Move Everything Unlocks Synths, Effects, and True Accessibility for Ableton Move
Shadow Mode and Screen Reader Turn Move Into an Open Platform
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Move Everything Unlocks Synths, Effects, and True Accessibility for Ableton Move · Source: Charles Vestal/YouTube
Move Everything gives Ableton’s compact mobile hardware, Move, an expansion that goes far beyond just “a few extra features.” For users, this primarily means one thing: significantly more freedom on hardware that was originally designed as a closed system. Instead of being limited to the built-in components, you can install and run your own synthesizers, effects, and controllers alongside the original system. That’s where the real step forward begins.
All About Move Everything for Ableton Move
Move Everything in Shadow Mode Offers More Slots and Effects Without Manufacturer Support
Move Everything runs in Shadow Mode alongside the existing firmware. It does not replace the original system but expands its capabilities. You can add extra instrument slots, master effects, and even full controller apps while maintaining Move’s familiar workflow. This goes far beyond a simple feature update and fundamentally redefines what the device is capable of.
At the same time, users and testers should create proper backups and understand the available recovery options. Move Everything is an unofficial hack and is not supported by the manufacturer.
With official Firmware 2.0, things become even more compelling. Audio tracks can now be used, and signals can be routed directly through additional effects. In combination with Link Audio, you can create setups that previously required external hardware.
Internal sounds can be expanded, external sources can be integrated, and custom signal chains can be defined. As a result, Move Everything transforms the groovebox into an open platform that feels closer to a modular software environment than a fixed hardware device. Exciting indeed.
Dexed, Surge XT, Braids, Accessibility, and More Come to Move
A number of well-known open-source projects are already available in the module ecosystem. Dexed, Surge XT, and ports of Mutable Braids significantly expand the sonic palette. Additional effects, including tape delays, reverbs, saturation, and even a neural amp modeler, significantly broaden the creative range.
Advanced MIDI tools, such as a sidechain ducker and deeper controller integrations, are also possible. This naturally raises the question of whether commercial VST plugins could eventually run within the Move ecosystem. If that becomes a reality, it would elevate the hardware’s long-term value even further.
A true milestone lies in the area of accessibility. Move Everything can optionally integrate a built-in screen readerdirectly into the device. This makes Move the first fully standalone groovebox to provide genuine support for blind and visually impaired musicians. The system reads out controls using text-to-speech and allows users to adjust speed, pitch, and volume without the need for a smartphone or computer. This clearly distinguishes the Move approach from previous solutions. It is genuinely impressive.
For the community, this represents far more than just a technical feature. Improved accessibility expands the potential user base and changes how the hardware is perceived as a whole. Music production should never depend on visual ability. Move Everything demonstrates how open architecture can create new opportunities. It also sends a clear message to manufacturers that such concepts deserve serious attention and can be implemented without excessive complexity.
From Sidechain to Streaming, Move Everything Reveals the True Power of Ableton Move
Classic performance features benefit as well. A built-in sidechain ducker, skipback recording, and even web radio streaming (including recording) highlight just how flexible the system has become. Move Everything makes it clear that this groovebox can be far more than a fixed product.
So far, Ableton has only tapped a fraction of what this compact device is capable of. It will be exciting to see what the community can achieve with Move — and potentially even with Push 3.
Beyond that, Move Everything could serve as a valuable source of inspiration for future official firmware updates. Interestingly, installing the hack appears to be relatively straightforward.
Let us know in the comments if you have already installed the package and how it is performing in real-world use.
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