In this article
In this article, we'll cover some of the questions users have when they're curious about Max for Live.
Max for Live adds the ability for the Max application to be used as an editor for building Live devices. Existing Max users can continue to work with Max as they always have. To work on Live devices, you start by editing an existing device or template from inside Live.
If you already have Max and Ableton Live, you may want to also check out this article: I have Max and Ableton Live installed, so do I have/need Max for Live?
How do I get Max for Live?
Max for Live comes bundled with Ableton Live Suite (10 or 9), but it can also be purchased as an add-on for Live Standard. Live Lite and Live Intro are unable to utilize the Max for Live add-on.
The add-on can be purchased exclusively at Ableton's online shop.
If I own Max for Live, does that mean I also have Max?
No. The version of Max that's bundled in Max for Live is a different product from Max standalone. It has a few limitations that Max standalone doesn't, including creating multichannel devices (click here for a detailed breakdown).
If I own Live 10 Suite and I want to use the latest version of Max 8, what should I do?
As of Live 10.0.6, Max for Live is bundled with your Live installation. Once you’ve installed Live, Max for Live is ready to use. However, since the bundled version is usually a little older than the current release, you may choose to use an external Max installation instead of the bundled version.
- Download and install the latest version of Max 8
- Open Live and navigate to Live > Preferences > File Folder > Max Application
- Click “Browse”, locate the standalone version of Max, and click “Open”
- Restart Live for the change to take effect
Features and improvements in the current standalone Max 8 application will be integrated into a future Live 10 release, but this can take some time. Please get the latest information about Max 8 in Live 10 from Ableton's Knowledge Base.
If you're a Max for Live or Live 10 Suite owner and are curious about the standalone Max application, learn about the benefits of cross-grading.
Which versions of Max are compatible with Max for Live?
Ableton Live 10: Max 8+
Ableton Live 9: Max 6.1 - Max 7.3.6
Ableton Live 8: If you only have a Max for Live license, then Max 5.1.9 is the last version which will work with Live 8. If you have a standalone Max license (purchased from Cycling '74), then Max 6.0.8 is the last version which will work with Live 8.
Will Gen run in Max for Live?
Gen runs within Max for Live without a full Max license. However, to edit Gen patchers, you will need to purchase a crossgrade to Max 8. Learn more about the Crossgrade to Max 8 for Max for Live users.
For features new to Max 8 (such as Gen event domain or Multi-Channel mc.gen~ patchers), you will need to purchase a crossgrade to Max 8. For legacy features like gen~ patchers, full Max 7 authorizations will be honored.
How do I find my Live or Max for Live serial number?
When you visit your Ableton account on ableton.com, click the "View License Details" link under the list of products you own. The serial numbers will then be displayed.
Can I get a boxed version of Max for Live?
Max for Live is only available as a download.