Ableton Live Introduces Real-Time Audio Streaming for Collaborative Music Creation

Ableton is launching the Live 12.4 Beta, packed with exciting new features, with the standout being Link Audio. This feature allows for real-time collaboration between devices on the same local network. However, the requirement to be on the same network does limit its functionality, and as the name suggests, Link Audio is focused solely on streaming audio. This means your friend can’t adjust MIDI settings or take control of automation in your Live session from another device. Still, it simplifies cross-device collaboration, which typically involves exporting projects and sending them back and forth.

Link Audio builds on the existing Ableton Link technology, which syncs BPM across a local network. This feature is widely supported by various hardware and software, including Akai’s MPC series and competitors like Logic Pro. Currently, Link Audio has more limited compatibility, functioning only with Ableton Live, the Note app, and Ableton’s Push and Move devices. We’ve reached out to Ableton regarding potential third-party support for Link Audio and will provide updates if we receive a response.

Devices enabled with Link Audio will appear as available inputs in Live and on the Push Standalone, allowing for monitoring or recording. Audio can be sent or received between Live and Push, but the Move and Note mobile app can only send audio. This means your friend can create a melody in Note on their iPhone, which you can then import into Live on your laptop, but you can’t send audio back to Note.

Ableton suggests using a wired connection whenever possible, although Link Audio can function over Wi-Fi. Be cautious, as latency and dropouts may occur, so it’s best not to rely on Wi-Fi beyond initial testing.

Live 12.4 will also enhance the stem separation feature introduced in version 12.3, focusing on workflow and quality of life improvements. Users will now be able to separate only selected audio from the arrangement view instead of an entire track. Additionally, stems can be merged into a single track, allowing you to keep elements like bass and drums together if desired.

The Note iOS app and the Move groovebox are also receiving significant upgrades, including two new effects. Erosion offers a unique signal degradation effect that blends distortion and bitcrushing. Both apps will also feature Auto Shift, Ableton’s take on Auto Tune, perfect for those who want to record vocal tracks without being professional singers.

Finally, Note and Move will now support audio tracks. Previously, the absence of proper audio looping was a significant drawback for these two “sketchpad” tools. While sampling and looping audio was possible through workarounds, proper audio clip support akin to what’s available in Ableton Live is now included.

Ableton Live 12.4 will be a free upgrade for existing Live 12 users. If you have a license, you can sign up for the public beta.