Ableton Move - standalone / portable device

Finger Drumming Gear / Software / Setup
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The Ableton Move looks interesting. Right now, there’s too little information / too many open questions for me. But what I really like about it that it’s clearly pad-controller centered and standalone.

It probably will not be as good for playing drums as the Yamaha FGDP from the smaller pads and the layout they chose. But on the other hand, it’s 4 track and you can also play bass / synth with it and use it as a looper / sequencer.

Here is a video where the actual workflow (which seems good / intuitive to me) can be seen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ra1nhrt6vI&pp=ygUNQWJsZXRvbiBNb3ZlIA%3D%3D

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Certainly looks interesting, but unless you need all the extra stuff, it’s about 40% more expensive than the Yamaha.

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So I will try to keep this short and provide some good information at the same time. The Move is an extension of Ableton’s Note app that is available on the App Store (your choice which) that is a musical sketch pad. Move is a physical controller version of Note and yes does include drum kit options to explore and the pad layout can be set up as you desire. It is very powerful when compared to the Yamaha which is a drum pad only. Move can be used in that manner but is so much more. Move can be used to create entire works that can then be transferred to Ableton Live or the Note app which can also be connected to Ableton Live. Also the Note app - about $9, comes with Ableton Live Lite for free. All three are designed to work alone - stand alone - or together. If you want to finger drum only, then the Move would be overkill. The main thing is yes it can be used as a drum machine but it can be so much more if that is what you are looking for. I personally would not spend that much money unless I wanted the “morel”. Just my two cents.

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I’ve had an Ableton Move for about a week now. I’m just getting into finger drumming (I play keyboards/guitars, and Ableton is my DAW of choice). I’m well into Push and Ableton Live.

I borrowed a Yamaha FGDP30 for a day - but the pads were of a totally different quality to the Move. Move registers every touch, with excellent control over velocity (however light). The FGDP30 didn’t register light touches at all.

The onboard speaker on the Move is pretty weedy - really you need headphones (standard minijack) or an external speaker (I got a Minirig 4).

The pads are small and excellent. I tried a Maschine in a music shop - and didn’t find them obviously easier to play. And the Move is highly portable and almost as easy to get going as the Yamaha.

So - I think I would recommend, especially if you are into Ableton Live.

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