Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a popular DAW software originally intended for sequencing live electronic performances though modern versions of the software include standard DAW features like timeline view and audio recording. Many artists use Ableton for live performance purposes because of its unique session clip-launcher and easy-to-use hardware mapping tools.

Live's live performance features are:
- Stripped down, clutter-free UI that was designed for ergonomic use on a single laptop screen

- Support for both VST and AU plugin formats

- A range of low-latency, high-quality stock audio plugins (called Audio Units in Ableton). Audio Units have the added benefit of being adjusted from within Abletons native UI rather than having to launch in a window.

- The ability to insert effects and processors on tracks during playback without glitching (also less relevant nowadays)

- Has versions for OSX and Windows which makes it easy to adopt regardless of hardware budget

Live's most notable performance feature is it's 'Session View', which appears at first glance to look like Microsoft Excel with its vast, infinitely expandable grid. The blocks on this grid can be used to play either MIDI or Audio clips, using MIDI clips to control instruments inside or outside of the box and audio clips that play back audio that you have recorded or imported from external sources, or created within the software.

Notable musicians who use Ableton include Flying Lotus (up until a bit after Cosmogramma), Deadmau5, Skrillex, Adam Beyer, Shadowchild, MUST DIE!, Kill the Noise, Laidback Luke, Dada Life, Bassjackers, Feed Me, Wolfgang Gartner, Diplo, RL Grime, Borgore, and A-Trak, among others.