Live 11 Technical FAQ
New Features in Live 11.3
Installing Live 11
Updating from Live 11.0 to Live 11.1 and later
New Features and Changes in Live 11
New Devices in Live 11 Suite
New Features in Live 11.3
Visit this page for complete Live 11.3 release notes.
Live 11.3’s many new features and improvements include:
- Support for Push 3
- Drift, a new compact subtractive synthesizer instrument available in all editions of Live
- New presets and Racks featuring MPE
- MPE support for devices including Analog, Collision, Electric, Tension, and Note Echo
- Improvements to MPE Control and Expression Control
- MPE display for incoming MPE data in the MIDI Monitor device
- Improvements to Live’s Auto-Warp feature
- Help menu's "Help View" is now called "Built-In Lessons"
Installing Live 11
Is Live 11.3 an automatic update?
If you have automatic updates enabled, updating from Live 11.2.11 to Live 11.3.2 is automatic.
Which version of Live ships with Push 3 (standalone)?
Push 3 (standalone) ships with Live 11.3 Intro.
Note: Before using Push 3 (standalone), please follow the steps in this guide to update Push with the latest software version, which includes numerous bug fixes and improvements.
Which Live installer should I use on macOS?
For systems running macOS 10.14 Mojave or higher, install the Universal build of Live.
For systems running macOS 10.13 High Sierra only, install the Intel build of Live.
Learn more about installing Live.
Is Live 11 supported on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs?
The Universal build of Live is supported on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Mac computers running macOS 10.14 or higher. For Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.13, install the Intel build of Live. Learn more about Mac compatibility.
Why has Live not updated automatically on my computer since Live 11.0.x?
Live 11.1 was not available as an automatic update, since that version introduced native Silicon support and had to be manually installed. To update Live manually, install the current version from your Ableton account. Learn more about updating Live.
What's the difference between running Live natively vs. using Rosetta on Apple Silicon Macs?
For optimal performance on Silicon Macs, install the Universal build of the current version of Live, which includes native Silicon support by default, and update all third-party plug-ins and devices to versions supported natively on Apple Silicon. Live may be launched using Rosetta for compatibility with legacy devices not yet updated for Apple Silicon compatibility by the manufacturer. Learn more about using plug-ins on Mac in Live 11.1 and above.
Which version of Max is currently bundled with Live?
Max 8.5.4 is bundled as of Live 11.3.2. Learn more about the bundled version of Max for Live.
Updating from Live 11.0 to Live 11.1 and later
Why am I missing certain instruments?
Allow Live to index new devices for several minutes after launching Live 11.1 for the first time. If the devices still don't show up, follow these steps:
- Make sure only one instance of the Live application is running
- Relaunch Live
Are older Packs compatible with Live 11.1 and later versions?
Third-party packs that contain Max for Live devices that rely on Intel-compiled externals may not work when the Universal Build is running natively. You can find more information here.
Are Max for Live patches made in Live 11.1 and later backwards compatible?
Not all currently available Max features are supported in older versions of Max for Live. Learn more about the error message "The selected Max application could not be loaded."
New Features and Changes in Live 11
Can I use Comping in my edition of Live 11?
Comping is available in Live Intro, Standard, and Suite. Linked-track editing is available in Live Standard and Suite. Learn more about comping in Live 11.
How do I use Keys and Scales?
Open Clip View of a MIDI clip and enable Scale in the bottom left corner of Clip View. Once enabled, select the Root Note and the Scale Name.
What are Note Chance and Velocity Chance?
Note Chance affects the likelihood of whether or not a MIDI note will be played, using a definable range of probability from 0% to 100%. Velocity Chance randomizes a MIDI note’s velocity to a value within definable limits, measured in steps between a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 127. Learn more about Note and Velocity Chance.
Can I use MPE with my MIDI controller?
To use MPE-enabled Live devices and plug-ins, select an MPE-capable MIDI controller.
I don’t have an MPE controller. Can I still use MPE?
