Live 6 Expert Reviews

This audio-production app can make you a mix-master maestro.

Makes experimentation a breeze. Movie support. Racks and folders improve workflow. Flexible MIDI mapping. Multicore and multi-processor support. Universal binary ; No surround-sound support. Sampler software costs an extra $199

No surround-sound support. Sampler software costs an extra $199

. Seasoned users will find that Live retains its instant-groove appeal, while stage performers will appreciate enhancements to project organization and MIDI control.

Ableton's Live has long been a capable and creative tool for making music both in the studio and in live performance. Live 6 expands those capabilities and makes for a better performing program.

Powerful and intuitive design ; video support ; better performance with multiprocessor/multicore Macs ; new rack instruments and effects offer greater flexibility

None significant

Before addressing Live 6's improvements over the previous version, it's worth recounting its essential capabilities and unique talents. Live earns its name by giving you the power to easily trigger prerecorded audio with a computer's keyboard, mouse, ...