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Ableton Live

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$266.00 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 July 6, 2026.

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Price

$439.00

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4.9 (32)

$270.00 $266.00 $4.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $353

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

Price History

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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

1 0

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

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1 star

spike_burton

about 9 years ago

Big yep

Former Logic user. Made the jump to Ableton 2 years ago and haven't looked back. I own the Standard version and coupled with a few choice soft synths, it's everything I need and more. The built-in FX are fan-fucking-tastic once you master what they're capable of (especially Saturator, the Glue, EQ8, the reverb and Simple Delay) and put together a template and some racks and defaults you use frequently. Learning curve is a bit steep, but that's part of Live's charm and I wouldn't trade that for anything ... it's made me a better musician, producer and engineer. Workflow is ace.

Version: Ableton Live 9

peytonlarks

almost 7 years ago

The most versatile DAW, to me, on the market

I've been using Ableton for over six years now making the switch from FL after purchasing a new laptop. It may be hard to get use to the layout at first but it's easily one of the best DAWs ever. Top notch in-software plugins and programming ability needed for my production needs.

Version: Ableton Live 9

doubleshotmaestro

136

about 11 years ago

State of the Art Software

It's one of the most expensive DAWs on the market. And there is a clear reason for it: The layout, efficiency, and workflow have been ingeniously thought out, and prepared for use by anyone in the music industry. It is a learning curve, especially coming from other mixer-based DAWs, but its worth every second of that. The effects, and included instruments and libraries are all professional grade, with a very simple ease of use. Certainly the most important tool in my studio.

Version: Ableton Live 9

meow0rd13

over 11 years ago

NEAR PERFECT DAW

I used to use FL Studio and I decided to give Ableton a shot and WOW was it a world of difference. I can't imagine myself going back to FL. Everything sounds so much cleaner. Its way easier to keep organized. The automation works phenomenally. My only complaints are that it doesn't have support for three monitors and that it doesn't have its on bridge for 32-bit and 64-bit VSTs. But other than that its amazing and I'd totally recommend it for all kinds of music producers.

Version: Ableton Live 9

michelclairet

over 12 years ago

Effortless creativity with endless options

I use Ableton Live as my main DAW. Is not only easy and intuitive to use, but also great with automations, so I can focus on the creating process rather than thinking on how much time a particular process will take me to do. Effective and effortless. The options are endless.

Version: Ableton Live 9

lukeepic

1468

over 5 years ago

Superb!

Superb Daw! With Ableton Live you can never go wrong. Try it out for free (90 days!) and learn more about it!

Version: Ableton Live 9

pkennethk

26907

5 years ago over 5 years ago

I've had mixed results with the audio-to-midi. Were you mostly converting a monophonic source?

baardiv

166

about 7 years ago

My workhorse!

After working with Cakewalk, Cubase, Logic Pro and FL Studio, I ended up with #Ableton Live Suite after version 10 was released. Wavetable, Operator & several of the sample packs makes this my no.1 DAW. Good "in-house" effects and smooth automation (especially after the 10.1 update) is also a big bonus. Love it!

Version: Ableton Live 10

imvxog

about 6 years ago

That's good, but...

It is a very good DAW, but it is not to my liking and it is not my favorite. I am not comfortable with the interface or the way the tools are when working. But yes, I must admit that you can get a more professional sound compared to other daw's.

Version: Ableton Live 10

auro

over 5 years ago

Amazing interface with limitless capabilities for unlimited creativity

There is not much you can't do with Ableton. With the addition of M4L and the intuitive signal flow, this DAW is a beast. No wonder it is considered to be one of the best out there.

Version: Ableton Live 10

ro5

3582

almost 10 years ago

Creative tool with fast results...

I've been in electronic music making for over 25 years but when I started using Live, a new world opened up. If you know your way around (follow a course), it's very easy to get great results, fast! Live encourages you to experiment and improvise, both in the studio and on stage. It seems however to be build mainly for "warping" audio samples. The build-in synths and FX are not that great but you could easily have external plug-ins or hardware... For more classic, linear audio recording, mixing and mastering, I'd rather recommend Logic which is not only more affordable but also has better plug-ins.

Version: Ableton Live 9

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Stage & Screen Techno Dub