That’s a bit of a drag; just like the force arranger. It would be nice is there was a way of piecing together all the clips you’ve made, rather than recording an entire performance.
Ahhhh I'm conflicted between a push 3 and the force. I can spend $2k, but I don't want to, specially when I can get a force for $2k. I just got a Circuit Tracks and love how easy it is to sit with it on the sofa and compose (sketch) a song. It feels like when I sit on the piano or on the sofa with my guitar and just compose or jam. The issue is that the Circuit is too limited; too few synth tracks (only two). However, I love messing with the Circuit Tracks. I mainly use the pads as a step sequencer or to input melodies bc I'm a terrible finger drummer. Anyways, what would you recommend between force and the push 3?
The Force is for you if you're willing to accept certain limitations - only 4/4 time signature, no tempo automation withing a song (AFAIK there is a custom software that fixes that, but I din't try it) and limitations like up to 8 plugin tracks at a time (you still can have a high number of sample drumgroups/keygroups regardless). If you're not going to make excessively (I mean excessively) complicated arrangements (it has 2GB of RAM after all) you should be ok. Other than that, it's a truly great device.
I have a creative itch and was thinking of getting a push (either 2 or 3). what would you recommend for someone that is a total novice that is looking to experiment around? it doesn't have to be an ableton, with about $1200 max?
Still considering getting Push 3 for live performances, but I always keep an eye on videos like this. I will wait a bit. Before getting Akai Force I thought it would replace my Circuit, but it turned out that workflow is not jam-friendly. Lack of tempo changes, weird Ableton project import (but at least it has something, no need to re-build project from the scratch), some stupid audio/midi track limitations. The good thing is that it has PLENTY of performance controls, and that's a pure win. It works for me at the moment, but Push 3 seems more convenient, as I will save so much table space by consolidating 2 things into 1 :D
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I am and I don't plan to move from Ableton any time soon. My first ever live set was built on Ableton, without extra plugins, etc, to make it as stable as possible. Unfortunately, my laptop's USB ports started to glitch and last time I played a set, my launchpad disconnected due to vibration, and I was just launching scenes using keyboard shortcuts. When I was playing last song, USB port with soundcard glitched out and sound disappeared. Luckily, I was playing last and there were not so much people in the room, but anyway it felt awful. Maybe Macs are more reliable on stage, but I am sure that heavy vibration can cause all kinds of issues. I want to play this set again at some point, and I can do that only with Push, because there are plenty of tempo changes in the set, and Force can't have automated tempo changes.
If you look at the updates from push 2 release to when push 3 were released, this is pretty much all your going to get and any update with be a fix rather than a massive addition or something it just should have in standalone. When you compare the force to the push 3, you realize that a lot of your wishlist could have been implemented but wasn’t. Meaning that the functionality exist as a standalone device already. Kind of like buying a sampler and only being able to import samples on an SD card. I’ve always wanted a push but just felt like the functionality was never truly standalone or even “no need to look at the screen” like the live software or even maschine in most cases.
Nice roundup! I mostly agree on the wishlist. I’d like an arranger as well, but it just looks like the main selling point here is live performance - and it might be best in class in that regard. (And also the reason I’m getting one)
It is now possible to set global launch quantization by holding the Metronome button and turning the fifth encoder from the left. (from the release notes)
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy yep, not many new features in the beta yet, mostly bug fixes, but this one was big for me. I usually have it set to 1/4 when previewing samples and such and forget to set it back to something reasonable and weird things happen ;) I switched it mid performance when making my last video, so the first half is sorta glitchy, the other is more smooth: The Science Fiction Club - Glacial Lake (Dub Techno Jam Live @LakeBled, Slovenia w/ Ableton Push) ua-cam.com/video/Ye3h36ZmEss/v-deo.html
I‘m personally really enjoying the Push 3 Standalone. Never have been more creative with a piece of gear. It’s helping me get more value of my other gear too. Lots of interesting compatible Maxforlive showing up more and more every week.
"Live score to Monty Python" - beyond the double entendre, I did a double take to be sure I'd heard that right, haha! Nicely done... if this is the kind of fun stuff happening in Portland, it sure is tempting to relocate there some day!
I’m very ‘meh’ on the Push 3. I have a Push 2 that barely gets any use since I bought my Launchpad Pro. The Push 3 just doesn’t offer anything compelling for my workflow I guess.
Ok - so I hear you about that. If you like the Launchpad - and really prefer that, you're gold. It's much lighter, less expensive, and works awesome. It's not standalone, obv. So it can't compete there. But if you don't really care about that, then jeez....don't get the Push 3!
