Ableton Link synchronizes tempo across apps by group adoption rather than a central master clock

Ableton Link is a local network protocol that synchronizes beat, tempo, phase, and transport state across multiple apps without designating any single app as the tempo master. Any participant can propose a new tempo at any time; all others adopt whichever tempo value they last received on the network. During simultaneous edits by multiple participants, tempos may briefly diverge, but the network converges quickly to a common value. This peer-to-peer approach mirrors how traditional musicians adapt to each other — no conductor required. Apps discover each other automatically on the local network; any device can join or leave without disrupting other participants.

Examples

Three apps on two laptops joined via Link: Ableton Live at 120 BPM, VCV Rack (with Link module), Strudel in a browser. Any of the three can drag the tempo knob and the others follow within milliseconds. TidalCycles and openFrameworks apps with Link bindings can join the same session.

Assessment

Explain what happens to the tempo of other Link participants when two apps simultaneously change tempo in opposite directions. Why does Link not designate a master clock?