Generate AI samples in Ableton Live

Before you start

You need an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later), macOS 14 or later, and Ableton Live running natively on Apple Silicon. This guide uses the VST3 version of Deai. It generates WAV audio samples, rather than MIDI notes or a complete Live arrangement.

The installer is about 3.6 GB and includes the model. Allow extra space for the download, installation, and generated audio.

1. Install Deai and enable VST3

Close Live, download Deai-0.2.5.pkg, and run the installer. Reopen Live and go to Settings (Preferences in some versions) → Plug-Ins. Enable Use VST3 Plug-In System Folders, then allow the plug-in scan to finish.

Deai installs its VST3 bundle at /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/deai.vst3. You do not need to select that folder as a custom plug-in folder.

2. Load Deai onto an audio track

Open Plug-Ins in Live’s browser and search for Deai. It may appear under the manufacturer EnterX. Drag the VST3 plug-in onto an audio track, then open its editor.

3. Describe the sound and generate

Enter a prompt such as dusty drum break, dry drums, no vocals or mellow electric piano chords, warm and soft. Choose a duration and number of takes, then click Generate.

Begin with a short sample and one take to hear how the prompt is interpreted. Treat these prompts as starting points: results vary, and generation time depends on your Mac and the requested duration.

To stop, click the same button when it reads Cancel. Closing Deai’s editor also requests cancellation in 0.2.5. Cancellation may wait for an in-progress processing step to finish.

4. Audition and drag the result into Live

Listen to the generated sample in Deai, then drag the result into an audio track in Live. You can arrange, trim, or warp the resulting WAV with Live’s normal audio tools.

Try changing one part of your prompt if the sound is close but not quite right: an instrument, texture, or playing style. If the timing does not fit your track, adjust the WAV in Live before arranging it.

If Deai does not appear

• Check that your Mac uses Apple Silicon and meets the macOS requirement.
• Confirm that Live runs natively on Apple Silicon and that VST3 system folders are enabled.
• Wait for scanning to finish, then search for Deai under Plug-Ins.
• If necessary, hold Option while clicking Rescan in Live’s Plug-Ins settings to perform a deep rescan.
• If you previously installed a manual test copy in your user Library, check for duplicate Deai bundles in both user and system plug-in folders.

For Live’s plug-in settings, see Ableton’s installation guide and missing plug-in troubleshooting. If you contact Deai support, include your Mac chip, macOS version, Live version, and the step where the issue occurs.

One purchase, with no monthly subscription

The free download includes 10 generations with export. A one-time US$49 license unlocks unlimited generation on up to five Macs. There are no generation credit top-ups. Purchased licenses require an internet connection for activation; audio generation then works offline.

Updating on the same Mac preserves your existing activation as long as the saved activation data remains. You can use samples in music you distribute or sell, subject to third-party rights. Exclusivity and non-infringement are not guaranteed. Read the license and model terms.