Ableton just dropped Move for Beatmakers

Ableton Move: A Portable Powerhouse for Music Creation

Ableton Move is a new, compact, battery-powered piece of hardware that brings the power of Ableton Note to your fingertips without needing an iPhone. With built-in MIDI sequencing, sampling, and all the synth and drum machine capabilities you’d expect from Ableton, this device offers a truly portable music-making experience. Priced at 449 EUR/USD, it’s a game-changer for musicians on the go.

The leaked images were spot-on – it’s essentially a smaller version of Push. But there’s more to it than that. After testing a unit for a few weeks, I’ve dug deep into the features, workflow, and what really sets this device apart.

The Ultimate Portable Studio

At its core, Ableton Move is a sampler, a grid-based instrument, and a portable version of Ableton Live all rolled into one sleek device. The device runs on the same engine as the Ableton Note iOS app but is housed in dedicated hardware. Unlike the standalone Push 3, which is powered by Intel NUC, the Move runs on ARM architecture, similar to Apple’s Silicon chips.

With dedicated controls like a touch-sensitive grid, encoders, a built-in display, and numerous Push-style functions, Move brings hands-on control to the portable experience. It features USB-C connectivity, MIDI in/out via minijack, and sampling through an internal microphone or line input. Portability is key – with a rechargeable battery, Wi-Fi capabilities, and compatibility with USB-C power sources, you can use it anywhere. And if you need it to work as a controller for Ableton Live on your desktop, it’s ready for that too.

Versatile Use Cases

Ableton Move can fit into various creative workflows:

1. Compact Sampler: Use it as a standalone sampler, ready for quick sound manipulation.
2. Portable Sequencer: Its built-in step sequencer makes beat-making and composition seamless, no matter where you are.
3. Mobile Flexibility: Move files easily between Ableton Note on iOS and the Move itself, enabling a smooth mobile workflow.
4. Desktop Integration: Use Move as a portable scratchpad for Ableton Live projects, with hands-on control, or as a more affordable and portable version of Push.
5. MIDI Controller: In controller mode, it serves as a mini Push, ideal for those who need to take their setup on the road or work in tighter spaces.

All this comes at a fraction of the price of Push 3, though you miss out on some of Push’s newer features, like its expressive grid. However, at this price point, Ableton Move offers incredible value, especially when compared to other devices in its category.

Premium Build and Design

The build quality of Ableton Move is a highlight, with its touch-sensitive grid, responsive buttons, and sturdy encoders. While it doesn’t feature the expressive capabilities of Push 3’s grid, it does retain velocity and pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced performance. It has a weighty, premium feel that’s leagues ahead of many comparable devices, like the Novation Circuit or Korg Electribe.

Standalone Power at a Lower Price

What truly sets the Move apart is its ability to bring standalone features usually reserved for higher-end gear into a more affordable package. With up to four tracks (each assignable to drum, melodic, or sampling modes), built-in instruments like Drum Sampler and Wavetable, and effects like Reverb and Phaser-Flanger, Move punches well above its weight.

Sampling, for example, is particularly appealing. Whether you’re using the built-in mic, line input, or resampling from tracks, you can easily capture and manipulate sounds. This, combined with the four-track limit, keeps things intuitive and focused, making it a great tool for fast, creative sessions.

Connectivity and Workflow

Move’s built-in Wi-Fi unlocks even more potential. Not only can it update itself wirelessly, but it also allows for file transfers between devices like Ableton Note, Push 3, and even Ableton Live on desktop. Ableton Link ensures tight synchronization with other Ableton hardware or software, making it easier to collaborate or jam with others.

The Move also supports MIDI connectivity via USB-A, which may raise eyebrows, but this allows for integration with many affordable MIDI devices. It might be compact, but it’s no lightweight when it comes to functionality.

Streamlined Workflow

One of the Move’s strongest features is its streamlined workflow. It’s simple and intuitive, with dedicated buttons for key functions like sampling, capture, looping, and undo. Unlike Push, where some functions require multiple steps, Move’s design makes it easy to jump into music creation. A row of step sequencer buttons along the bottom lets you sequence beats quickly in classic x0x fashion, while the action buttons on the right offer direct access to key features without needing to rely on shift commands.

This simplicity makes Move feel faster and more fun to use than Push in some ways. Whether you’re finger-drumming, sequencing beats, or layering samples, the workflow feels natural and immediate. Even the one-button sampling feature is ingeniously designed for quick inspiration.

Where It Shines, and Where It Could Grow

Move excels in portability, workflow simplicity, and seamless integration with Ableton’s ecosystem. However, there are areas for improvement. The lack of a slice function for samples, for instance, slows down the process when trying to chop up loops or create drum kits from samples. This feels like a feature that should eventually make its way into the device via updates.

Nevertheless, Move’s ability to handle sampling, sequencing, and sound manipulation, combined with its compact design and affordable price, makes it a compelling choice for any musician looking for a portable music-making solution.

Conclusion

At under $500, Ableton Move offers an impressive range of features and an intuitive workflow in a highly portable package. Whether you’re looking for a mobile scratchpad, a compact sequencer, or a flexible sampler, Move checks a lot of boxes. While it doesn’t have every feature you’ll find in Push 3 or other high-end standalone devices, it offers an incredible amount of functionality for the price.

If you’re already deep into the Ableton ecosystem or just want a versatile, portable music-making tool, Move is an easy recommendation. Its potential for growth through software updates, combined with its robust hardware design, suggests that it could become a staple for musicians everywhere.

Ableton has created something truly exciting here – a new platform that combines the best of Live, Note, and Push into a device that’s ready to take on the world of mobile music production.