Ableton Live 13 is available in public beta with ARA 2 support and a new step sequencer

Ableton has announced Live 13, a major update to its flagship music production software that promises to reshape how producers create, manipulate, and mix their music. The release, slated for early 2027, is already available in public beta, giving users an early opportunity to test the suite of new features that span everything from MIDI sequencing to advanced mixing workflows.

At the heart of the update is a trio of headline additions aimed at keeping creative momentum flowing. Live 13 brings native ARA 2 support, allowing users to work with audio editing plug-ins like Melodyne Essential, included in the Suite edition, directly within Live's environment. A new step sequencer offers a playful approach to building beats and melodies, with support for evolving polyrhythms through independent row lengths and per-step controls for velocity, chance, repeat, and pitch bend. Meanwhile, a new capture automation feature records a producer's real-time knob turns and control movements and converts them into editable automation curves.

Sound designers also receive substantial new tools. The update introduces Drum Synth, a dedicated percussion design device with everything from classic drum machine emulations to physically modeled sounds, and Looplet, a Max for Live device exclusive to the Suite edition that layers four playheads over a single sample to produce ambient textures and granular effects. Expanded rack capabilities now allow up to 32 macros per rack, while new multiband and mid-side racks give engineers surgical control over frequency ranges and stereo width. Two additional dynamics processors, Clipper and Transient Shaper, round out the mixing toolkit, alongside a pack of five Max for Live effects modeled by Softube on vintage studio hardware.

The update extends significantly to Push 3, Ableton's hardware controller, with custom layouts standing out as the marquee feature. For the first time, users can build entirely personalized performance surfaces, combining note areas, clip launching grids, faders, and expressive XYZ controls mapped anywhere in their Set. A new performance mixer designed for DJ-style performance and dub improvisation puts session view above touch-responsive faders, while upgraded device navigation lets producers craft complex racks without ever touching their computer. As the beta testing period unfolds, Ableton is inviting music makers to explore where the new tools lead before the official release next year.