either purchase the Suite version of Live for $ 749 or invest in third party plugins to ensure that all the sonic bases are covered .
Lastly , historically Ableton Live has a strong track record of reliability during live performances while also maintaining high efficiency and low demand on the user ’ s computer . In my experience , I ’ ve found this to be absolutely true . Live is incredibly lean and powerful . Since MainStage 3 ’ s release in the mid 2010s various updates to the software have faired better than others when it comes to stability with a few unfortunate incremental updates in the books that drastically reduced performance for short periods of time . As it stands now MainStage 3 at version 3.5.1 has been a reliable build in my own experience and in the experience of our customer base at Sunday Sounds . Still , it ’ s worth mentioning that where Live has a nearly flawless track record long term , MainStage has been a bit more of a roller-coaster .
MAINSTAGE AT ITS BEST MainStage is an incredible option for those who already own a Mac computer ( or who would like to have one in general ) who want a fully customizable , visual way to interact with their sounds and workflows . Be prepared to spend some time upfront getting familiar with the way the workspace and patch management work and dialing in the sounds you need . Cross-compatibility of channel strip and patch
files is an added bonus for those who also use Logic Pro X for recording / mixing that makes it easy to add your favorite MainStage sounds to any Logic Project .
ABLETON LIVE AT ITS BEST Live ’ s most powerful features revolve around the ability to program complex automations and scene changes that while they take a good deal of time to program can be executed flawlessly during a live performance . Because Ableton Live is such an efficient program it ’ s also a great option for those who demand a high level of granular flexibility during live performances . For example , if you want to be able to call up any number of sounds in the moment while continuing to play already active sounds , Live is more than up for the task .
Live is also a great option for those who want to hide or minimize most of the elements of the software to remove distractions / margin for error and present a very simple ‘ play these sounds ’ workflow to volunteers .
CHOICES , CHOICES If you haven ’ t guessed by now , there ’ s no conclusive ‘ this software is better ’ answer here . Both softwares are incredible tools , suited for any number of use-cases , with their own strengths and weaknesses .
I will say that if you already own a Mac and you ’ re new to the idea of a software-based keys rig I ’ d recommend starting with MainStage . The low cost of entry coupled with the huge library of included sounds and a robust community of worship keys players already using MainStage mean you ’ ll have little to lose and lots to gain .
Some MainStage users over time feel they ‘ outgrow ’ MainStage as their rig and programming increase in complexity and they feel the appeal of Ableton Live ’ s more robust automation and programming features . Others find that MainStage sits right in the sweet spot of simplicity and power that can lead to even the most timid of volunteers getting excited about their part to play in the band .
Others start off with Ableton Live from the getgo and never look back , becoming comfortable with Live ’ s own programming workflows over time and taking advantage of the power-user features that have made it a staple for many live rigs for over fifteen years .
Whichever you choose , it ’ s never been more fun to be a worship keys player !
David Pfaltzgraff Founder and Lead Sound Designer at SundaySounds . com , a site that resources worship keys players and guitarists around the world . David currently resides in Des Moines , IA with his wife and two boys . He enjoys volunteering in his church ’ s worship ministry , old synthesizers , and a good super-hero movie .
SundaySounds . com