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Software · head to head

Ableton Live vs Mixcloud

A

Ableton Live

Software

Digital audio workstation built around a Session View for arranging ideas live

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mixcloud logo

Mixcloud

Software

The home of audio culture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Mixcloud has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Ableton Live live 12 Intro is capped at 16 audio and MIDI tracks, where Standard and Suite are both listed as Unlimited; Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ableton Live and Mixcloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Ableton Live and Mixcloud differ
AttributeAbleton LiveMixcloud
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsmacOS, WindowsWeb, Ios, Android
FoundedUnknown2007

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Ableton Live

Nothing recorded that Mixcloud does not also cover.

Only in Mixcloud

  • DJ mixes
  • Podcasts
  • Radio shows
  • Streaming
  • Artist tools
  • Social media
  • Payment systems
  • Creator controls

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Ableton Live

  • Music productionnot Mixcloud
  • Live performancenot Mixcloud
  • Electronic musicnot Mixcloud
  • Audio recordingnot Mixcloud
  • Sound designnot Mixcloud

Mixcloud

  • Hosting DJ mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royaltiesnot Ableton Live
  • Live streaming DJ sets without copyright takedownsnot Ableton Live
  • Earning from listeners through tips and subscriptionsnot Ableton Live

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Ableton Live

  • Live 12 Intro is capped at 16 audio and MIDI tracks, where Standard and Suite are both listed as Unlimited
  • Intro includes 8 software instruments and 27 audio effects, against 20 instruments and 58 effects in Suite
  • Max for Live is listed as Suite only, so neither Intro at USD 99 nor Standard at USD 349 includes it
  • Intro ships 5+ GB of sound content, against 38+ GB in Standard and 71+ GB in Suite
  • MIDI Tools are listed as 0 in Intro, against 14 in both Standard and Suite
  • Sold as a paid licence per edition, USD 99 for Intro, USD 349 for Standard and USD 749 for Suite, with no free tier

Mixcloud

  • The free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads
  • Unlimited uploads, private uploads, scheduling uploads, disabling comments and hiding play counts all require Pro
  • Live streaming video and audio requires Pro; the Basic tier cannot live stream
  • Monetization through Tips and Subscriptions is Pro only
  • Listener insights, tagging hosts and embedding a show player on your own site are Pro only
  • Basic audio uploads are capped at 64kbps AAC+, with 160kbps Opus HQ audio reserved for Pro
  • Free listening includes ads and offline listening requires the separate Premium for listeners subscription
  • The brand and radio station commercial packages start at $3,000 per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Ableton Live

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Ableton Live review.

Mixcloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Listening
    • Ad-supported
  • Plus$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline listening

Which should you pick?

Choose Ableton Live if

  • You work on macOS, Windows.
Ableton Live review

Choose Mixcloud if

  • You need dj mixes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want podcasts.
Mixcloud review

Questions people ask

Is Ableton Live or Mixcloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Ableton Live starts at On request and Mixcloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ableton Live or Mixcloud?
Mixcloud has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Ableton Live and Free for Mixcloud.
Does Ableton Live or Mixcloud run on more platforms?
Ableton Live runs on macOS, Windows. Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Mixcloud for free?
Yes. Mixcloud has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ableton Live starts at On request.
What is Ableton Live best used for?
Ableton Live is most often used for music production, live performance, electronic music, audio recording. Of those, music production and live performance are not what Mixcloud is typically brought in for.
What can Ableton Live do that Mixcloud cannot?
Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Podcasts, Radio shows, Streaming.
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Related pages

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