Ableton Live vs Sound Forge

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Ableton Live vs Sound Forge based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Audio Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Ableton Live Software Tool
Sound Forge Software Tool

Product Basics

Ableton Live is a sophisticated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) designed for music production, live performance, and sound design. It excels in real-time audio manipulation, offering a seamless workflow for both studio and stage environments. The software is particularly suited for electronic music producers, DJs, and live performers due to its intuitive interface and powerful features like session view, which allows for non-linear composition and improvisation.

Key benefits include its robust MIDI sequencing capabilities, extensive library of sounds and effects, and integration with various hardware controllers. Unique features such as warping, which enables time-stretching of audio without affecting pitch, and Max for Live, which allows users to create custom devices, set it apart from other DAWs. Users often praise its stability and flexibility, making it a preferred choice for creative professionals.

Pricing varies based on the edition—Intro, Standard, or Suite—with options for one-time purchases. For specific pricing details, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote.

read more...

Sound Forge, developed by MAGIX Software GmbH, is a comprehensive audio editing software designed for detailed sound manipulation and production. It excels in tasks such as recording, editing, mastering, and restoration of audio files. This software is particularly suited for audio professionals, including sound engineers, music producers, and podcasters, due to its robust feature set and precision tools.

One of the standout benefits of Sound Forge is its high-resolution audio support, allowing for meticulous editing and mastering. The software offers powerful features like spectral cleaning, batch processing, and a wide array of effects and plug-ins. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the ability to handle complex audio projects efficiently.

Compared to similar products, Sound Forge is often praised for its reliability and depth of features. Pricing details can vary, and it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific needs.

