Move is a portable, four-track sampling sketchpad.

 

Ableton, the German music software company, is releasing a standalone instrument.

 

Move comes with 32 pressure-sensitive pads with velocity and polyphonic aftertouch, used to trigger a library of over 1,500 sounds. The software also integrates a 16-step sequencer and a speaker, and links easily with Live, Ableton’s market-leading DAW.

 

Move uses nine encoders to control a filter, an envelope, various sound modulation parameters and a bank of eight FX. It can sample audio via a line-in port or using an inbuilt mic. The workflow is arranged over four tracks that can be set up as pads, drums, a sampler or a range of other synth engines. A rechargeable battery gives the device four hours of power.

 

With Move, Ableton is looking to create a portable instrument that can be used to dream up and sketch out ideas, before importing them into Live for more in-depth arrangements. It’s WiFi-enabled to allow you to transfer sets into your DAW without any cabling and can also act as a controller for Live, like a cut-down version of Ableton’s Push devices.

 

Many of Move’s sounds will be familiar to Live users, though others are bespoke to Move, created through collaborations with artists including BNYX, DECAP, L.Dre and SoundOracle. The look and feel of the machine, the colours and the layout of the drum racks all closely match Live, and the workflow is designed to allow users to rapidly get creative.

 

Move is priced at $449, €449, £399. Watch a video to find out more.