Ableton Live is adding audio streaming for real-time musical collaboration

Source: The Verge

Overview

Ableton is rolling out the Live 12.4 Beta with a number of new features, the headline being Link Audio. Link Audio enables real‑time collaboration between devices on a local network by streaming audio from the Ableton Note app directly to Ableton Live, without any additional hardware.

How Link Audio Works

• Audio‑only streaming – Link Audio transmits audio in real time. It does not transmit MIDI data, automation, or allow a remote user to control your Live session.
• Local‑network requirement – Devices must be on the same Wi‑Fi or Ethernet network for the connection to work.

Benefits

• Eliminates the need to export projects and exchange files for cross‑device collaboration.
• Provides a low‑latency audio link that lets collaborators hear each other’s performances in real time.

Limitations

• Collaboration is limited to audio streaming; MIDI editing, automation changes, or full session control must still be handled locally or via other methods.
• The requirement to be on the same network can be restrictive for remote collaborators.

Background

Link Audio builds on Ableton Link, the existing technology that synchronises BPM across devices on a local network. While Link synchronises tempo, Link Audio adds the capability to stream live audio between devices.

References

• Full story: The Verge