Meet Move: Ableton’s New Standalone Instrument for On-the-Go Creativity

Ableton Move: Portable Music Making Device

Meet Move: Ableton’s New Standalone Instrument for On-the-Go Creativity

Portrait of musicmanta author Christof Baer with blue tint in circular shape
Christof Baer
last updated this article on 
October 8, 2024
 and first floated it on 
October 8, 2024
Ableton Move

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Groove on the Move with Ableton

Ableton has introduced Move, a new standalone instrument designed for musicians to capture ideas whenever inspiration strikes. With its portable design, intuitive workflow, and a library of over 1,500 sounds and presets, Move aims to make music creation accessible and enjoyable on the go.

A Portable Solution for Immediate Music Making

Key Features

  • Portable Design: Lightweight with a battery life of up to four hours on a single charge.
  • 32 Polyphonic Aftertouch Pads: Responsive pads that react independently to pressure.
  • 16-Step Sequencer: For quick rhythm and melody creation.
  • Built-In Speaker and Microphone: Allows for sampling and playback without external equipment.
  • Flexible Tracks: Four tracks that can be set as drum kits, samplers, or instruments.
  • 16 Pitches Layout for Drums: Turn a single drum hit into a bassline or melody (available with Move 1.1 update).

Sound Library and Effects

  • Core Library: Over 1,500 sounds and presets from Ableton’s sound design team and collaborators like BNYX, DECAP, and L.Dre.
  • Audio Effects: Eight built-in effects including reverb, delay, and saturator.
  • Effect Assignment: Up to two effects per track and two on the master output.

Controls

  • Touch-Sensitive Encoders: Nine endless rotary encoders for shaping sounds.
  • Backlit Pads: 32 pads for playing notes, beats, samples, and clips with visual feedback.

Integration with Ableton Live

  • Seamless Workflow: Transfer projects to Ableton Live via Wi-Fi and Ableton Cloud.
  • Move Manager: Manage and share projects easily.
  • Control Surface: Functions as a compact controller for Ableton Live software.

Move comes with Ableton Live 12.1 Intro, which now includes:

  • Auto Shift: Pitch correction and harmonization feature.
  • Drum Sampler: A compact sample player.
  • Sound Auto-Tagging: Improved organization of sounds.

Our View

Ableton’s Move appears to be a promising tool for musicians seeking portability and ease of use. Its integration with Ableton Live could benefit those already familiar with the software, offering a cohesive ecosystem for music production. The inclusion of a substantial sound library and built-in effects provides users with ample resources to start creating immediately.

However, the four-hour battery life may be a limitation for extended use without access to charging facilities. Additionally, while Move offers a range of features, it remains important to assess whether it meets individual needs, especially when compared to other devices in the market.

Pricing

Availability: Ableton Move is available now on Ableton’s website and select retailers.

Pricing:

USD: $449

EUR: €449

GBP: £399

Included Offers: Comes with Ableton Live 12 Intro and free practice lessons from Melodics.

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