MPE modulation for individual notes can be written using either Draw Mode or the mouse to edit curves and breakpoints. Learn more about MPE in Live 11.
Why can’t I see the Tempo Follower button?
If you don’t see the Tempo Follower button, activate it in Live's Preferences > Link/Tempo/MIDI > Tempo Follower > Show Tempo Follower.
I activated the Follow button. Why is Live not following the tempo?
Make sure to set the correct audio inputs in Live’s Preferences under Link/Tempo/MIDI > Tempo Follower. If the incoming audio signal does not contain a clearly defined rhythmic structure based on transients, Live can not analyze the correct tempo. Tempo Following is best suited for percussive elements or entire tracks. Learn more about Tempo Following.
What are Scene Follow Actions?
Scenes can now also use Follow Actions. You can view and edit them by clicking on a Scene. The options are the same as Clip Follow Actions, excluding any clip-specific actions.
When I click on the arrow next to the bypass button to unfold the Follow Actions Editor, why do I only see Prgm/Bank/Sub?
Seeing Prgm/Bank/Sub means you are in Arrangement View. Follow Actions are only available in Session View. Read more about Follow Actions here.
How can I add or remove Macros?
Click the +/- buttons to show or hide two Macros at a time. Hidden Macros will keep any previous parameter mapping.
Can I exclude Macros from randomization and variations?
You can exclude Macros by right-clicking on them and selecting Exclude Macro from
Randomization/Variations. Read more about Macro Variations here.
Why can't I use ReWire anymore?
ReWire has been deactivated in Live 11 as the developer, Reason Studios, ended support for ReWire in 2020.
Why can't I upload to SoundCloud?
The Upload to SoundCloud export option has been removed in Live 11 as this feature is no longer supported by SoundCloud.
Why do my third-party or custom remote scripts no longer work as expected?
An upgrade to Python 3 in Live 11 may prevent outdated third-party or custom remote scripts from working. Be sure to update all remote scripts to a current version that includes the Python 3 update.
New devices in Live 11 Suite
Shifter
This new audio effect is included in Live Standard and Suite. Shifter is a multi-purpose audio effect for pitch shifting, frequency shifting, and ring modulation. The pitch or frequency of incoming audio can be tuned using Coarse or Fine parameters and further adjusted with a Tone filter and Window parameter. Shifter also has Delay, LFO, and Envelope Follower sections for additional modulation. The Shifter device can set pitch or frequency using its own parameters or by incoming MIDI notes.
Shaper Midi device
Shaper Midi device is now included in the set of Max for Live devices that come with a Suite license, or a Standard plus Max for Live license. MIDI Shaper is a Max for Live MIDI device that uses multi-breakpoint envelopes to generate mappable modulation data.
Align Delay device
This device is now included in the set of Max for Live devices that come with a Suite license, or a Standard plus Max for Live license. Align Delay is a Max for Live device that delays incoming signals by samples, milliseconds, or meters/feet.
Hybrid Reverb
Hybrid Reverb combines two different approaches to reverberation in one device, blending convolution reverb with a number of digital reverb algorithms. Using multiple routing options and parameters, you can create unique reverb sounds, or generate drone-like soundscapes, or transform any source material.
Spectral Resonator
Spectral Resonator uses spectral resonances and pitched overtones to add tonal character to any audio source. You can highlight chosen frequencies of the resonating partials and alter their decay, creating either short percussive reverberations or long washed-out tones.
Spectral Time
Spectral Time combines time freezing and spectral delay effects in a single inspiring device. You can re-synthesize your sounds by applying various spectral filters, delays and frequency-shifting techniques to incoming material, creating highly varied and unique copies.
PitchLoop89
PitchLoop89 is a pitch shifting effect, inspired by an early digital effects processor, enhanced with a few contemporary features; implemented in Max4Live.
Inspired by Nature
This pack is ideal for soundscapes, textures, generative music, evolving/non-repeating sounds, glitchy/chaotic/harsh sounds, unpredictable melodies, and in general sonic explorations through play and discovering new connections.
Check out all of the new and updated features in Live 11.