Ableton Live 12 Suite Upgrade from Live Lite (DOWNLOAD)

General

Still the most-used DAW package around, whether you're an EDM producer or a self-recording musician, Ableton Live has already reached it's 12th incarnation. The Ableton Live 12 Suite edition is the biggest version in the line-up, and is still as aptly named as ever, since this software has been designed for exactly what it says: Live. Alongside the standard-issue recording functions and workflows, you get access to an array of tools designed for live music-making, or in Ableton-speak, clips can be created and triggered on the fly using an Ableton controller - a solid bonus for creative DJs and musicians alike. This is exactly the Ableton Live draw: electronic music that's actually interactive and anything but static.

What's New in Ableton Live 12 Suite?

The basic vibe and technical options of the new version are the same across the Intro, the Standard and the Suite editions. The difference between them lies in the included sounds and effects. Since this is the most extensive edition, Suite includes the whole deal - so much in fact, that it would be impossible to list everything here. But here's a quick glance at some of the highlights: an improved version of Operator comes included, granting access to a virtual FM synthesizer complete with subtractive potential. Meld is an all-new soft synth that packs fat sounds and MPE support (a must-have for sound-designers). Granulator III is another new addition, giving you everything you could ever want from granular synthesis. On the side, you also get some exclusive Ableton Packs, including the Lost and Found and Performance Pack. All in all, you're looking at over 71 gigabytes of packs, samples and loops, plus 58 audio effects and 14 MIDI effects, all navigated and manipulated via the smooth, signature Ableton interface.

Version 12 Additions

Other general version 12 updates include full support for screen readers, which is brilliant news for users with visual impairments. And, since searching for a sound was always a bit of a hassle, a smart search function that brings up sounds that come close to what you're already working with is a real time-saving tweak, as well as other great features like User Tagging, which even extends to the included Packs. And that's on top of the options to save search results and access your search history, so you can always find just the right things, whether you're in the studio or mid-set.