Using Move to control Ableton Live

You can use Move in Control Live Mode to control Ableton Live, by connecting it via USB-C to your computer. In most cases, Live will automatically configure the Move Control Surface, so you can begin using it immediately. Only one Move at a time can be used to control the same instance of Ableton Live. For more information, visit Control Live Mode in the Move manual.

To switch modes on Move, press Shift  + Step 2  to open Setup, then select and click Control Live.

MIDI in Control Live Mode
Setting up Move as a control surface
Troubleshooting MIDI devices on macOS

MIDI in Control Live Mode

• MIDI devices connected via Move's USB-A port can be used to control Live. Connected MIDI devices are bundled and forwarded to your computer with the MIDI device name Ableton Move (External Port).
• Sending USB MIDI via Move's USB-A port is disabled in Control Live Mode. 

Setting up Move as a control surface

To set up Move to control Live, open Live, and connect Move via its USB-C port to the computer. Once automatically configured, the Control Surface section Live's Settings should look as pictured here:

Troubleshooting Move as a control surface

If Move is not recognized as a Control Surface, follow these steps:

1. Update Ableton Live from your Ableton account. Install the latest version of Live 11 or Live 12 to use Move as a control surface.
2. Make sure the USB-C cable is firmly connected.
3. Try a different USB-C cable.
4. Open Setup on Move and make sure Move is in Control Live Mode
5. Disconnect Move from your computer, wait at least 5 seconds, then reconnect.

Note: As of the release of Live 12.2, Move's control script for Live 11 will no longer be developed. However, Move's Live 11 Control Script will continue to work with future firmware updates to Move. 

Troubleshooting MIDI devices on macOS

When Move controls Live, any MIDI devices connected to Move's USB-A port are bundled and forwarded to your computer with the MIDI device name Ableton Move (External Port). 

Note: if you previously connected Move while on software version 1.4.1 or older, your Mac may not automatically recognize the Ableton Move (External Port).

To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect Move from your Mac.

2. From macOS Finder, open Go → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup → MIDI Studio, locate the Ableton Move device, and delete it. 

3. Reconnect Move to your computer.

This will allow macOS to correctly detect and register the updated MIDI port configuration.