Ableton Live is a popular software for music production, performance, and DJing. It comes in different versions, such as Lite, Intro, Standard, and Suite, each with different features and prices. The latest version of Ableton Live is Live 11, which was released in February 2023. Live 11 introduces new features such as comping, MPE support, new devices, and more. But what if you are still using Ableton Live 9, the previous major version that was released in March 2013? Should you upgrade to Live 11 or stick with Live 9? What are the pros and cons of each version? And what do other users think about them? In this article, we will explore these questions by looking at some of the discussions on Reddit, a popular online platform where users can share and comment on various topics.
One of the reasons why some users still use Ableton Live 9 is that they are satisfied with its features and performance. They do not feel the need to upgrade to a newer version that may have more bugs or require more CPU power. As one user commented on [r/ableton], "If it ain't broke... ride til I die. Or til my old ass desktop dies" . Another user said that they were using Live 8 for about a decade until last year . Some users also prefer the simpler and cleaner interface of Live 9 over the newer versions.
Another reason why some users still use Ableton Live 9 is that they do not want to spend money on upgrading to a newer version that may not offer much value for them. Some users feel that the new features of Live 10 and 11 are not that important or useful for their workflow or style of music. For example, one user said that they purchased the Live 10 Suite upgrade to get the Live 11 upgrade, but they still use Live 9 because they feel like they wasted money on upgrading twice . Another user said that they do not see any difference between the education version and the plain version of Live Suite . Some users also think that the new features of Live 11 are not worth the price tag, especially compared to other DAWs or plugins. For example, one user said that they wish they had stayed with Live 9 because it was more stable and behaved better during periods of higher CPU usage .
On the other hand, some users have upgraded to Ableton Live 11 and are happy with their decision. They enjoy the new features and improvements that Live 11 offers, such as comping, MPE support, new devices, and more. Comping is a feature that allows users to record multiple takes of audio or MIDI and quickly select the best parts from each take. MPE support is a feature that enables users to control multiple parameters of an instrument with a single gesture on an MPE-compatible controller. New devices are new effects or instruments that are added to Live's library, such as Hybrid Reverb, Spectral Resonator, Spectral Time, PitchLoop89, Inspired by Nature, and more.
Some users have upgraded to Ableton Live 11 because they want to stay updated with the latest technology and trends in music production. They want to explore new possibilities and experiment with new sounds and techniques. They also want to be compatible with other users who use Live 11 or other DAWs or plugins that support the new features of Live 11. As one user commented on [r/ableton], "Live 11 is ready to be downloaded" . Another user said that they upgraded to Live 11 because they wanted to use VST3 plugins and MPE controllers .
Ultimately, the decision whether to upgrade from Ableton Live 9 to Ableton Live 11 depends on your personal preference, budget, and needs. There is no definitive answer that applies to everyone. You have to weigh the pros and cons of each version and see what works best for you. Here are some factors that you may want to consider before making your decision:
Once you have considered these factors, you can make an informed and confident decision that suits your situation. You can also check out some of the resources below for more information and opinions on Ableton Live 9 and Ableton Live 11:
We hope this article has helped you understand the differences and similarities between Ableton Live 9 and Ableton Live 11, and how to decide whether to upgrade or not. Whatever you choose, we wish you all the best in your music production journey.
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