Ableton Forum

Hello All,

I’m part of a live electronic band using Ableton Link. We run 3 instances of Live on MacBooks for our live set. When performing live we create a network and all connect to that network and use Ableton Link. However, over the course of 40+ shows last year we encountered instances of one member falling off of the Link connection during live sets. We also had issues establishing the initial link which proved unreliable at times. This is obviously a problem for electronic music where we need to be synced to the BPM for launching clips on time, our drummer having the proper click in his ear, etc.

We think a potential solution would be to use a physical Link via Ethernet/Thunderbolt. We noted that the Ableton Link FAQ states that with Ethernet or Thunderbolt Cable - directly connect two computers using either Ethernet or Thunderbolt cables, both of which are capable of transmitting network data.’ - https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003279779
It also lists Lightning Cable (iOS) as an option.

Wondering if anyone has experience physically linking 3 (or more) instances of Ableton via cable? Any suggestions or tips on capability of directly connecting via Ethernet/Thunderbolt cable?

We’re all running Ableton 10.1.43, however, we’re using different Mac OSX versions due to different MacBook hardware upgrades, software upgrades, etc. we’re running:
MacBook 1 - Ventura 13.5.1
MacBook 2 - Monterey 12.4
MacBook 3 - Big Sur 11.7.10

We’re also wondering if the different operating systems might be a cause of the network Link issues? If we can’t use a physical link we’ll likely try confirming all of our operating systems to 1 version.

Thanks for any guidance!

Jordan

The version of MacOS shouldn't matter as far as I understand. Also, the lightning cable was specifically for iOS devices (not macbooks).

I would avoid depending on WiFi for something as important as staying in sync for performance. Hardwired is the way to go.

Someone else may have better advice on a specific model, but a basic router that has enough switch ports on the back would do the job. Often they have like four ports for plugging in devices directly. It should be affordable enough to even get a 2nd one for a backup. It should be pretty much setup out of the box for you, but having an IT person look things over is always good. I would recommend turning off the Wifi radio entirely for security reasons. Since you will be hardwired, it won't matter anyway.

As far as adapters, the thunderbolt 2 to ethernet adapters always work great for me for older Macbooks. For USB-C / thunderbolt 3, I have had varied results. I would look for a multipurpose hub with good reviews that has an ethernet port on it. I have one by QGeeM that has worked for me that doesn't seem to be made anymore, but they have one like it on amazon it seems.

Hope that helps!

Hi Trevor being Trevor,

Thanks so much for the reply! This is exactly what we were looking for and hadn’t thought of hardwiring with Ethernet for the direct link. Absolutely agree on not depending on WiFi for our performances, that was the main issue we experienced…interruptions to the WiFi network dropping our link during live sets.

We’ve purchased all of the components needed for the hardwired Ethernet set up. One of the band mates actually had a router with four ports in the back that we’re going to try out. Good idea to have an IT person check out the finished set up and to get a backup router as well. We’ll let you know how it turned out once we have everything connected!

Thanks for the clarification on the lightening cable being applicable to iOS devices, not MacBooks.

Thanks again!
Jordan

So…? Did it work?
Having the same issue here.