitrack recording up to 32-bit/192kHz, nondestructive editing with unlimited undo, and comprehensive MIDI sequencing. Plus, with the ability to convert audio into MIDI, your creative possibilities are nearly limitless.

Perfect for both seasoned producers and live performers, Ableton Live supports VST and AU plug-ins, allowing you to customize your workflow with your favorite tools. Its intuitive interface and robust capabilities make it an invaluable asset for any musician looking to elevate their craft.

Key Features:

Dual-view setup: Session View for groove-based creation and Arrangement View for linear sequencing
Over 38GB of content, including 13 software instruments and 55 effects
Multitrack recording up to 32-bit/192kHz
Nondestructive editing with unlimited undo
Comprehensive MIDI sequencing and audio-to-MIDI conversion
Supports VST and AU plug-ins
Real-time time stretching and advanced warping for audio flexibility
Unlimited tracks and scenes per project
Built-in step-by-step tutorials
Multicore and multiprocessor support

Product specs

Brand	Ableton
Model	Live 9 Standard (Download)
Categories	DAW Software

FAQs

What are the minimum system requirements for Ableton Live 9 Standard?: Ableton Live 9 Standard requires Windows 7 or later, or macOS 10.7 or later, with at least 4 GB of RAM and a multi-core processor. Ensure your system meets these requirements for optimal performance.
Is Ableton Live 9 Standard suitable for beginners?: Yes, Ableton Live 9 Standard is beginner-friendly with its intuitive interface and extensive tutorials. It provides a flexible, loop-based workflow that is ideal for experimenting with music production.
What makes Ableton Live 9 Standard different from other DAWs?: Ableton Live 9 Standard is known for its unique Session View, which allows for real-time performance and improvisation. It also offers powerful MIDI and audio editing capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both studio production and live performances.
Does Ableton Live 9 Standard include built-in instruments and effects?: Yes, Ableton Live 9 Standard comes with a wide range of built-in instruments and effects, including synths, samplers, and audio processors, allowing users to create and manipulate sounds without additional plugins.
Can Ableton Live 9 Standard be used for live performances?: Absolutely, Ableton Live 9 Standard is designed for live performances with its real-time audio manipulation and flexible clip launching features, making it a favorite among DJs and electronic musicians.

Videos

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Ethan Davis

The Best Ableton 11 Beginner Guide (in 17 Minutes)

Ethan Davis

Ableton Live 11: What’s new?

Ableton

Ableton Live 11 Masterclass - FULL GUIDE (Become a Pro)

Oversampled

ABLETON VS FL STUDIO - Let's Settle This!

NXISEWOLF

What is Ableton Live?

Ableton

Ableton Live 11: Intro vs. Standard vs. Suite - Which Should You Buy?

Push Patterns

Reviews

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PROS

Unmatched flexibility for live performances and improvisation with clip-based Session View
Intuitive workflow with drag-and-drop simplicity
Packed with creative tools like Wavetable and Operator synths
Seamless integration with controllers like Push for live shows
Advanced warping and real-time time-stretching for audio files
Rock-solid audio engine with precise automation
Extensive library of sounds and built-in effects
Max for Live enables endless customization
Great for electronic music production and sound design
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned producers

CONS

High price point, especially for the Suite version
Some users report performance issues and sluggishness on high-end systems
Learning curve can be steep for new users
Stock instruments and sounds may not appeal to everyone
Lacks some features on the mixing side compared to other DAWs
GUI may be perceived as less modern or visually appealing
Limited to 8 tracks in the Lite version, which can be restrictive

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ableton Live.

Value and pricing

1 0

Ableton offers a student discount of 50% off, which applies fully to the software's functionality but restricts license resale to other students.
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Ableton typically runs a sale leading up to Christmas, often offering at least 20% off, making it a good time to purchase.
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User experience

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Users with extensive MIDI gear like the KeyLab Essential can achieve effective live control without investing in dedicated controllers like Push, given proper setup and Remote Scripts.
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Some users report Ableton's fader handles are difficult to see due to their small size and color contrast.
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Comparisons

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Despite criticisms, Ableton is cited as unmatched in flexibility for live performance setups compared to other DAWs, often requiring users to craft personalized workflows.
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Ableton's summing is sometimes perceived as flat compared to Pro Tools, though opinions differ on whether there's a real difference.
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Use cases and applications

1 0

Ableton outputs a master MIDI clock, facilitating synchronization with external hardware like the RC505, simplifying complex live setups.
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1 0

Ableton Live's session view is designed for live performances, providing flexibility with scene launching and follow actions, crucial for seamless live set transitions.
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1 0

Many MIDI controllers come bundled with Ableton Live Lite, which can be a cost-effective way to start using the software without purchasing a full version.
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Ableton Live Intro, priced at $99, is recommended for beginners and has been effectively used by young learners, such as a 12-year-old.
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Artists like Illangelo and King Gizzard have successfully mixed entire albums in Ableton, highlighting its capability in professional settings.
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Software and compatibility

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Ableton Live Lite includes 8 tracks and is limited in instruments and effects, but it’s adequate for initial learning and experimentation.
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Ableton's lack of track visibility options makes handling large projects more challenging compared to Pro Tools.
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Some users find that Ableton's project indexing can slow down opening times; adjusting the "Places" settings might improve performance on systems with extensive file trees.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users experience latency/phase issues when routing to other tracks, impacting mix quality.
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Features and functionality