You know, that would be my preference..... because I'd rather prioritize finger drumming over all the other functions that the pads create. But also, I just plug in an external 4x4 pad.
I agre with the wish list for racks. Another is to be able to map LFO/modulation to parameters. I feel like a shift function and key combo could do this. Maybe shift+something then use the touch knob to pick the modulation route for LFO, or something like that. I don't know, I feel like this would be a great option. Also for Macros. I don't even need arrangement mode. Just these sorts of things.
Isn’t it Push 3 standalone about the same weight as an Akai Force (which needs external power)? I’m trying to decide between the two. MPE looks amazing but scared of no arranger view for composing and recording songs (with vocals and guitars), hence currently stuck with MPC.
I’ve been enjoying mine for a few weeks now but I think that as a standalone unit, it will need an arranger. I really hope they add one. I also use Maschine+ and the arranger on that is fantastic and really makes the unit feel standalone. My other hope is that they integrate some kind of tag based browsing for sounds; scrolling through a list of 500 bass sounds is tedious work! Also, I can’t seem to work out how to save a chain preset, only the individual instruments….
I think I'd always want to do an arrangement in the box (back with the computer), so as I said - the arranger isn't that important to me. But I think the'll figure something out - even if it's more of a "basic" arranger, meant to be finished up (i.e. edited/tweaked) in Ableton. Someone else mentioned here about hitting "shit/record" to record an arrangement....? But I haven't tried that yet. By "chain preset" - do you mean like an effects rack? If so, yeah, you can't do that yet. On my wish list!
If I spend 1/2 the price on a more capable piece of equipment, and I sit down to it w/ a feeling of ambivalence, what’s the point? Sitting down to a Push 3 Standalone (fed into an SP404 Mk 2 for a little crunch and easy mixdown) is a luxury. It’s the least amount of bullshit between me and the sound. And that is priceless.
Hey buddy, long time no talk! Hope all is well. Nice video by the way! Quick question 🙋🏽♂️ does the push 3 standalone have a built in visual parametric EQ? Im Curious 🤨 Second question 🙋🏽♂️ do u have to be connected to the computer 💻 to load samples into the push standalone?
So thats a yes to the parametric EQ and as for samples they can be placed on the SD card. I forgot about the sd card slot!! Please do a video showing the Parametric EQ.
I feel you on this. The Push 3 is nice. But for me it’s not 1000 bucks or even 2000 bucks nice. Way to underpowered in its caps from the first push Oberrad. So many missed opportunities with this device
The thing is though....if you want Ableton standalone, there is no other option. But if you don't care that much about Ableton, then yeah, there are stronger options.
Haha...I thought about doing a 6 month update. I still have it! Just did two live shows this week with it. Live looping something on the Push, and then playing beats live: instagram.com/reel/C0Q1l04OZxa/
Pink Buddha Academy - Great review. The sheer weight defeats the "making music anywhere," argument which is NOT Ableton's 'fault,' indeed it's no one's fault. (I'm speaking of standalone version). Also, even in say a Vancouver, WA Starbucks, LOL, if you're there for some reason recording music (LOL) can you chance going to the bathroom with something at this price point? Clip view is awesome 100%. P.S. A hub can have intermittent problems; mine did (not on Push but with regard to Ableton generally). Finally, if folks aren't sold on MPE pads which was the killer app on this thing, huh..?
Here's what I would love you to do in your One Year Later review: 1. Using this device as a standalone groovebox. The whole hip-hop/MPC/sampling community has been in an uproar about this device as a possible MPC-killer and you're not even touching on this use of the Push 3? Are you kidding me? That's just a big opportunity loss IMO. I'll bet that every top hip-hop producer would take notice if you would really deep dive into this. People are literally dying atm for this "Can my Push 3 replace my MPC" (not the Force) -kind of content. Heck, even I bought an MPC Live 2 a while ago because there was simply not a Push 3 out yet. 2. Having said that: Ableton venturing into standalone makes the Push 3 pretty much a Gen 1 device for me. So atm, I'm not expecting it to be a good standalone groovebox. One year down the line though, this could be very different with all the firmware upgrades and especially the Max4Life support. It's especially the latter that can endlessly expand the potential of this device as a standalone. So be sure to keep an eye on that.
Thanks for the suggestion - could definitely review this against the MPC. Although, Ableton work flow is pretty different from the MPC.....and I'm not sure Ableton/push is "better" - as it's more of a matter of preference, and what you're used to. I could always just give "my opinion" on the differences. It's worth debating. To your second point - yes, in an year, this is likely going to be much more developed and built out.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I bought the Push 2 because I wanted less time producing with a mouse and keyboard and staring at a screen. I also wanted to go more mobile and standalone while keeping all the DAW options, so I ended up with the MPC Live 2. Now that's indeed a totally different workflow (I had to adapt A LOT) but in the end goals are the same: Having fun and creating results with a standalone (mobile) groovebox that feels like playing an instrument. That's why a deep-dive from you with the Push 3 and the MPC would make a lot of sense. Both now and a year from now.
