Tempo and beat synchronization across applications on the same network — the perfect complement to TimecodeLink's timeline sync.
Ableton Link is a protocol developed by Ableton that synchronizes tempo, beat phase, and transport state across multiple applications on the same network. It's peer-to-peer — no master clock, no configuration — apps simply discover each other and lock together.
Link was originally designed for music apps to jam together, but it has been adopted by show control software like Pangolin BEYOND, Resolume, and others for BPM-driven visual effects.
Ableton Link and TimecodeLink solve different synchronization problems:
For the best results, use both together: Ableton Link for BPM-driven effects, and TimecodeLink for timeline-driven show programming.
TimecodeLink integrates the Ableton Link SDK directly, joining the Link session as a native peer. This allows TimecodeLink to read the current BPM and beat phase from the Link session and use them for output calculations — no additional software or bridges required.
Both Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox support Ableton Link natively — enabling Link in the DJ software automatically shares tempo with the entire Link session, including show control software.
Ableton Link is peer-to-peer. Apps on the same network automatically discover each other — no master/slave setup, no MIDI routing.
Link doesn't just share BPM — it shares beat phase. All connected apps know exactly where "beat 1" is, enabling tight rhythmic sync.
Built into Serato, Rekordbox, Ableton Live, Pangolin BEYOND, Resolume, and hundreds of music and visual performance apps.
TimecodeLink bridges your DJ software with show control systems using professional timecode output.