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Ableton Live 11.3 includes a subtractive digital synth called Drift, offering basic synth needs like LFO, filters, and voice options across all versions.
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Ableton lacks ARA 2 support, which some users find limiting compared to other DAWs.
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Ableton's looper device can be controlled via MIDI footswitches, allowing for hands-free operation, essential for live looping musicians needing quantization and MIDI synchronization.
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Running Ableton in fullscreen session view minimizes distractions, showing only playing clips and effects chains, which is optimal for live performances.
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The DAW is limited to 10 aux/return tracks, though creative routing can overcome this.
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Ableton's quirky UI can hinder workflow efficiency for those not accustomed to its design.
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Critic Reviews

Ableton Live Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

Ableton Live excels as a robust solution for electronic music composition and live performance, boasting an intuitive clip-based workflow that inspires creativity. Its latest packs, like Mood Reel and Drone Lab, enhance its sound library, while features like fast navigation and powerful automation impress. However, it falls short with no pitch correction, a lack of notation view, and remains less versatile than other DAWs at its price point. Musicians transitioning from traditional DAWs may find its unconventional layout challenging. Overall, it’s a must-try for live performers but may not be the best fit for everyone.

positive

Full Review

Ableton Live Review - MusicLibraryReport

musiclibraryreport.com

Ableton Live stands out as a versatile DAW that combines a comprehensive suite of tools with an intuitive workflow. With features like "Capture MIDI" and advanced audio warping, it empowers creativity and simplifies music production. The recent Live 11 upgrade introduces exciting MPE support and MIDI randomization, further enhancing its capabilities. However, it does have limitations, such as the inability to edit multiple MIDI clips simultaneously, which could frustrate some users compared to competitors like Cubase. While the extensive support resources are a boon for beginners, the learning curve may still deter the less tech-savvy. Overall, Ableton Live is a powerful choice for musicians who value both flexibility and innovation in their production process.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 651 Reviews and 2704 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

knfld

over 5 years ago

The greatest update we have seen yet in Live

Ableton Live 11 bring everything it needs to be recognized as a DAW rather than a "Sequencing Instrument" this update we see massive improvements such as comping,scales,linked tracks and MPE, we also see updates to user library (incl effect racks, instruments,presets) and way more options when working with effect racks theres is way more packed into this hence why its my DAW of choice and being a Live user we dreamed of features like this years ago and we finally have it.

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Ambient Experimental

wesley_wild

5 years ago over 5 years ago

now just wait for the next update to fix all the bugs :D

amechanicalapple

135

over 5 years ago

The baseline for everything else

Live is my go-to editor and instrument creation tool. I started using this as a DAW several years ago, and everything I create on every other tool goes through Live. M4L provides a robust community filled with extremely creative tools that never fail to inspire creativity. I've since started using Logic as my mixer and "final" DAW, with Live to supplement, and have begun to think of Live more as an instrument generator itself. Live can do anything.

Version: Ableton Live 10

patchwilliam

270

over 5 years ago

The Best DAW

Ableton literally does everything. The only limitation with this software will ever be the user. If you take the time to learn the things you need to know, you can absolutely make any type of music and implement any type of technique you would ever want to in this DAW. Ableton is definitely the heart of my entire studio. If I had to keep only one piece of music gear for the rest of my life, it would just be my laptop and Ableton.

Version: Ableton Live 9

Roles:

Singer Rapper Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Hip Hop Funk / Soul

prismdelta

over 1 year ago

this looks kawai sprite using ableton. his making samples!

i love the ableton but hate this. i use main fl studio one.

THANMKS A LOT!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Main is FL Studio 2024. only i demo for ableton live

Roles:

Singer Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

From Gear Setup

oscarscannell

over 2 years ago

fav ever

fav daw i have tried, and is my primary daw. has been since march 2023. love not just the ease of live performance but also the synth builders, samplers, granulator, etc.

rossmotus

565

over 3 years ago

Awesomeness. The best DAW ever.

Born as "live" oriented package, now Ableton Live, is a complete Digital Audio Workstation, in particular the Suite version, probably the most one with Pro Tools. You can do anything you want with this software package. Also the included software synthesizers, like Operator, Drum Rack and more, are real professional synth with all the better features possible. The possibility to create personal rack and macros with them and the effects toolset is excellent. Personally I love this software.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

I like: Instrumental Rack and Macros capabilities, CV Tools, mastering/mixing toolset, audio-to-midi features, spectral based tools, M4L... And of course, the user-interface. I dislike: nothing.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Dark ambient Electro-industrial

itskarizz2u

139

over 7 years ago

Must have

Certified pro tools user and have been for years. One day my hard drive crashed and so did my older iMac causing me to take a hiatus in order to send my hard drive off to a Data Recovery Specialist in Ohio. It took a while for the recovery to be complete and sent back to me so I used the down time to learn a different DAW. I thought nothing could pull me away from pro tools but Ableton, once I got the hang of it would not let me deny it. I produce all my music in Ableton live 10 and track the beat into pro tools and record my vocals in pro tools.. My MPC Renaissance links with the Ableton software as well as with it's own software seamlessly.

Version: Ableton Live 10

kumiho

110

over 2 years ago

Born on Ableton, left Ableton, but came back to stay

Came across it when I was bought a Launchpad back in the day. No idea what I was doing with it, so left to learn on Fruity Loops and Cubase. 1-2 years later, came back and it's now my production and writing DAW of choice! I now use it in tandem with Pro-Tools

Preferred Settings + Usage:

My template usually just has a preset ghost for sidechain

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

zacke_b

417

over 6 years ago

It's great for people starting out.

It's great for people who are starting out as it seems that it comes with just about any kind of entry level electronic gear. It's easy enough to use for people starting out but powerful enough to make more complicated pieces and taming it unlocks great potential for it. I like the fact that it's easy enough for me to use to play around with genres that I'm unfamilliar with and as such it allows me to become a better musician.

Version: Ableton Live 10

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Pop rock