Using Ableton LinkRequires Pro
Synchronize tempo and phase between Time-line Live and Ableton Link-enabled applications.
Time-line Live supports Ableton Link, allowing it to automatically share tempo (BPM) and beat phase with other Link-enabled applications on the network.
This keeps connected applications synchronized to the DJ set without having to send BPM or beat information through Node-RED.
If your show system supports Ableton Link, we recommend using Link for tempo synchronization. For systems that don't support Link, you can send BPM via OSC using the Send BPM via OSC example flow.
Enable Ableton Link
In Time-line Live, go to Settings → Network.
Enable Ableton Link. The status shows how many Link-enabled devices or applications are connected.
If the receiving system appears slightly ahead or behind the music, use the Offset slider to compensate for its latency.
Time-line Live follows the active deck and aligns Link's beat grid with it, so connected Link applications stay synchronized with what the audience is hearing.
Example: Resolume Arena
Enable Ableton Link in Arena's BPM controls (top of the interface). Arena's tempo now follows the active DJ deck. Beat-synced effects, autopilot transitions and BPM-synced clips stay synchronized automatically — no Node-RED required.
Ableton Link + Node-RED
Ableton Link keeps things in time. Node-RED decides what happens.
Use Link to synchronize tempo and beat phase. Use Node-RED to react to the musical structure detected by Time-line Live — Key Points, Progress, and more.
Used together, Link keeps your effects beat-synchronized while your Node-RED automations decide what happens and when.
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