Ableton Move - The DJS1000/Force killer?

Clearly a clickbait title but…
This thing looks quite interesting. “Small form factor and not too complicated…”

  • Standalone
  • Built in sampler
  • Step Sequencer
  • Integrates with other devices
  • Connects to ableton to add files/samples/loops

Ableton Link is built in to allow you to connect and sync!

(Ave Mcree has a “watch me review the commercial video” which is worth searching for - I would link it but there are swears!!)

I get that it is not a force killer but it does seem like an interesting option and could be a good clip launch/sample add on for DJ gear. Check it out here:

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This has a lot to catch up with what Akai Force offers.

But I would rather see a sampler like this:

TBH - that would sell out super quick!

I use a DJS 1000 and the missing link to join it to the Prime 4. If only we could reset Ableton link then it would be perfect!!

I am currently trying to recreate everything using an SP404mk2 and Roland T8 to see if I can get what I want out of it!!

Did you tried Time tosser?

I have never seen that!! Just watching the explainer now!!

Does it rely on Send<>Receive or does it just plug into the master out?

It is nicely described here:

Standalone - Use the tap-tempo key to tap in sync with the music. From this, Timetosser learns the length of 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 notes, as well as their triplets.

MIDI IN - Another option is to sync to midi-clock. By connecting the supplied mini-jack to DIN-5 adapter cable to the sync input, Timetosser is able to synchronise to an incoming midi-clock signal.

Analog Gate - The sync input also supports analog gate voltages. To use analog gate sync, just connect a standard mono mini-jack cable to the sync input directly. ​ MIDI OUT - Having both a MIDI-input and output means these will be usable from within your DAW software when Timetosser is connected to your computer. But the true advantage comes when Timetosser is used in standalone-mode. Since Timetosser detects the tempo of the incoming audio, the MIDI-output can be used to send out that tempo. This means you can synchronise your MIDI-gear and have them play in time with anything you feed into Timetosser. We’re very excited about the possibilities this brings: blur the lines between deejaying and live performing by having synths and drum machines play alongside your tracks.

By pressing any of the keys of the upper row, you basically select a delay that is a multiple of the selected note length. By playing patterns using the upper keys, we can keep changing the delay time (in real-time!) in a way that we can repeat a note, or change the order of the music entirely.

The Move does come in under the cheapest MPC, and I guess if you’re a Live user already, the integration is better, and it’s more portable.

If you just want something to load drum loops into and sync over Link, then it will suffice - the small screen won’t matter, and you can grow into the production side (connect it to Live for a fuller experience).

I don’t think it does standalone warping though, unlike the Push…

Okie - I have taken the plunge - hopefully it will arrive this week and I can test it out. I understand the limitations but am looking forward to seeing how it interacts…

The latest sketch pad from Ableton (a standalone groove box) brings the power and tactile nature of the DJS 1000 to any standalone DJ device. And - it has Ableton link which makes it sync with Denon Prime hardware.

It really works - if you just want an in-sync groove box that will sound awesome - it’s amazing!

Ableton Move is an awesome little device which can spice up your dj sets with drums/synths/samples all layered with FX!!

There are a few drawbacks but these can probably be over come with time (or future updates!!). This is quite simply feels like a must have accessory with a smaller learning curve than the force and no Pion€€r price tag!!

I am looking to do a feature comparison but am happy to answer questions on this now that I have both on the rack!

  • Step sequencing
  • Many drum racks
  • Custom samples
  • Full sound design control
  • Onboard synths
  • Resampling and chopping
  • External midi hardware connectivity

I’m pleased you’re happy with it! One negative that might be worth mentioning from a DJ point of view is that unlike the standalone Push 3, the Move doesn’t have onboard warping.

However, I believe it does now qualify as the cheapest standalone unit with Link.

True - there is a sample stretch but not a true warp! Maybe in the future! In the meantime you can chop a sample and then add to the step sequencer via midi (to kinda warp!)