@@Drrolfski I was going to say something similar to what Pink Buddha already did - I think the MPC is just such a different workflow... I kinda agree that there are definitely folks who would love to compare those two devices specifically... but I also feel like most of the MPC's audience has no interest... I think you (and I, lol) are part of the target market but not all of it (i.e., we're the ones who maybe ventured into MPC land from other computer DAWs just because it was the "first" modern DAW-in-a-box for standalone production). I've actually been digging my Toraiz SP-16 again lately - too many devices, but glad I've kept it around - committing to sampling and keeping it simple is a nice way to go (with the SP-16). For some weird reason, the SP-16 feels more "hardware" than the MPC even though they both use similar size screens. I never got into the Push 2 that much, and even after watching the Push 3 videos when it came out, not really sure I could imagine using a Push standalone anyway. (but then I also just can't imagine using a Novation Circuit... if I ever tried it, probably I could dig it even with no screen at all, but no real desire to try it... and since Push 2 didn't work out too well since I felt I preferred just looking at the computer screen, I don't think it would work as well as MPC or Force or the SP-16)
I use Launchpad Pro MK3 and I think it still has a better sequencer. I was waiting for the premiere of Push3 and was very disappointed, especially with the price. And secondly, I was disappointed with the screen, why isn't it twice as big and why isn't it touchscreen? this doesn't make sense to me. MPE is definitely a great idea, but it is very heavy on the computer and when I use MPE sounds on Launchpad it starts to crash. I don't know what it's like on Push3, or is the CPU load too high?
There are more layouts than those two. I think you should spend more time using the push. It was in both pervious pushes. I have owned both albeit I gave my push 1 away to my friend earlier in the year.
On the top of my wishlist for Ableton and the Push is a chord mode where I can just mix and match chords according to my ear without knowing the theory.
there was a remote script that only worked with the 1st push. it would populate pads based on a midi clip, chords were dardker single notes were lighter but anything from the midi clip was all next to each other on pads!! kind of like sample chopping from a midi clip??? and if your midi clip was generated from an audio clip it made for some amazing “mistakes”
Cool vid. Can standalone push 3 do power electronics? Merzbow, etc. ? I’ve tried a while back with push 2 and it was kinda boring to interact with. Op1 field is way more fun, but they need some updating on the behavior of it, so I’m looking for the perfect box.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I apologize for not explaining. Power Electronics is a genre of music: Merzbow, Pharmakon ( she has elements of power electronics), etc. The genre isn’t important , I suppose, its the distortion and dissonance. I know the Push 3 does pretty and well, but I wonder about the other side : Experimental Noise, Power Electronics, etc. : Prurient, Merzbow, Non, White House, etc.
What about changing tempo / time signature per scene in session mode? Akai force cant do it can push3 standalone do it? (Not talking about control mode and a computer)
Yes...def brighter. But still...if there's bright sun out, then it's going to be hard. I had to do a performance where the sun was shining on it for part of the time and it was really hard!
Apart from the shocking price (which doesn’t even include a Live license) the Push3 has a few major drawbacks. It cannot be considered a serious standalone device without an arrangement functionality. Of course you can do performances without an arranger, but you can’t write songs. I guess that functionality will probably be added at some point in the future, as it is a clear gaping hole in the Push 3 capabilities. The inability to connect an audio interface is frankly bizarre. There is of course ADAT, but nobody apart from professional studios uses that. An insane choice by Ableton.
The audio interface part is definitely weird. I guess I just don't want to arrange on standalone, so I don't see that as a negative. You can record a performance, and then open that in Ableton desktop to edit. Why someone would want to finish a complete track in standalone is beyond me (in any standalone device) - because you're limited in plugins, and editing capabilities.
I've really enjoyed mine but the lack of features is starting to get to me. No midi-in means my eurorack jam becomes a real pain with it, but it's still really good and I'm glad I bought it. They've also already fixed some serious bugs that I ran into.
