# Knobbler — Ableton Live Touch Control

> Mobile controller for Ableton Live parameter control and navigation. (iPhone/iPad app by ZACHARY STEINKAMP.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knobbler/id6740183923 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [ZACHARY STEINKAMP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788806068)
- Category: Music, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $14.99)
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 16 App Store ratings · 23 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 38 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-02-21
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knobbler/id6740183923/reviews.md

## What is Knobbler?

Knobbler turns your iPhone or iPad into an auto-labeling, auto-coloring, multitouch parameter control and navigation surface for Ableton Live. 

Ableton Live 12 Suite or Ableton Live 12 Standard with the Max for Live add-on is required.

Simply add the free Knobbler4 device to your Live Set and use the Knobbler app to use your iPhone or iPad to control devices and parameters. 

** Control every parameter and build a customized interface, including sliders and X-Y pads that is saved with your Live sets.
** Navigate your tracks, groups, racks and devices faster and easier than ever.
** Full screen Cilps and Mixer views keep you connected to your music.
** Session View gives you a combined clips and mixer view for full control.
** Full access to capture and recall rack variations.
** Navigate cue points and locators in your set.
** Engage Spring mode for momentary effects.

Visit https://plugins.steinkamp.us/m4l-Knobbler4 to download the Ableton Live device to use with this app.

Map parameters in your Ableton Live set to unmapped sliders on the tablet with a single touch. No need to enter and exit a mapping mode. Access every parameter in the currently selected device, directly on the phone or tablet.

Parameter mapping configuration is saved with your Live Set, so you can switch between songs with minimal friction. Track, device, and parameter names are kept synchronized with your Live Set as you change them, even track colors!

Parameter sliders and values are updated in real time, with the same units (e.g. dB, ms, %) displayed as what you see in Live. Double tap a slider on the tablet to reset the parameter to its default value.

Swipe in the Navigation controls on the right side to dive into your tracks, groups, racks, and devices faster than ever before.

Swipe in from the left to show a channel strip with familiar mixer controls, including color-coded sends.

Works on phones and tablets, even in multi-window view on the latest IOS 26.

Knobbler is there to keep you out of the computer and in the creative moment, unlocking more of your music making potential.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Auto-labeling and auto-coloring control surface
- Multitouch parameter control
- Customizable interface saved with Live sets
- Real-time parameter updates with units
- Fast track, group, and device navigation
- Channel strip mixer controls

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Knobbler Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Knobbler Annual | $9.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Knobbler Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 23)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knobbler/id6740183923/reviews.md

### 5/5 — the best ableton app

*2026-08-19*

this is literally the best ableton live control app !! thanks

### 3/5 — Please brighten it up

*2026-08-08*

Thanks for making this app.  Honestly, I like touchable more for my live shows, but it will not be useable with future macos versions.  Please brighten the clips and make it more readable.  Also, I would love to be able to drag in instruments to tracks from the User Library.  I know I’m asking for a lot- looking for a replacement for touchable.  Thank you.

### 5/5 — The search is over

*2026-07-19*

Seamless extension for Live— have probably 10 midi controllers but this takes the cake—- mapping and navigation is a dream

**Developer response:** ❤️❤️❤️ I'm glad it's working well for you.

### 5/5 — I love it

*2026-07-10*

Best digital mixer and fx controller in one for Ableton.

**Developer response:** 🫶🫶🫶

### 5/5 — Knobbler is Essential

*2026-06-16*

Zack, the developer, has created a phenomenal tool. Simply position your iPad in a convenient spot for playing your instrument or mixing, and you’ll soon forget you have Ableton Live running on your computer. It’s incredibly easy to set up and works seamlessly. If you play an instrument that makes it challenging to position a screen in a convenient location, give Knobbler a try. And if you have an Apple Vision Pro, you can place the screen anywhere you want. Controlling Live in the air feels like magic.

### 5/5 — A Must Have

*2026-06-06*

I retired early mostly to work on Knobbler. I built it from my own needs in using Ableton Live to make music. No other controller has the level of automated integration with Ableton Live. Literally zero setup after the one-tap connect. The mappings are saved with each set. It's what Ableton has been without.

### 5/5 — Best Ableton iPad app

*2026-05-27*

Zack has made one of the most intuitive and responsive Ableton controllers I’ve tried. Latency is near 0 for anyone concerned about that.

### 5/5 — Just try it

*2026-04-13*

The app continues to improve. It is now the best tablet/phone controller for Live by a stretch. Works so well and integrates into the workflow seamlessly. The developer is constantly adding new features. Incredible value.

**Developer response:** 🎉

### 5/5 — Knobbler on every project.

*2025-12-14*

The short of it : Knobbler is amazing. It creates an incredibly elegant, intuitive, and valuable connection between my brain and Ableton.

