While I have used multiple other DAWs for recording, none of them were able to provide the flexibility to use in a live performance environment. This is where Ableton Live comes in. It has one of the most useful sets of built-in features and instruments that taking production to a whole new level. Not only does it take care of the audio side of things, but it also helps us automate/live-sync multiple other devices - in live video production, lighting, lyrics and cues. Overall, it replaces the need for multiple pieces of software which for our use case, is a BIG WIN!

Our biggest advantage is in terms of automation. Instead of having 6 different people-dependant processes, taking up manpower and adding points of failure, we now need only person to take care of the entire production. It's not just cutting down on wasted resources but also helps streamline the entire process of live media production.

The biggest con with Live is that it has a steep learning curve. After having used multiple DAWs over the last couple of decades, it still took a while to catch up and use Live to its full potential. There are however tons of resources online to help along the way.

Overall, when I do reach for Live it’s for compatibility with others’ projects and its sound design capabilities. For this it is excellent. Also it’s live show elements and integration with creatively-oriented controllers. Live is like a fun modular synth with a lot of quick patching and patterns on hand. The downside is that it is a fairly basic mixing, editing, and composition experience, but it’s hard to specialize in everything so that’s only a downside if those functions (think Pro Tools, Cubase, and Studio One) are important to you.

In Live, there is no shortage of features that have a creative and inspirational application. The control surface application is great (the caveat being that the feature set is geared towards performance, not mixing). The included plug-ins are wonderful and easy to deploy, as well as stable, and all of the features related to on-the-fly manipulation of patterns are very developed. The software has a great feel of cohesion about it. Horizontal inspectors (effects racks) aren’t totally my thing but you can’t deny that they have really streamlined the sound design / midi effects / pattern manipulation parts of the program (the “live show” element is included in that).

The program is fairly underdeveloped in the realm of mixing, audio editing, assisted music composition, and audio export. Also I’ve never really enjoyed their approach to the browser and especially searching in the browser.

It has lots of tutorials online and good for sound design

Confusing to look at and to understand compared to studio one

I love tracking in live I’ve been using it as an artist for over two years now. I’ve learned so much using live about mixing music

Personally I think live would be a big recommendation for EDM or hiphop music

This is an awesome electronic music lab for today's creators. This is a must for any involved in beatmaking, urban generes, and any other style that requires looping and virtual instruments programming. I have been using for years and last version is so powerful.

Works on Mac and PC. Plenty of resources such as loops, and patches for the included virtual instruments. Very CPU friendly.

Lacks of in deep and very precise digital audio editing tools