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

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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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