The longer bit : I think thoughtful interfaces for digital creative pursuits are critical. BUT I have TOO many midi controllers that have proven less than revolutionary after extensive use (except Push 2 which stays in heavy rotation). Knobbler speeds up getting to the device you need in the moment. It lets me tweak multiple parameters simultaneously using my HANDS. It is customizable to your needs in a click and a tap. It has almost zero learning curve. Knobbler rules because it immediately removes creative friction and is a focused tool that is not trying to “kitchen sink” the problem. That is all that matters, and after trying and using countless interfaces, Knobbler is the one that does it best for me. Highly recommended.

### 3/5 — MASSIVE POTENTIAL

*2025-09-07, version 2025.8.26*

Knobbler is a powerful idea at its core — it’s not just another iOS MIDI controller. What sets it apart is that it already goes beyond basic control and steps into the realm of remote engineering. As long as my PC and Ableton are running, I don’t even need a mouse, keyboard, or second screen. Knobbler gives me the freedom to mix and monitor remotely, walking around the studio and making adjustments on the fly.

That said, the app still feels like it’s in the early stages of realizing its full potential. At £45, the price feels a little steep for its current scope, even though the concept is strong. I’d love to see Knobbler expand with deeper visualisation tools, a more refined interface, and advanced mixing features — things that would let engineers rely on it as a true remote companion.

If it continues in this direction, I could easily see Knobbler justifying a much higher price and becoming a legendary Ableton tool. For now, it’s an exciting step forward, but it still feels like it’s “cooking.”

## Frequently asked questions about Knobbler

### What version of Ableton Live is required for Knobbler?

Knobbler requires Ableton Live 12 Standard with the Max for Live add-on, or Ableton Live 12 Suite. The free Knobbler4 device must be added to your Live Set to use the app.

### Does Knobbler have ads?

No, Knobbler does not contain advertisements. It is a free app with optional in-app purchases for subscription plans.

### What are the subscription options for Knobbler?

Knobbler offers a 'Knobbler Monthly' subscription for $0.99 per month and a 'Knobbler Annual' subscription for $9.99 per year, providing ongoing access to its features.

### How does Knobbler save parameter mappings?

Parameter mapping configurations are saved directly with your Ableton Live Set. This allows for seamless switching between songs and projects without needing to reconfigure controls.

### Can I reset a parameter to its default value using Knobbler?

Yes, you can reset any parameter to its default value by double-tapping its slider on your iPhone or iPad. This provides quick adjustments and error correction.

### What devices does Knobbler support?

Knobbler is designed to work on iPhones and iPads, and supports multi-window view on the latest iOS versions. It is compatible with devices running iOS 4+.

### How often is Knobbler updated?

Knobbler was last updated on March 30, 2026, with version 2026.3.29. This indicates a recent update and ongoing development.

### What is the user sentiment for Knobbler?

Knobbler has a high user rating of 4.9 stars from 10 ratings, suggesting a very positive reception from its user base.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2026.8.4 — 2026-08-11

NEW: Track Width
* Mixer, Session, and Clips pages have a new Width button in the toolbar. Long-press it and *without lifting your finger* slide left to narrow the track columns or right to widen them. Range is 50%-200%.
* New Scroll Lock setting (Setup > Mixer): when on, a fader drag on the mixer page can't slip sideways into an accidental left/right pan.

### 2026.6.17 — 2026-07-02

* Clip progress indicators on the Session page
* Clip progress shows clip length when recording
* Triggered recording clips pulsate like triggered play
* Fix: What's new modal content now scrolls on phone layouts

### 2026.6.15 — 2026-06-19

* Now with progress/loop count indicators on the Clips page when used with v67 or newer of the Knobbler4 Max for Live device.
* Try Knobbler for 30 more days if your trial has expired. Knobbler has come a long way in the last couple of months and I think it's worth another shot.
* Mixer track-name headers match height of the track buttons in the side nav, with return and main track icons
* Page nav now adapts to smaller tablet screens and windows
* X-Y pad renders properly on rotation and resize, and with all configurations

### 2026.6.2 — 2026-06-09

* Instant page switching, now even on the largest sets — moving between the Knobbler, Bluhand, Mixer, Session, and Clips pages is immediate no matter how big your Live set is
* Volume fader now mirrors Ableton Live's fader exactly — the handle sits at the same height as Live's fader at every level
* Many more reliability and performance enhancements making this the best Knobbler yet!

### 2026.5.25 — 2026-05-29

Together with v64 or newer of the Knobbler4 Max for Live device, you can now Multiplayer Knobbler - disconnect Knobbler from Live's track/device selection. Jam with friends or set up stations around your studio. Another big new feature: swap Knobbler slider assignments. This lets you easily rearrange your Knobbler pages. It even works properly with XY pads. Also, open the Cue Points window to see a timeline of your song with cue points and playhead position shown. Drag or set Loop start/end points. Long press Tempo to then slide left or right to change it. No typing necessary.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*