Good thoughts, thanks for sharing them. You're clearly already an Ableton user and you're using the Push for live performances, so your needs are going to be very different from mine. But they were still useful in de-GASing a bit. 😊 I'm looking at this as a potential grown-up version of a groovebox. Having used both Elektron hardware (with the Syntakt currently being my favorite) and the modern MPCs, my assumption is that the Push 3 would provide a more seamless flow from ideation/sketching, through basic arrangement (recording a live performance is fine), to the final mixing phase. I found that whole process to be clunky on the MPC and when it comes to finishing the job on the computer, the MPC software is lackluster at best. But the reality is I haven't ever used Ableton, so this would mean switching DAW too, which is both an added cost and time investment. So it just seems like maybe it's not worth it for me, but I'm still intrigued by the idea. 🤔
Ah...yeah. I get all that. Ableton is pretty amazing. It's a deep as you want to go, intuitive, robust, and yet streamlined. But there's always a learning curve. What you could do....to get things out, it's get a little launchpad (under $100) and the basic version of Ableton to test (the free version). At core, it would help you test the workflow without a big investment. Because the suite is great....but it's not fundamentally necessary. You could always grow into that version later.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Yeah, that's a pragmatic approach to it for sure. It really comes down to whether I want to go through the time investment of switching from Reason 10 to Ableton Live 11 as my DAW. With that shift, the Push 3 would probably make a lot of sense seeing how much I love the tactile nature of a hardware interface. But then another hesitation is on the pure creative instrument side: this is where the Syntakt really shines in my opinion. It's a happy accident machine and it's SO easy to come up with b and c sections of a song by copying a pattern and then twisting a few knobs (ctrl+all makes it so quick) and end up in remix territory by chance. Is the Push 3 as creatively inspiring as the Syntakt is, or is it more linear and what-you-compose-is-what-you-get-like, similar to the MPC and traditional DAWs?
I wouldn't say that the Push 3 is where the creative inspiration is.....it's in Ableton, and the way that it enables the twisting and turning to find new ideas. But as I mentioned, you could access that through a Launchpad almost as easily. The Push is just deeper and has added features from a Launchpad. Again, you could easily try those things out with a free version of Ableton to start to learn how that could work for you.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy That's probably what I'll do - get a free copy of Ableton and try it out. If there's anything remotely close to the infinitely creative ctrl+all feature on Elektron boxes, then Ableton may be just the daw that I've been looking for. In Reason 10, sure you can twist any knob in the UI but there's nothing that approximates what ctrl+all does in how it modifies parameters across a range of tracks at once on the Syntakt. It can really transform a simple idea into something much deeper and lead you to a place you hadn't even thought of. Is there anything equivalent in Ableton? Or is it more about just launching clips and muting/unmuting parts of your already sequenced tracks?
Thanks for the nice video. +1 on max4live compatibility and MIDI learn. Please! I still cannot find a way to assign specific tempo and time signature to a scene, I'd love to have that on stand alone mode. (correct me if it already exists) I REALLY REALLY would love to be able to create macros on the push, that would be so amazing... I imagine it could be easily implemented like the matrix in the wavetable device, Whenever you touch a parameter, a button turns into "add to matrix" If that could be done for the macros by a buton turning into "add to macros" My two cents on the pads: I get what you are saying about the pads when it comes to finger drumming, however, I strongly feel that these pad are way more designed for playing instruments. Especially if you are an experienced guitar or keyboard player, the xyz throw of each pad is plenty!
The tempo and time signature part is coming, I'm guessing. Just not here yet. Yeah - I hear you about the pads. I just so locked on the piano keyboard, that I really only want to use these pads to play instruments as a last resort (or for something quick). Just not my vibe. But can understand why other people like them.
Which M4L devices are you missing? Unfortunately Ableton is not making this really attractive so far for M4L developers as I explain here: ua-cam.com/video/62YbWAaFyn8/v-deo.html
Also...glad to see you here! I've actually tried out your live loopong device. It's really interesting and very well designed. I only opted to not use it, because I didn't want to have my screen open for looping. And that's one of the next features of your device....the visual feedback. Lol...your strategy and device almost convinced me to change my mind about using my screen, because it was such a great solution!
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy might be possible with some 'smaller' UI changes - it really depends but as Ableton isn't providing info its try and error for developers....
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Cool, its all helpful. I had it with the Force, i read chunks of the manual and watched YT videos for weeks before pushing the button on one. Some gear is so feature rich these days is hard to take it all in. But the devil is always in the detail, which you find out later...
Which is more satisfying to you overall..Push 3 or Akai Force? I have a Akai Force but want the Push 3. Been holding my breath that Akai would give the Force a software companion, but I'm blue in face now on the thought. Does the Push 3 workflow feel like the Force without a touch screen?
lol...well, the Force was modeled after Ableton (but in reality, is kind of like the awkward child of both Akai and Ableton). So the workflow on the Push is VERY similar to the Force. Actually, it's better to say that the other way around..... And I wouldn't hold your breath for the Force computer software - you'll get brain damage from lack of oxygen! I just don't see them making a computer version, when the Force is just such a smaller market than the MPC world. It was supposed to be able to use Ableton, but that never really panned out as planned.
