The latest version of Ableton’s popular DAW software is on the horizon, and has just been released as a public beta. Live 12.3 brings with it a range of user-requested features that will be available in all three variants of the software (Intro, Standard and Suite), along with some new expressive features for the Push 3 and a new audio effect for the Move, Note and Live Live Lite.
What’s New?
Here’s a quick overview of what’s included in Ableton Live 12.3:
Stem Separation
Live 12 Suite and Push Standalone can now isolate four stems (vocals, drums, bass and other) from any audio clip in Arrangement or Session View, or in the Browser. The feature is powered by industry- leading algorithms from Music.AI.
Splice integration
Splice users can access the Splice library right inside Live’s Browser, for an easier way to filter, search and audition Splice samples in sync and in key with your project. The Search with Sound feature instantly finds samples that fit the rhythms and harmonies of your track: simply drag and drop a sound or capture audio from a selection of time or clips in Arrangement or Session View to get started.
Bounce Groups and Paste Bounced Audio
After the introduction of Bounce to New Track in Live 12.2, you can now easily bounce an entire Group track in place — or bounce a portion of a Group track, including all its processing, to a new audio track. You can also copy a clip or selection and paste it as bounced audio into any track or take lane, with Live 12.3’s Paste Bounced Audio feature.
Updated Devices & New Pack
- Auto Pan-Tremolo gets a full refresh, with a new UI and expanded modulation controls — plus easier access and finer control for tremolo effects. The device comes to Move, Note and Live Lite for the first time, too.
- Sting, adapted from the highly popular acid bassline generator, and Patterns, a new tool for instant percussive rhythms, are two easy-to-use MIDI Tools in the new Generators Pack by Iftah — available for Live 12 Standard and Suite.
- Live 12.1’s Sequencers Pack gains support for reproducible arrangements, while Live 12.2’s Expressive Chords Pack gets a new Chord Edit mode — the device now lets you transpose selected chords, and even input your own with the Learn function.
- All built-in instruments, audio and MIDI effects in Live now have an A/B feature that lets you set and quickly compare two parameter states.
With the launch of version 12.3, Ableton Live Suite now boasts built-in stem-separation tools.
Push Updates
Users of the Push 3 will be pleased to hear that the latest version of Live also introduces new ways to create music with the instrument’s expressive pads, as well as delivering some features that enhance its functionality as a standalone music-making hub.
A new XYZ layout allows users to shape the sound of their racks and devices while you play by sliding a finger over the expressive pads, as well as pressing and holding them to add punch-in effects. There’s also a new Rhythm Generator layout for Push 3’s Drum Racks that makes it possible to create, shape and play with rhythmic patterns using four vertical sliders, while touch-sensitive step editing provides a gestural way to adjust the velocity of notes individually or in bulk by holding the Accent button and sliding on Push 3’s expressive pads.
Alongside the updated devices and Packs, Stem Separation and Bounce Groups — all of which are set to be added to Push 3’s Tethered and Standalone versions – Live 12.3 makes it possible to use class-compliant audio interfaces with the Push Standalone. This gives users the ability to expand their Push’s I/O count, record using their interface’s mic preamp, perform live with DJ mixers and more.
Compatibility
Ableton Live 12.3 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 11 or higher.
Pricing & Availability
Once the beta testing period is over, Live 12.3 will be free for all users with a Live 12 license. For those looking to purchase a new license, prices are as follows:
- Ableton Live Intro: $99£69 / €79.
- Ableton Live Standard: $439£269 / €279.
- Ableton Live Suite: $749£539 / €599.
GBP prices include VAT.
You can sign up to Ableton’s Beta Program via the link below.
