Ableton

Ableton, GmbH is a German music software company based in Berlin. It is best known for Ableton Live, a cross-genre digital audio workstation used for music production and live performance. The company also develops the Push hardware controller and the Link technology for synchronizing devices over a network. Through Ableton Live, users can compose, arrange, mix, and perform with a clip-based workflow and real-time audio editing.

Established in 1999 in Berlin by Gerhard Behles and Robert Henke, Ableton released Live in 2001, popularizing clip-based sequencing with two main views: Session View for improvisation and arrangement for linear composition. Live includes built-in instruments, effects, and a comprehensive set of tools for time-stretching and warping of audio material.

Max for Live, introduced in collaboration with Cycling ’74, extends Live by integrating the Max visual programming language, enabling users to build custom devices. The Push controller series provides tactile control and deep integration with Live for hands-on performance and production.

Product editions include Intro, Standard, and Suite, offering varying levels of devices and content. Ableton markets its software to a broad user base, from bedroom producers to professional studios and live acts, and maintains an active user community with educational resources and a licensed ecosystem.