I kind of already thought these same things about the push when it came out but also had those thoughts about all the possibilities... but they lied about the CPU.. it's not a CPU change it's a mini computer change which will have to be specifically built by them so yes you can up grade but through their own company not on your own experiment. As for the functions of the standalone, it is great if you have a hardware setup and only use the basically live functions of Ableton with it... otherwise you aren't getting much from the standalone... and only getting improved latency from not going into a computer complicated computer OS in performance... but that much improvement? Maybe just it being a simple setup only for the live aspect is is real drawn. I myself just love it as a controller and love the NPE functions and find it a little bit more responsive in the pads when used as a normal controller like it was. I myself would not upgrade to a standalone until they bring out future upgrades. At the moment I find it a bit like using a FORCE but with slight more compatibility but without a time line song mode and AKAI is yet to bring out a new rendition of that yet. I would hope if they did, on top of being able to connect a multi channel interface or digital mixer they would allow multi-track recording. We all want a DAWless setup that does everything a DAW can. The price of this thing is also way too high... they probably appreciate companies like Teenage Engineering for making anything look like better value lol
Price is definitely very high! I guess I don't really expect it to do what a DAW can do, only in standalone. I'm not sure why people think that is DAW-less. It's just a DAW on a small screen without a computer. But that level of expectation still is basically a DAW. What I really want to see - which is in my wishlist - are the things that are really important to live performance/playing "unplugged." And I'm betting (fingers crossed on both hands and feet), that these things will come to pass soon enough.
Just moved from a force/mpc, man am I missing the standalone chopping. So many limited features, the Force/mpc is way more mature as a standalone product. I’m not even a Live fanboy.. Seriously thinking of going back. Gas regrets.. lol. The retrospective record works a lot better on the push, the warping is a lot cleaner, but this thing is unusable to write songs with in standalone.
S..t Push 1 is still the best, even though the materials used is crap, still thats just technology.. esthetics takes precedence over durability and quality...
Agreed - my goodness, some of these limitations are pretty ridiculous... just shows up how "fake" some of the launch day "reviews" that are pre-recorded can be (i.e., fluff pieces that never have anything that bad to say). This was such a much better review and realistic feedback on the device.
I wouldn't call it debilitating.....but it's made me less apt to start things in the push. But I got it to mainly use in a performance, and it's great for that
well - if you're just looking at it from a features standpoint....I can agree. BUT....if you want to use Ableton standalone, this is the only option. I've tried - FOR YEARS - to use a standalone that could replace Ableton for me. The Force came the closest. But it' *too* standalone. And now....here's Ableton with a integrated option to be in the box, and out of it. It's pricey, but again....there's no other option if you want to stay in the Ableton ecosystem. And imho, they have the best DAW system, by far.
Narcissistic is about having many layers of abusive qualities, please don't use the word in a down played manor. The form of narcissism of thinking one is special is all about the context of how one thinks they are special... it's more of a 4 year old mentality that they never grown out of so will often lie even though they know you know they are lying but will do so even then... will torment you even if you are silent because they know you are suffering even when not reacting... the word is for a deeply abusive character. Some don't even think the world revolves around them they are just simply in denial... like a kid that gets caught with their hand in the cookie jar and says "no I'm not" when the evidence is as plan as day. And more so than anything else will control how people see you. If you are here giving a honest opinion that is your own how can you refer to it as being narcissistic unless you want to down play the thermology or simply do not know?
What's on your wish list for the Push 3?
If you want to check out some of my music - instagram.com/pink.buddha.music
Shift and record will capture the arrangement. when you put the project back into ableton the arrangement will be there.
Sweet! Thanks for clarifying that!
That’s a bit of a drag; just like the force arranger. It would be nice is there was a way of piecing together all the clips you’ve made, rather than recording an entire performance.
That’s a dope tip!
Wait you can do that in standalone mode?
Wut??? Please explain!!!!
Ahhhh I'm conflicted between a push 3 and the force. I can spend $2k, but I don't want to, specially when I can get a force for $2k. I just got a Circuit Tracks and love how easy it is to sit with it on the sofa and compose (sketch) a song. It feels like when I sit on the piano or on the sofa with my guitar and just compose or jam. The issue is that the Circuit is too limited; too few synth tracks (only two). However, I love messing with the Circuit Tracks. I mainly use the pads as a step sequencer or to input melodies bc I'm a terrible finger drummer. Anyways, what would you recommend between force and the push 3?