read more...
$99 One-Time
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$199 One-Time
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: Ableton Live's intuitive interface allows users to quickly navigate and manage their projects, reducing the time spent on mundane tasks and increasing productivity.
  • Real-Time Performance Capabilities: The software's Session View enables live performances with seamless transitions between clips, making it ideal for DJs and live musicians.
  • Creative Flexibility: With its extensive library of sounds, instruments, and effects, Ableton Live empowers users to experiment and innovate without limitations.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Users can make changes to their audio and MIDI tracks without permanently altering the original files, allowing for greater experimentation and revision.
  • Integration with Hardware: Ableton Live supports a wide range of MIDI controllers and hardware instruments, providing a tactile and immersive production experience.
  • Advanced Automation: The software's automation features enable precise control over parameters, facilitating dynamic and evolving soundscapes.
  • Collaborative Potential: Ableton Live's Link technology allows multiple users to sync their sessions over a local network, fostering collaborative creativity.
  • Comprehensive Tutorial Resources: The software includes built-in lessons and access to a vast online community, helping users of all skill levels to improve their proficiency.
  • Robust Stability: Known for its reliability, Ableton Live minimizes crashes and technical issues, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted workflow.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for both Windows and macOS, Ableton Live ensures that users can work on their projects regardless of their operating system preference.
  • Seamless Integration with Max for Live: This feature allows users to create custom instruments and effects, expanding the software's capabilities beyond its default offerings.
  • Efficient Resource Management: Ableton Live is optimized to handle large projects with numerous tracks and effects, making it suitable for complex productions.
  • Comprehensive Audio and MIDI Editing: The software provides detailed editing tools for both audio and MIDI, enabling precise adjustments and refinements.
  • Scalable for Different Needs: Whether for simple beat-making or full-scale film scoring, Ableton Live adapts to the scope and scale of various projects.
  • Regular Updates and Support: Ableton consistently releases updates that enhance functionality and address user feedback, ensuring the software remains cutting-edge.
read more...
  • Precision Editing: Sound Forge allows for meticulous audio editing, enabling users to make precise adjustments down to the millisecond.
  • High-Quality Output: The software supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring that the final product maintains superior sound quality.
  • Time Efficiency: With batch processing capabilities, Sound Forge can handle multiple files simultaneously, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.
  • Noise Reduction: Advanced noise reduction tools help to clean up recordings by removing unwanted background noise, enhancing overall audio clarity.
  • Restoration Capabilities: Sound Forge offers powerful restoration features that can revive old or damaged audio recordings, making them sound new again.
  • Customizable Workflow: Users can tailor the interface and toolsets to fit their specific needs, improving workflow efficiency and user experience.
  • Comprehensive Effects Suite: The software includes a wide range of audio effects and plugins, allowing for creative sound design and enhancement.
  • Seamless Integration: Sound Forge integrates smoothly with other audio and video editing software, facilitating a cohesive production process.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time audio monitoring ensures that users can hear changes as they make them, providing immediate feedback and control.
  • Multi-Channel Support: The ability to edit multi-channel audio files makes Sound Forge ideal for complex projects like film scoring and game audio.
  • Scriptable Automation: Users can create scripts to automate repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and consistency in audio editing projects.
  • Robust File Compatibility: Sound Forge supports a wide array of audio file formats, ensuring compatibility with various industry standards.
  • Professional Mastering Tools: The software includes mastering tools that help prepare audio for final distribution, ensuring it meets industry standards.
  • Detailed Audio Analysis: Comprehensive analysis tools provide in-depth insights into audio properties, aiding in precise editing and troubleshooting.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Sound Forge is available on both Windows and Mac, offering flexibility for users across different operating systems.
read more...
  • Session View: A unique, non-linear grid for recording and arranging musical ideas, ideal for live performances and improvisation.
  • Arrangement View: A traditional timeline-based interface for detailed editing and arranging of your tracks.
  • Audio and MIDI Tracks: Support for unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, allowing complex compositions and arrangements.
  • Clip Envelopes: Automation of parameters within individual clips for dynamic and evolving sounds.
  • Warping: Advanced time-stretching and pitch-shifting capabilities to sync audio to your project’s tempo.
  • Max for Live: Integration with Max/MSP for creating custom instruments, effects, and visuals.
  • Drum Rack: A versatile drum sampler that allows for layering and manipulating drum sounds.
  • Simpler: A powerful yet easy-to-use sampler for manipulating audio samples.
  • Instrument and Effect Racks: Grouping of instruments and effects for complex sound design and streamlined workflow.
  • Capture MIDI: Ability to recall MIDI ideas after they’ve been played, even if record wasn’t enabled.
  • Groove Pool: Application of groove templates to MIDI and audio clips for humanized timing and feel.
  • Link: Wireless synchronization with other Link-enabled software and hardware for collaborative jamming.
  • Push Integration: Seamless integration with Ableton’s Push hardware controller for hands-on control of Live’s features.
  • VST and AU Support: Compatibility with third-party plugins for expanded sound design possibilities.
  • Built-in Instruments: A suite of high-quality instruments including Analog, Operator, and Wavetable.
  • Audio Effects: A comprehensive collection of audio effects such as reverb, delay, and EQ Eight.
  • MIDI Effects: Tools for manipulating MIDI data, including arpeggiators and chord generators.
  • Multi-track Recording: Capability to record multiple tracks simultaneously with high fidelity.
  • Comping: A feature for combining multiple takes into a single, cohesive performance.
  • Export Options: Flexible export settings for rendering your project in various formats and quality levels.
read more...
  • Multi-Channel Recording: Capture up to 32 channels of high-resolution audio simultaneously.
  • Advanced Editing Tools: Utilize precise editing capabilities such as event-based editing, ripple editing, and spectral cleaning.
  • High-Resolution Audio Support: Work with audio files up to 64-bit/768 kHz for superior sound quality.
  • Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks by processing multiple files simultaneously with customizable scripts.
  • VST3 Effect Support: Integrate a wide range of third-party VST3 plugins for enhanced audio processing.
  • Noise Reduction: Employ sophisticated noise reduction tools to clean up audio recordings and remove unwanted background noise.
  • Mastering Suite: Access a comprehensive suite of mastering tools, including EQ, dynamics, and reverb, to polish your final mix.
  • CD Authoring: Create Red Book standard audio CDs with track markers, CD text, and ISRC codes.
  • Time Stretching and Pitch Shifting: Adjust the tempo and pitch of your audio without affecting its quality using advanced algorithms.
  • Script Editor: Write and execute custom scripts in JavaScript to automate complex tasks and enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Waveform and Spectral Views: Analyze and edit audio using both traditional waveform and detailed spectral views for greater precision.
  • DirectX Plugin Support: Expand your audio processing capabilities with support for DirectX plugins.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Monitor your audio in real-time with accurate metering and visualization tools.
  • ACID Loop Creation: Create and edit ACID loops for seamless integration with ACID Pro and other loop-based DAWs.
  • Audio Restoration: Restore old or damaged recordings with tools designed to remove clicks, pops, and other imperfections.
  • Customizable Interface: Tailor the user interface to your workflow with dockable windows, customizable toolbars, and keyboard shortcuts.
  • Surround Sound Editing: Edit and mix audio in various surround sound formats, including 5.1 and 7.1.
  • Integrated Help System: Access comprehensive documentation and tutorials directly within the software to assist with learning and troubleshooting.
read more...

Product Ranking

#7

among all
Audio Editing Software

#14

among all
Audio Editing Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

69
59
90
73
81
83
90
43
Show More Show More
Advanced Editing Tools
Audio Recording
Effects and Processing
Basic Editing Tools
Effects and Processing

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Ableton Live
Sound Forge
+ Add Product + Add Product
Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats And Conversion Audio Recording Basic Editing Tools Effects And Processing Platform Capabilities 90 81 90 85 90 73 73 83 43 80 87 61 0 25 50 75 100
75%
13%
12%
75%
0%
25%
75%
25%
0%
75%
25%
0%
67%
33%
0%
0%
67%
33%
60%
40%
0%
80%
0%
20%
73%
18%
9%
91%
0%
9%
50%
38%
12%
63%
0%
37%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

