Co-developed by Ableton and Cycling '74, Max for Live ($299 MSRP) is a visual programming environment for making custom instruments, algorithmic composition tools, effects, and extensions within Ableton Live. Available now, Max for Live provides the same creative device-making tools found within Cycling '74 Max / MSP, but presents them in the intuitive, more aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly environment of Live.

Max for Live includes a Step Sequencer, Buffer Shuffler, Loop Shifter, Pluggo for Live, MIDI and audio effects, a Button matrix step sequencer, Live API, and more. Devices made with Max for Live integrate into Live's workflow and user interface, so that you can manage Max devices just like Ableton devices and save presets or use automation and mapping. Max for Live also provides objects that allow you to access and modify the inner workings of Live. For example, you can modify the tracks, clips, notes, names and values, selection states, or anything else in Live. You can also access controller hardware via Live, creating new mappings that repurpose a hardware device.

Current Max owners, not just Live users, benefit from this release too. Max for Live provides the tools necessary for controlling Live from your Max environment. Max for Live, however, does not include a version of Live. Devices will keep playing in Live while they are being edited in Max.

Max for Live comes with a selection of Max devices and built-in Max objects that are ready to use for audio and MIDI processing, algorithmic composition, real-time performance and hardware control. The application also supports video synthesis and animation via "Jitter" objects.

Ableton Live 8 is required. Max 5 owners may purchase Max for Live at the discounted price of $99.