The Force is for you if you're willing to accept certain limitations - only 4/4 time signature, no tempo automation withing a song (AFAIK there is a custom software that fixes that, but I din't try it) and limitations like up to 8 plugin tracks at a time (you still can have a high number of sample drumgroups/keygroups regardless). If you're not going to make excessively (I mean excessively) complicated arrangements (it has 2GB of RAM after all) you should be ok. Other than that, it's a truly great device.
I have a creative itch and was thinking of getting a push (either 2 or 3). what would you recommend for someone that is a total novice that is looking to experiment around? it doesn't have to be an ableton, with about $1200 max?
Still considering getting Push 3 for live performances, but I always keep an eye on videos like this. I will wait a bit.
Before getting Akai Force I thought it would replace my Circuit, but it turned out that workflow is not jam-friendly. Lack of tempo changes, weird Ableton project import (but at least it has something, no need to re-build project from the scratch), some stupid audio/midi track limitations. The good thing is that it has PLENTY of performance controls, and that's a pure win.
It works for me at the moment, but Push 3 seems more convenient, as I will save so much table space by consolidating 2 things into 1 :D
Just only get the Push if you're "all in" on using Ableton.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I am and I don't plan to move from Ableton any time soon. My first ever live set was built on Ableton, without extra plugins, etc, to make it as stable as possible. Unfortunately, my laptop's USB ports started to glitch and last time I played a set, my launchpad disconnected due to vibration, and I was just launching scenes using keyboard shortcuts. When I was playing last song, USB port with soundcard glitched out and sound disappeared. Luckily, I was playing last and there were not so much people in the room, but anyway it felt awful. Maybe Macs are more reliable on stage, but I am sure that heavy vibration can cause all kinds of issues.
I want to play this set again at some point, and I can do that only with Push, because there are plenty of tempo changes in the set, and Force can't have automated tempo changes.
If you look at the updates from push 2 release to when push 3 were released, this is pretty much all your going to get and any update with be a fix rather than a massive addition or something it just should have in standalone. When you compare the force to the push 3, you realize that a lot of your wishlist could have been implemented but wasn’t. Meaning that the functionality exist as a standalone device already. Kind of like buying a sampler and only being able to import samples on an SD card. I’ve always wanted a push but just felt like the functionality was never truly standalone or even “no need to look at the screen” like the live software or even maschine in most cases.
Nice roundup!
I mostly agree on the wishlist. I’d like an arranger as well, but it just looks like the main selling point here is live performance - and it might be best in class in that regard. (And also the reason I’m getting one)
😎😎😎
Surely these features will come.
Launch quantisation is already available in beta
It is now possible to set global launch quantization by holding the Metronome button and turning the fifth encoder from the left. (from the release notes)
Perfect! Thanks for the update. Like I said in the video, I'm expecting for a lot of the wish list items to show up.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy yep, not many new features in the beta yet, mostly bug fixes, but this one was big for me. I usually have it set to 1/4 when previewing samples and such and forget to set it back to something reasonable and weird things happen ;) I switched it mid performance when making my last video, so the first half is sorta glitchy, the other is more smooth:
The Science Fiction Club - Glacial Lake (Dub Techno Jam Live @LakeBled, Slovenia w/ Ableton Push)
ua-cam.com/video/Ye3h36ZmEss/v-deo.html
I‘m personally really enjoying the Push 3 Standalone. Never have been more creative with a piece of gear. It’s helping me get more value of my other gear too.
Lots of interesting compatible Maxforlive showing up more and more every week.
Once the max programming for the push 3 takes off.....it's going to be amazing!
"Live score to Monty Python" - beyond the double entendre, I did a double take to be sure I'd heard that right, haha! Nicely done... if this is the kind of fun stuff happening in Portland, it sure is tempting to relocate there some day!
haha - it's totally on par for Portland!
amazing review, thank you bringing in all these perspectives
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hold Shift and press the Rec button and it will record in Arrangement 😉
✌️😎
I’m very ‘meh’ on the Push 3. I have a Push 2 that barely gets any use since I bought my Launchpad Pro. The Push 3 just doesn’t offer anything compelling for my workflow I guess.
Ok - so I hear you about that. If you like the Launchpad - and really prefer that, you're gold. It's much lighter, less expensive, and works awesome. It's not standalone, obv. So it can't compete there. But if you don't really care about that, then jeez....don't get the Push 3!
What about bining the 64 pads into 16 large pads to make the play space larger for finger dumming
You know, that would be my preference..... because I'd rather prioritize finger drumming over all the other functions that the pads create. But also, I just plug in an external 4x4 pad.
