Essential Features in Ableton Live 12: Our Top 5 Picks

As Ableton tease us with a new version of Ableton Live 12 due for public release in early 2024, I was able to jump on the BETA version to trial some of the new music making tools that we can expect to see. There’s a considerable amount of goodness to plough through that’s for sure, but there’s a few things that for me, really stand out. Now your going need to stay tuned as there’s plenty more to get through especially as Ableton adjust the final product before the official release, however these are some things I’ve been loving so far.

Keys and Scale Modes:

Might seem like a funny one to kick off with, but for many, these kinds of features weigh heavily keeping your Live sets musically in check. It’s now possible to choose the key and scale in the global control bar in Live to sync the key and scale with midi clips and instruments devices. This is a bit of an extension from features lighting scale highlighting brought forward in live 11, however now we access to this on a deeper level.

Meld:

Who doesn’t need a new instrument device amirite? Meld is a new A bi-timbral, MPE-capable instrument designed for deep sound-shaping that generates a wide array of textural and experimental sounds with two easy-to-use macro-oscillators. It’s easy to get lost in this synth but the fun of it, especially when you pop the hood to see a complex modulation matrix. However if you’re here for a fun time and not a long time, scroll through the tonne of super fun and musical presets to kick start some inspiration.

MIDI Generator Tools:

Speaking of inspiration, these new tools built into the MIDI editor view are an awesome way of creating new musical ideas. You can use them to generate chords, simulate guitar strums, or pick from a set of generative algorithms to conjure up melodies or rhythms. 10/10 feature and will use regularly.

Granulator III:

I’m still wrapping my head around this one, but oh boy, this is awesome. Granulator III is a granular instrument and is an upgrade from Granulator II realease with Live 11. It now includes MPE capability, giving you expressive control over parameters like note bend, vibrato and glissando. Plus, you can now capture audio in real time and start manipulating it immediately.

Mixer improvements:

This is one of those things that once you start using it, you struggle to think how you ever copped without it. Live’s Mixer, previously available only in Session View, can now be used in Arrangement View. It also comes with improvements that make it more accurate for detailed mixing decisions, and easier to read and control.