Ableton Introduces Move Controller for Mobile Music Creation

Ableton, a company known for its advanced music production software, is set to launch a new product called Move. Slated for release next Monday, the Move controller is designed to facilitate musicians in capturing musical ideas while on the move, without the need for a smartphone or notebook connection. The device is powered by an internal battery that reportedly lasts up to four hours.

The Move controller allows musicians to record four tracks, utilizing instruments, drums, and samplers. These samplers can record sounds via a jack input or the in-built microphone. Sound playback is possible through a headphone connection or the device’s built-in speaker.

Comparatively, the Move controller is notably smaller and more affordable than the Push controller. The use of eight touch-sensitive endless controllers on Move allows for the manipulation of its parameters along with eight included effects. Musical tools provided include drum and instrument racks, drum samplers, and synthesizers. Users will also find various audio effects such as Channel EQ, Chorus Ensemble, Phaser Flanger, Redux, Saturator, Delay, and Reverb. Ableton indicates that more effects will be made available in the future.

Despite its extensive functionalities, the Move controller lacks a song mode for playing finished songs with different sections. Ableton has not mentioned this feature in their release, and the button layout appears to support this omission.

The Move controller’s connectivity features are minimalist, with necessary sockets for headphones, line-in, USB-MIDI, and USB-C for charging and computer connection. It mirrors the capabilities of Ableton’s mobile iOS app, allowing songs sketched in Move to be easily uploaded to Ableton Live via WLAN. It can also serve as a controller for Ableton Live, or for live performances without a laptop. Ableton states the Move controller is roughly half the size of its Push controller, yet it costs significantly less at 450 euros compared to the Push’s 1900 euros.

Ableton is also preparing to roll out version 12.1 of its Live music software. This update will include support for Move along with an auto-shift effect that aids in correcting singers and notes in real time, allowing for the creation of harmonized choirs from a single voice. The update also enhances the internal limiter and sampler while adding new MPE parameters for MIDI tracks. Additionally, Live will now analyze and tag users’ samples to expedite sound searches, a feature also applicable to the stand-alone version of Push 3.