I agre with the wish list for racks. Another is to be able to map LFO/modulation to parameters. I feel like a shift function and key combo could do this. Maybe shift+something then use the touch knob to pick the modulation route for LFO, or something like that. I don't know, I feel like this would be a great option. Also for Macros. I don't even need arrangement mode. Just these sorts of things.
I know I know....I think it's going ti get there soon!
Hi Pink Buddha, is the Push 3 still worth it in June 2024?
Isn’t it Push 3 standalone about the same weight as an Akai Force (which needs external power)? I’m trying to decide between the two. MPE looks amazing but scared of no arranger view for composing and recording songs (with vocals and guitars), hence currently stuck with MPC.
But why not just use the push with a computer when you want that?
I’ve been enjoying mine for a few weeks now but I think that as a standalone unit, it will need an arranger. I really hope they add one. I also use Maschine+ and the arranger on that is fantastic and really makes the unit feel standalone. My other hope is that they integrate some kind of tag based browsing for sounds; scrolling through a list of 500 bass sounds is tedious work!
Also, I can’t seem to work out how to save a chain preset, only the individual instruments….
I think I'd always want to do an arrangement in the box (back with the computer), so as I said - the arranger isn't that important to me. But I think the'll figure something out - even if it's more of a "basic" arranger, meant to be finished up (i.e. edited/tweaked) in Ableton. Someone else mentioned here about hitting "shit/record" to record an arrangement....? But I haven't tried that yet. By "chain preset" - do you mean like an effects rack? If so, yeah, you can't do that yet. On my wish list!
If I spend 1/2 the price on a more capable piece of equipment, and I sit down to it w/ a feeling of ambivalence, what’s the point? Sitting down to a Push 3 Standalone (fed into an SP404 Mk 2 for a little crunch and easy mixdown) is a luxury. It’s the least amount of bullshit between me and the sound. And that is priceless.
Hey buddy, long time no talk! Hope all is well. Nice video by the way! Quick question 🙋🏽♂️ does the push 3 standalone have a built in visual parametric EQ? Im Curious 🤨
Second question 🙋🏽♂️ do u have to be connected to the computer 💻 to load samples into the push standalone?
Yes!
And no....but what do you mean by "load?". Cause there's no SD card slot.
So thats a yes to the parametric EQ and as for samples they can be placed on the SD card. I forgot about the sd card slot!! Please do a video showing the Parametric EQ.
....sorry, there's NO SD card slot on the Push 3
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy ok so is there a way to complete songs in standalone??? If not that really sucks!
I feel you on this. The Push 3 is nice. But for me it’s not 1000 bucks or even 2000 bucks nice. Way to underpowered in its caps from the first push Oberrad. So many missed opportunities with this device
The thing is though....if you want Ableton standalone, there is no other option. But if you don't care that much about Ableton, then yeah, there are stronger options.
Pink Buddha Academy - Hey!
What's an update on your feeling about Push 3.
If you still have it, it will be six months.
Very curious!
Thanks.
Haha...I thought about doing a 6 month update. I still have it! Just did two live shows this week with it. Live looping something on the Push, and then playing beats live:
instagram.com/reel/C0Q1l04OZxa/
Pink Buddha Academy - Great review. The sheer weight defeats the "making music anywhere," argument which is NOT Ableton's 'fault,' indeed it's no one's fault. (I'm speaking of standalone version).
Also, even in say a Vancouver, WA Starbucks, LOL, if you're there for some reason recording music (LOL) can you chance going to the bathroom with something at this price point?
Clip view is awesome 100%.
P.S. A hub can have intermittent problems; mine did (not on Push but with regard to Ableton generally).
Finally, if folks aren't sold on MPE pads which was the killer app on this thing, huh..?
All good points
I wish Push3 had a bigger (touch) screen and more USB ports. Also possibilities to record (sample), like AKAI Force.
Yup yup yup
Jamming live to Monty Python is beyond genius 😂👌subbed as soon as I saw that
Lol...thanks man
Here's what I would love you to do in your One Year Later review:
1. Using this device as a standalone groovebox. The whole hip-hop/MPC/sampling community has been in an uproar about this device as a possible MPC-killer and you're not even touching on this use of the Push 3? Are you kidding me? That's just a big opportunity loss IMO. I'll bet that every top hip-hop producer would take notice if you would really deep dive into this. People are literally dying atm for this "Can my Push 3 replace my MPC" (not the Force) -kind of content. Heck, even I bought an MPC Live 2 a while ago because there was simply not a Push 3 out yet.
