Ableton Live 13 hands-on: ARA 2, Drum Synth, new effects, more

Ableton Live 13 is now in limited public beta. That includes a lot of what you’ve asked for, like multi-band Racks, overhauled preset navigation, and ARA 2 support for tools like Melodyne. And it’s packed with new goodies: a very Ableton step sequencer, a multi-engine Drum Synth with some nice twists, new effects, a new ambient looper, and more. Also, I know some of you will like this: no mention of AI. It’s like we just get to talk about music-making tools again.

Interview: 33EMYBW on Amalgamate, metamorphosis, and insect philosophy

The patterning on butterfly wings is constructed of tiny blade-like scales (lamellar), with color structured into complex messaging and variation. That’s precisely the sonic feeling of Amalgamate, the latest from Shanghai-based artist 33EMYBW. We got to talk to 33 about alienation, metamorphosis, and the meaning of some of those lyrics. Photos by Di Wei Aamalgamte […]

Peter Kirn - October 8, 2026

Push Hack, very unauthorized access to Push 3’s display, files, MIDI, and more

If you don’t like unauthorized hacking, this isn’t for you. If you don’t like things built with AI-assisted coding agents, this isn’t for you. But if you’re up for a very unofficial hack that gives you full takeover access to Push 3’s display, drives, MIDI, and more, Federico Pepe has just unveiled Push Hack. Here’s […]

Peter Kirn - August 3, 2026

Impactor, Rupture 2 by Rawton Forge are perfect percussion synths for Live

Peter Kirn - July 31, 2026

DeafMan transforms Ableton Live with custom colors, interactive editor

Peter Kirn - July 29, 2026

Free BEAST Repeat for Ableton Live is so good, you’ll switch genres to IDM

Peter Kirn - July 22, 2026

This free Ableton Extension slices up chunks of audio for Move, Live

Peter Kirn - July 17, 2026

Ableton Live and Push can now run on Linux, unofficially

Peter Kirn - July 15, 2026

Stretch keys — Novation rounds out the MK4 Launchkey range with 88 keys

Peter Kirn - July 15, 2026