Ableton announces Live 13 for early 2027, with a Step Sequencer and ARA 2
Ableton will release Live 13 in early 2027, the company said in a November 10 blog post. The update adds a built-in Step Sequencer, ARA 2 plug-in support and Drum Synth, among other tools. Ableton has not named a more specific release date.
Image credit: Ableton.
Sequencing, editing and sound design
The official Live 13 page and FAQ list the main additions. The Step Sequencer is a new clip type for beats, melodies and polyrhythms. ARA 2 support lets users work with compatible audio-editing plug-ins inside Live. Drum Synth offers “over 20 drum engines.”
Capture Automation stores unrecorded control moves. Contextual Browsing lets users add devices or swap presets from the device chain. Racks expand to 32 Macros, with custom mapping curves. Looplet places four playheads on one sample. Envelope Clips can now sit on Return tracks.
For mixing, Ableton is adding Transient Shaper, Clipper, and new Multiband and Mid-Side Racks. Device Slots appear in the mixer, alongside Send sliders and an Unsolo button on the Main track. The company also lists Arrangement Sync for Ableton Link. Users will be able to export tempo automation and time-signature changes. Five Softube effects and Core Library updates complete the published list.
Live 13 Suite includes Melodyne essential, Looplet, Clipper, Transient Shaper and Softube’s Classic Dynamics & EQ Pack. The software still comes in three editions: Intro, limited to 16 tracks and Scenes; Standard; and Suite.
Push, the beta and upgrade offers
Push 3 gains Custom Layouts, a Step Sequencer layout, a Performance Mixer and Device Mode upgrades, the FAQ says. Push 2 gets the Step Sequencer and most Device Mode improvements. It does not get Custom Layouts or the Performance Mixer.
A limited public beta is open to Live Standard and Suite owners. It is not a beta for every Live user.
Live 12 owners can pre-order Live 13 at 20% off, according to the FAQ. Anyone who buys or upgrades to Live 12 at 20% off during the announcement offer receives the matching Live 13 edition free on release. Ableton has not published exact prices for Live 13, and none appear here.
