In ableton you can change the '1 bar' window to 2 bars or more if you like & you can also automate everything & just use your midi controller to change things on the fly if & when you want & even just use the controller to stop & start as you want. If you are already using ableton then I would continue exacty as you are doing. I use ableton for live gigs with no problems whatsoever, I have automated everything but also use a foot controller to change anything at any moment on the fly.