Reference Manual

564 Synchronization and ReWire
31.2 Connecting via ReWire
Live supports the ReWire interface for connecting with another ReWire-compatible audio pro-
gram running on the same computer.
The ReWire technology, developed by Propellerhead Software, provides ReWire-compatible
programs with:
•common access to the audio hardware;
•shared transport functionality;
•synchronization to audio word clock and song positioning;
•exchange of audio streams.
The programs in a ReWire connection play distinct roles: The ReWire master accesses the audio
hardware and provides mixing facilities; the ReWire slave(s) have no direct link to the audio
hardware, but instead send their audio output into the Master’s mixer.
Common ReWire master applications are Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Digital Performer,
Sonar and Max/MSP. Common ReWire slave applications are Reason, Rebirth, Storm, Project 5
and Max/MSP. Live can act as both a ReWire master and slave.
Note that the ReWire protocol itself does not consume much CPU power. However, as expected,
running two audio-intensive programs on the same computer requires more resources than run-
ning a single program.
31.2.1 Running Live in ReWire Master Mode
The step-by-step procedure for sending MIDI to and receiving audio from a ReWire slave pro-
gram is presented in the routing chapter (page 176).
31.2.2 Running Live in ReWire Slave Mode
In ReWire slave mode, Live can both receive MIDI from, but also send audio to the master ap-
plication. All of Live’s MIDI tracks are accessible to the master application as destinations for