I'm trying to get multiple different major versions of Ableton Live to connect via Link. I believe this should be possible but when I enable link between (for example) versions 10 and 12, they seem to not see each other. I can ping each computer from the other and they're set with static IPs on the same subnet so I know they can see each other. Should this be possible?

 

Grok:

Yes, connecting different major versions of Ableton Live (like 10 and 12) via Link should be possible. Ableton Link is designed as a cross-platform, version-agnostic synchronization protocol that works across all supported Live versions (from 9.6 onward, including 10 and 12), as well as with third-party apps and hardware, as long as they're on the same local network and properly configured. Official documentation and user reports confirm successful sync between mixed versions, such as Live 10 with Live 11 or 12. However, since you're experiencing issues despite confirmed network reachability (via ping and static IPs on the same subnet), the problem is likely related to common Link-specific hurdles like multicast discovery, port blocking, or setup quirks rather than version incompatibility.Quick Troubleshooting StepsHere's a structured checklist to get them connecting. Start from the top and test after each step—Link should show the peer count (e.g., "1" next to the Link toggle) once it works.

1. Verify Link is fully enabled in both versions
In each Live instance: Go to Preferences > Link MIDI tab, ensure Show Link Toggle is checked (it should highlight yellow). Then, click the Link button in the top-left transport bar to enable it (turns blue). Set the same Tempo and Time Signature in both for initial testing.
The toggle won't appear or function if not shown in prefs. Mismatched basics can prevent phase lock, even if connected.
2. Check and open firewall ports
On each computer: Temporarily disable firewalls (Windows Defender Firewall > Turn off; macOS System Settings > Network > Firewall > Off). If it works, re-enable and add exceptions for Live.exe (or Ableton Live.app) to allow UDP port 5353 (mDNS discovery) and 20808 (Link data).
Firewalls often block multicast traffic needed for Link to "see" peers, even if ICMP pings work. Static IPs don't bypass this.
3. Restart everything and test discovery
Close/reopen both Live instances, restart computers, and unplug/replug Ethernet cables. Ensure no VPNs, proxies, or Bluetooth interference. Try enabling Link on one machine first, wait 10-15 seconds, then on the second.
Clears cached network states. Link uses Bonjour/mDNS for auto-discovery, which can flake on restarts.
4. Confirm audio drivers (especially on Windows)
In Preferences > Audio, select an ASIO driver (not MME/DirectX). Avoid "No Audio Output" if testing playback.
Link requires low-latency drivers; MME can disable it entirely.
5. Test network multicast
From Command Prompt/Terminal on one machine: Run ping <other IP> (you already can). Then, install a free tool like iperf (if possible) and test UDP multicast: iperf -s -u -B 224.0.0.251 -p 5353 on one, and iperf -c 224.0.0.251 -u -p 5353 on the other. Or try a simple Bonjour test app. If multicast fails, check router settings for IGMP snooping (enable it) or switch to a direct Ethernet crossover cable.
Pings test unicast, but Link relies on multicast for peer discovery. Routers can drop this on subnets, even with static IPs. Wired Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi for this.
6. Update software
Ensure both Lives are on the latest point release (Live 10.1.XX, Live 12.1.XX via Help > Check for Updates). Update OS too.
Older builds have Link bugs; e.g., Live 12 early betas had sync drops with hardware, fixed in updates.
7. Isolate with a third-party test
Download a free Link app like "Link Test" (iOS/Android) or "Audiotool" (web). Enable Link in it and one Live— if they connect but the two Lives don't, it's a Live-specific conflict (rare).
Rules out network vs. software issues.
Additional Notes

• Running multiple Lives simultaneously: This is supported and common for testing/mixing versions, but avoid it for heavy production to prevent CPU strain.
• If still stuck: Check Ableton's Link Troubleshooting guide for OS-specific tips (e.g., macOS Sequoia prompts for network access). User forums like Reddit's r/ableton often report similar issues resolved by firewall tweaks or router resets. If it's a router firmware bug, try a different switch/router.
• Once connected, enable Start/Stop Sync in Preferences (Link tab) on both for shared transport control.

If none of this resolves it, share your OS versions, exact Live builds, and any error messages for more targeted advice!