Computer specifications for running Ableton Live
This guide covers recommended computer specifications including CPU, RAM, and storage requirements for running Ableton Live. Learn how different hardware components affect Live's performance, including track count, plug-in capacity, latency, loading times, and other features.
While Ableton Live can run on a range of computers meeting Live’s Minimum System Requirements, optimal performance depends on your hardware specifications. For consistent, low-latency performance with large projects involving plug-ins and multiple tracks, and to use more demanding features, a more powerful system is helpful.
Note: Ableton Support cannot recommend a specific computer, component, or configuration to buy. Your actual needs depend on your specific workflow, number of tracks, and the types of plug-ins and instruments in your projects. For individual guidance, check with your computer manufacturer, local seller, or pro-audio vendor. Learn more about Computer Audio Resources and Strategies in the Ableton Reference Manual.
Overview of recommended specifications
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Latest version of Windows 11 or macOS (see supported versions below), with all current security updates installed. |
| Processor (CPU) | 6- to 12-core Intel Core i7 / i9, AMD Ryzen 7 / 9, or Apple Silicon M-series |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB required; 16 GB or higher recommended |
| Audio interface | Low-latency USB, Thunderbolt, or PCIe interface with quality drivers |
| Storage | NVMe or high-speed SSD (500 GB–2 TB) |
| Display | 1920 × 1080 or higher |
| Optional hardware | Dedicated GPU (for video work), efficient cooling, stable power supply |
Operating system
Keep your computer's operating system updated for the best performance, compatibility, and security.
| macOS | Windows | |
|---|---|---|
| Live 12 | macOS 11 Big Sur - 15 Sequoia |
Windows 10 (22H2) Windows 11 (22H2 or higher) |
| Live 11 | macOS 11 High Sierra - 15 Sequoia |
Windows 10 (Build 1909 or later) Windows 11 |
- Security and bug-fix updates available from macOS Software Update or Windows Update are always recommended.
- Before upgrading your operating system to a new version (e.g. from macOS 14 to macOS 15), check the guide to Apple and macOS compatibility with Live or Windows Compatibility with Live to verify that your version of Live is supported on the newer operating system.
- Please also check that any third-party software, drivers, and plug-ins are compatible before upgrading.
Processor (CPU)
The computer’s CPU is critical for Live’s performance, as it handles all audio processing. Processor capacity is measured by both the number of cores and the processing speed. For example, a CPU like the Intel Core i5-12400 has 6 cores running at a speed of up to 4.4 GHz. The number of cores affects how many tasks can run in parallel, while clock speed affects how fast each task runs.
- A CPU with more cores (e.g., 8 cores) can handle more simultaneous tracks or plug-ins in Ableton Live.
- If each core runs more slowly (e.g., 2.0 GHz), individual heavy tasks may still lag.
- Both core count and clock speed together determine total processing capacity.
Multi-core processors
Multi-core processors improve Live's performance by distributing tasks across multiple cores, so a CPU with 6 or more cores may provide better performance for large projects.
For processors with both Performance and Efficiency cores such as Apple Silicon, the highest number of cores available may not indicate top capacity, since Live uses only Performance cores for real-time processing, to avoid audio dropouts that could result from using both types. This means a newer or more expensive CPU with fewer Performance cores—even if the overall number of cores is higher—may actually perform worse for CPU-heavy workloads. Learn more in the Multi-core performance in Ableton Live FAQ.
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
Live 12 5th generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen (with AVX2 support) Live 11 Intel Core i5 or AMD multi-core processor |
|
What CPU affects
- Track count: Higher CPU performance allows more simultaneous tracks with effects and instruments.
- Plug-in capacity: More powerful CPUs can handle more VST/AU plugins and complex device chains.
- Buffer size: Faster CPUs allow lower buffer sizes for reduced latency during recording and performance.
- Real-time processing: CPU power determines how many effects you can use during live performance without audio dropouts.
Memory (RAM)
RAM stores active project data, loaded samples, and plug-in states while Live is running. If your computer runs out of RAM, it starts using your hard drive or SSD as temporary memory. This process is much slower than RAM, which means Ableton Live may struggle to keep up with real-time audio, causing dropouts, clicks, and/or slower performance.
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 8 GB RAM |
|
What RAM affects
- Sample loading: More RAM allows Live to load larger sample libraries and more audio clips simultaneously.
- Project size: Projects with many tracks, clips, and automation can use several gigabytes of RAM.
- Plug-in memory: Some plug-ins, especially sample-based instruments, require significant RAM.
- System stability: Insufficient RAM can cause crashes or force Live to unload samples from memory.
Learn more about Reducing the RAM load.
Audio interface
An external audio interface delivers better sound quality and lower latency than built-in audio hardware.
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
WindowsASIO-compatible audio interface (recommended for optimal performance and Link support) macOSclass compliant audio interface |
|
What audio interface affects
- Latency: Interfaces with optimized drivers allow lower buffer sizes for reduced latency during recording and performance.
- Audio quality: Better digital audio converters provide cleaner recordings and more accurate monitoring.
- Stability: Professional interfaces with stable drivers reduce audio dropouts and crashes.
-
Input/output routing: More channels enable complex routing setups and multi-track recording.
For troubleshooting audio performance issues, see our guides How to reduce latency and How to avoid crackles and audio dropouts.
Storage
Storage speed affects project loading times, audio recording, and sample streaming.
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
|
What storage affects
- Project loading: SSDs load projects significantly faster than HDDs.
- Audio stability: Fast access to storage prevents dropouts while recording or when streaming large samples not loaded into RAM.
- Freeze and bounce operations: Faster storage speeds up rendering frozen tracks and bounced audio.
Learn more about options for External Storage and Backup.
Display
Higher resolution shows more tracks and clips at once, reducing the need to scroll vertically or zoom horizontally.
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
|
Windows: 1366x768 macOS: 1280x800 |
|
What display affects
- Workflow efficiency: Higher resolutions let you see more tracks, clips, and device parameters simultaneously.
- Arrangement View editing: Larger displays make it easier to edit automation and arrange multiple tracks.
- Multiple windows: Higher resolutions or multiple displays allow you to keep the Browser, mixer, and devices visible at once.