Ableton Live is one of the most robust and flexible music-making software out there. Even though there is a free version, there is also a version that is up for sale.
Ableton Live Suite 11 needs a valid license to be used. When the software is purchased, you will be provided a license to authenticate the software.
However, there is a lot of confusion as to how the software license works. In this article, we’re taking a look at how long does an Ableton Live License last.
Let’s jump straight into it.
How Long Does Ableton Live License Last?
A standard Ableton Live license never expires and can be used on up to two computers. This license cannot be shared and is only valid on two active computers.
As soon as the software is bought, Live will ask you to authorize it before it can be used. If not authorized, the software will not allow you to export or save your work.
The authorization process for Ableton Live is simple and requires little time. The software will walk you through the authorization process.
As soon as the computer is connected to the internet, Ableton Live can communicate with the servers. You will then be directed through the authorization process.
The process works on most modern computers such as PC and Mac. Find out if your Macbook can run Ableton Live.
Different Ableton Live Versions
- Lite
- Intro
- Standard
- Suite
All these Ableton Live versions share the basic functions but the Standard and Suite versions will have better features. Premium versions will have advanced features and more instruments and effects.
Potential buyers will have the option to try out Ableton Live with the free trial version. This trial will let you use Live features for a limited period of 90 days.
An Ableton Live trial will have the basic functions enabled so that users can try out the software. After the 90-day period, the user can then decide if they want to purchase the full version with more features.
During this 90-day period, it is best to familiarize yourself with the software and learn Ableton Live as much as you can. This will help you make an informed buying decision once the software expires.
We recommend using a good Midi Keyboard Controller for the best results when playing around and experimenting with Ableton Live’s interface and sounds. It will help you get ideas down faster and try out the different instruments and samples that come with Live.
Did you know: According to a survey conducted by Ableton, around 38% of Live users are professional musicians, 30% are hobbyists, and 17% are producers.
How Much Are The Different Versions Of Ableton Live?
The three editions of Live range from Ableton Live Intro, Live Standard, and Live Suite. The cheapest is Live Intro at $99 and the most expensive is Live Suite at $749.
All the versions can be bought from Ableton online and are all available in monthly installments. You can also find your nearest Ableton distributor for a copy of Ableton Live.
The software is also available with Live educational discounts of up to 40% on all versions. This discount is only available to students and teachers.
After the software is purchased, you will be able to access higher versions from Ableton Live 9 to Ableton Live 11. An upgrade is free for all authorized copies of Ableton Live.
Most people just go for the cheapest Ableton Live Intro at $99. However, for the best experience, it is recommended to buy the Ableton Live Standard version.
The main difference between Live Standard and Live Suite is the number of Ableton Live’s synths and sample packs. These are only available on the Live Suite version and also come with Max for Live together with the synths and packs.
Can I Authorize Ableton Live On A New Computer?
Live can be authorized on a new computer by simply uninstalling and installing it on the new computer. However, Live can only be used on a single computer at a time.
Upon authorizing Live, you will be provided with two authorizations to use one computer at a time. Installing Live on a new computer will require going through the authorization process again.
If you have more than one computer, you will only be allowed to use Live on one of your computers. This means you cannot run the software on two computers at the same time.
However, it is possible to run Live on an unauthorized computer but with certain limitations. Running Live on an unauthorized computer disables the saving and exporting of projects and sets.
In the case of a purchased used Live copy, you can transfer the new Live license into your name. Ableton will send over new credentials in your name in about three to five days.
It is advised against purchasing used Ableton Live software because it may pose problems along the way. Check out some common problems with Ableton Live and how to fix them.
To get a new version of Live to work on a new computer, you will need to uninstall it on the old PC or Mac first. The new version on the new computer will then have to undergo the authorization process too.
If you’ve used both unlocks, you can then request more unlocks from the Live website.
Can I Run Ableton Live on Multiple Computers?
You can only run Ableton Live on one computer at a time. Using Live on another computer will require going through the authorization process again.
Upon registration, Ableton gives the buyer two authorization keys but can only run on one computer. If you have a studio computer and a personal one, only one will be authorized.
An unauthorized copy of Ableton will work, but the saving and exporting projects are disabled. You can work on ideas and have a live set running but will not be able to save and export the final product.
The software will work seamlessly with other hardware such as Ableton Push and Native instruments Maschine with Ableton.
After How Long Does An Ableton Licence Expire?
An Ableton Live license will never expire once the software is purchased and authorized once the software is authorized on a computer, it will work indefinitely without limitations.
It’s important to note that Live can only be installed on your computers. You cannot use Ableton Live on someone else’s computer.
If you’ve used all your unlocks on two computers, you will have to request more unlocks from Ableton’s website. An error will occur if you try to authorize Live on a third computer.
Did you know: As of 2021, Ableton Live has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) on the market.
Can You Move Ableton Plugins And Files To Another Computer?
Yes, you can easily move all your projects, plugins, and samples to another computer. Only the Live software itself will have to be authorized again if you move files to a new computer.
Ableton uses “sets” as a project and it stores all the information about your project. The set comes with all the information regarding your projects such as plugin parameters and samples.
When the live set is open, you can move it to a new location. Simply click on “File” and click on “save set as” to choose the new save location.
What files does Ableton move?
- DAW data with settings such as volume and panning.
- Instrument and effect settings
- Audio files such as samples and packs used in the project
All these files will be saved to a new folder with your preferred project name. This new folder can now be transferred to a USB drive or compressed and emailed.
All you have to do is run the saved file on a different computer to open the .ALS Live file. The computer will have to have an authorized Ableton Live version installed in order to run the file.
It’s also important to note that the new computer should have all the necessary plugins installed if they were used in the original Live project. This pertains mostly to third-party plugins such as Omnisphere VST for example.
Did you know: Ableton Live’s unique session view, which allows users to arrange and manipulate audio and MIDI clips in real-time, was inspired by a similar feature in the company’s early software product, Ableton Loop, which was designed for live performance.
An Ableton Live license lasts forever, so you don’t have to worry about not using the software and potentially losing your Live License.
Can I Authorize Ableton Live 11 Offline?
Yes, Ableton Live 11 Suite can be authorized offline easily in case there is no connection to the internet. This is also useful if you have a slow or unstable internet connection and don’t have access to Ableton’s servers.
Once the Live 11 software is opened, simply click on “Authorize Offline” in the authorization window. The software will then generate and provide a hardware code for you to copy.
This hardware is unique to your computer and you must send it to the Ableton support team along with your serial number. You can find your unique serial number in your Ableton account when you purchased the software.
The support team will then send back an authorization number that you can save on an external drive. You will need the authorization file on your computer to proceed with the process.
Simply click on the “Authorize offline” button again and find the authorization file you got earlier. A message will appear to show that the offline authorization process was successful.
If an error occurs, just send a message to the Ableton support team and they should be able to send you another unlock code. If this still does not work, you might have to reinstall Ableton Live 11 on your computer.
Mike is a skilled musician, guitar technician, and music producer with a passion for audio and gear. He excels in teaching guitar, editing podcasts/videos, and creating captivating soundscapes using cutting-edge hardware, software, and plugins. Mike’s talent and commitment make him highly sought-after in the industry, inspiring fellow musicians worldwide.