71%
29%
0%
57%
29%
14%
20%
20%
60%
20%
0%
80%

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Workflow: Ableton Live is designed to be a creative playground, allowing users to experiment with sounds and arrangements easily.
Live Performance Powerhouse: It excels in live performance settings, with features that support real-time manipulation of audio and MIDI.
Bundled Instruments and Effects: The software comes with a vast array of virtual instruments, effects, and loops, providing a comprehensive toolkit for music production.
User-Friendly Interface: The interface is noted for being intuitive and easy to navigate, which is beneficial for both beginners and seasoned producers.
Show more
Intuitive Workflow: Sound Forge is celebrated for its user-friendly design, enabling both novice and seasoned users to navigate its features with ease. Its straightforward approach simplifies audio editing tasks, making it an accessible choice for users of all skill levels.
Precision Editing: The software provides meticulous control over audio, allowing for detailed edits and adjustments. Users praise its fine-tuned tools, which empower them to achieve professional-grade results.
Comprehensive Toolset: Sound Forge offers a wide array of features, encompassing recording, editing, restoration, and mastering. This comprehensive suite eliminates the need for multiple software, streamlining the audio production process.
Efficient Processing: Features like batch processing expedite repetitive tasks, saving users valuable time. This efficiency is crucial for professionals handling large volumes of audio content.
High-Quality Output: Sound Forge is engineered to deliver pristine audio quality. Its support for high-resolution audio ensures that recordings and edits maintain their fidelity, meeting professional standards.
Show more
Browser Enhancements: Some users have reported that the browser, while improved in recent versions, could still benefit from further enhancements. For example, there's a desire for more customization options, such as the ability to remove or reorder tag categories to better suit individual workflows.
Missing Features: While Ableton Live is feature-rich, it still lacks some functionalities found in other DAWs. For instance, the absence of ARA 2 support limits its integration with advanced audio editing tools like Melodyne, potentially slowing down workflows that rely on these integrations.
Occasional Performance Issues: Although generally known for stability, some users have encountered performance issues, particularly with the latest version. These issues often manifest as increased CPU usage, requiring users to freeze or flatten tracks more frequently, which can disrupt the creative flow, especially in CPU-intensive projects.
VST3 Compatibility: There have been reports of compatibility issues with certain VST3 plugins, leading to performance problems like GUI lag and freezing. This can be a significant drawback for users who rely on those specific plugins, potentially necessitating workarounds or limiting their plugin choices.
Show more
Cost Compared to Alternatives: Some users find Sound Forge's pricing to be less competitive compared to free alternatives like Audacity, especially for users with basic audio editing needs.
Plugin Compatibility: Sound Forge has known issues with certain VST plugins, which can be a significant drawback for users who rely on specific third-party plugins for their workflow.
Potential Complexity: While praised for its professional tools, Sound Forge's extensive features can feel overwhelming for beginners or users with simple editing requirements, particularly when compared to more streamlined software.
Show more

Is Ableton Live able to live up to the hype? Recent user reviews suggest a resounding "yes," particularly for its performance-oriented design and intuitive workflow. Users consistently praise Ableton Live for its user-friendly interface, which caters to both beginners and seasoned producers. The software's strength lies in its seamless integration of live performance features, making it a favorite among electronic musicians and DJs. For instance, its session view allows for real-time looping and triggering of audio clips, setting it apart from traditional linear DAWs like Logic Pro X, which are more focused on studio production. However, some users point out the absence of certain features like ARA 2 integration and limited mouse wheel scroll functionality as drawbacks. While these limitations exist, Ableton Live compensates with its robust customization options and regular updates that address user feedback. Ultimately, Ableton Live emerges as the go-to DAW for musicians who prioritize live performance and intuitive electronic music production, particularly those already familiar with its unique workflow and features.

Show more

Can Sound Forge really forge its way to the top of the audio editing software heap? Recent user reviews suggest a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate its robust single-track editing capabilities, particularly for tasks like mastering and audio restoration, some find its limitations frustrating. Sound Forge shines with its intuitive interface and powerful tools like Normalize and Pitch Shift, making complex edits surprisingly approachable, even for beginners. The dedicated features for audiobook production, such as the Truncate Silence function and specialized export options, are a significant draw for audiobook creators. However, the lack of multi-track editing is a glaring omission, forcing users to juggle multiple programs for more complex projects. The price point also raises eyebrows, with some users balking at the cost compared to more affordable, albeit less feature-rich, alternatives like Audacity. Compatibility hiccups with certain Windows versions, especially older iterations of the software, further muddy the waters. In essence, Sound Forge is like a high-end sculpting knife: exceptional for detailed, single-focus work but ill-suited for larger, multi-layered projects. Its strengths lie in its specialized tools and user-friendly approach, making it a boon for podcasters, musicians working on individual tracks, and audiobook narrators. However, those seeking a comprehensive multi-track editing solution might find Sound Forge's single-track focus a deal-breaker and should look elsewhere.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Audio Editing Software


Adobe Audition

Audacity

AudioDirector 365

Cubase

FL Studio

GarageBand

GoldWave

Logic Pro

Ocenaudio

Pro Tools

Reaper

Reason Studios

Sound Forge

Soundtrap

Studio One

WavePad

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings