Choosing the right version of Ableton Live is crucial for music producers, and this guide offers a detailed comparison between Ableton Live Lite and Ableton Live Intro. Understand the differences in features, limitations, and suitability for different production levels, making it easier to decide which version aligns best with your music production goals.

Ableton Live is a reference in the world of music production, but if you're just starting out you may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a Standard or Suite version. So if you want to get started with Ableton Live and discover its incredible power and smooth workflow in Session Mode, the Intro and Lite versions may be just what you need.

The main difference between Live Lite vs Intro is the number of audio/MIDI tracks: 8 vs 16.

Both versions are very affordable. The Ableton Live Lite license can be found between 0 and 20 euros, and the Intro version between 59 and 79 euros ($80 and $99).

Can I get Ableton Live Lite for free?

Sometimes...😁

• Splice has offered Ableton Live Lite for free for a limited time. Check out their web site they might renew the offer. I'll keep you updated here.
• You should be able to get a free license if you have some of the following apps for iOS: EG Puls‪e, Patterning 2, Koala Sampler, Triqtraql, KORG iKaossilato‪r and of course Ableton Note.
• Computer Music magazine in its February 2022 (issue 304), also offered Live Lite for free.

But if you can't get Live Lite for free from Splice or an app on your iPad, what are the other options?

The problem is that this version only comes "free" with keyboards or MIDI controllers. Anyway, if you are starting out in music, you will need a mini MIDI keyboard, or a MIDI controller. There are plenty of them for less than 100 euros that offer a Live Lite license (see ¹).

Otherwise, on some Ableton groups on Facebook or Reddit, some users give their Lite license or for a small fee (20 euros). Just ask! You can also buy unused licences on this marketplace for audio production software licenses.

Ableton Live Lite vs Intro: Detailed Feature Comparison

So if you can't get Live Lite for free, you still have Ableton Live Intro which is normally 79 euros ($99). If you wait for the special offers that usually come in spring or for Black Friday, you can buy it for 59 euros (or $70).

Shortly after the general release of Live 12, Live Lite 12 was finally released, with important additions such as "Comping", the improved search engine and the scale and tuning management system.

So what exactly is there more in Ableton Intro than in the Lite version?

• 16 audio and MIDI tracks (instead of 8)
• 5 GB of sounds in total, effects sounds and audio loops, against 2 GB for Lite
• 5 more audio effects: Auto Pan, Gate, Grain Delay, Looper, CC control (see image below)
• 7 CV utilities to control your modular Eurorack synths
• LFO device to modulate up to eight device parameters with one device
• No differences on MIDI effects, same for both versions 👍
• Video import/export

So in the end that's a few more audio effects. But the 8 tracks of Live Lite is a limitation that can be reached very quickly, as soon as your compositions are a bit complex.

5 more audio effects for Live Intro

Anyway, you can always make up for the missing plugins with free VSTs that you can find on:

• Plugin Boutique
• the free plugin pack from Computer Music Magazine

With the latter for the price of buying a single copy of the magazine, you will have access to a hundred quality audio effects, as well as many quality synthesizers.

Ideal Choice for Beginners: Lite or Intro?

Ableton Live Intro and Lite are both totally worthwhile. Once you get to know the software and experience the benefits of a Session View-based workflow, you'll understand why Ableton Live is so popular.

Ableton introduced recenty the iOS app Note, which allow to start musical ideas on your iOS device, and then send them to Live using Ableton Cloud. You'll be pleased to know that Note work with both Live Lite and Intro.

The limitations of the Lite and Intro versions can be easily overcome with a myriad of free plugins. (by the way, do you know the free Surge synth?).

Tip: I've also written an article that you might find interesting, on how to access most of Ableton Live Suite's audio effects via the Core Library. You won't have access to all the parameters, but it's already a great way to try out the amp simulations and excellent analog compressors of Live Suite.

And later, if you want to upgrade to Ableton Standard or Suite, despite the high price, I can certify you that it is worth it. If you calculate the cost of buying additional VSTs and Audio Units, effects, sample packs and virtual instruments to reach the level of Live Suite, you will see that you are far beyond the price of Live Suite!

To support this blog, you can buy Live Intro 12 in the affliate link below: 😉

• Live Intro 12 on Amazon
• Live Intro 12