Ableton Unveils Live Beta 11.3 with Exciting Features

Ableton has introduced Live Beta 11.3, a highly anticipated update for Live users.

This latest update brings forth a brand new instrument called Drift and expands the MIDI polyphonic expression (MPE) controls throughout the digital audio workstation (DAW). The best part? It’s a free update for all versions of Live, from Lite to Suite.

MPE, an advanced MIDI protocol that enables more expressive control over instruments, receives a significant boost in Live 11.3. Ableton has integrated MPE capabilities into several of their synthesizers, including Analog, Collision, Electric, and Tension. The MPE Control device in Live has also undergone improvements, sporting a new user interface, enhanced CPU load management, and expanded functionality.

The highlight of the update is the introduction of Drift, a two-oscillator polysynth meticulously designed to replicate the characteristics of vintage analog synths. It captures the subtle nuances of oscillators and tuning drift that create warmth and character in traditional hardware. Drift even allows users to overdrive its filter, adding extra harmonics to shape the sound. Furthermore, the new instrument is fully MPE-ready, providing an immersive and expressive playing experience.

To get a taste of Drift’s capabilities, check out the demo video showcasing its unique features.