2. Having said that: Ableton venturing into standalone makes the Push 3 pretty much a Gen 1 device for me. So atm, I'm not expecting it to be a good standalone groovebox. One year down the line though, this could be very different with all the firmware upgrades and especially the Max4Life support. It's especially the latter that can endlessly expand the potential of this device as a standalone. So be sure to keep an eye on that.
Thanks for the suggestion - could definitely review this against the MPC. Although, Ableton work flow is pretty different from the MPC.....and I'm not sure Ableton/push is "better" - as it's more of a matter of preference, and what you're used to. I could always just give "my opinion" on the differences. It's worth debating. To your second point - yes, in an year, this is likely going to be much more developed and built out.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I bought the Push 2 because I wanted less time producing with a mouse and keyboard and staring at a screen. I also wanted to go more mobile and standalone while keeping all the DAW options, so I ended up with the MPC Live 2. Now that's indeed a totally different workflow (I had to adapt A LOT) but in the end goals are the same: Having fun and creating results with a standalone (mobile) groovebox that feels like playing an instrument. That's why a deep-dive from you with the Push 3 and the MPC would make a lot of sense. Both now and a year from now.
@@Drrolfski I was going to say something similar to what Pink Buddha already did - I think the MPC is just such a different workflow... I kinda agree that there are definitely folks who would love to compare those two devices specifically... but I also feel like most of the MPC's audience has no interest... I think you (and I, lol) are part of the target market but not all of it (i.e., we're the ones who maybe ventured into MPC land from other computer DAWs just because it was the "first" modern DAW-in-a-box for standalone production).
I've actually been digging my Toraiz SP-16 again lately - too many devices, but glad I've kept it around - committing to sampling and keeping it simple is a nice way to go (with the SP-16). For some weird reason, the SP-16 feels more "hardware" than the MPC even though they both use similar size screens. I never got into the Push 2 that much, and even after watching the Push 3 videos when it came out, not really sure I could imagine using a Push standalone anyway. (but then I also just can't imagine using a Novation Circuit... if I ever tried it, probably I could dig it even with no screen at all, but no real desire to try it... and since Push 2 didn't work out too well since I felt I preferred just looking at the computer screen, I don't think it would work as well as MPC or Force or the SP-16)
Been on Ableton for a LONG time. want to use use push for controlling and composing, Maybe I just need a 2.
The push is pretty great....any of them
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I wound up with a 1 and that is good for me. I'm not performance based. $250!!
Mpe is cool, if you have the extra money go for it, but if you own a push 2 already there‘s no need for an „upgrade“ imo.
If you don't need to disconnect from a computer, then for sure!
Some very good points here.
✌️😎
I use Launchpad Pro MK3 and I think it still has a better sequencer. I was waiting for the premiere of Push3 and was very disappointed, especially with the price. And secondly, I was disappointed with the screen, why isn't it twice as big and why isn't it touchscreen? this doesn't make sense to me. MPE is definitely a great idea, but it is very heavy on the computer and when I use MPE sounds on Launchpad it starts to crash. I don't know what it's like on Push3, or is the CPU load too high?
Your issue might be because Launchpad doesn’t have MPE. It has polyphonic Aftertouch, but that’s regular old MIDI protocol.
The audio interface has a hiss!!
There are more layouts than those two. I think you should spend more time using the push.
It was in both pervious pushes. I have owned both albeit I gave my push 1 away to my friend earlier in the year.
Yes...I know about the other layouts....but they are mostly for step sequencing. And I'm not really into that.
On the top of my wishlist for Ableton and the Push is a chord mode where I can just mix and match chords according to my ear without knowing the theory.
there was a remote script that only worked with the 1st push. it would populate pads based on a midi clip, chords were dardker single notes were lighter but anything from the midi clip was all next to each other on pads!! kind of like sample chopping from a midi clip??? and if your midi clip was generated from an audio clip it made for some amazing “mistakes”
It looks like this is coming with Ableton 12.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy really???? that would be amazing, i made some really great stuff with that feature! where did u hear that?
Cool vid. Can standalone push 3 do power electronics? Merzbow, etc. ? I’ve tried a while back with push 2 and it was kinda boring to interact with. Op1 field is way more fun, but they need some updating on the behavior of it, so I’m looking for the perfect box.
What do you mean by power electronics?
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I apologize for not explaining. Power Electronics is a genre of music: Merzbow, Pharmakon ( she has elements of power electronics), etc. The genre isn’t important , I suppose, its the distortion and dissonance. I know the Push 3 does pretty and well, but I wonder about the other side : Experimental Noise, Power Electronics, etc. : Prurient, Merzbow, Non, White House, etc.
Sure....it's all about the samples you use
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy but couldn’t be done with the internal synthesizers?
Probably....I don't know much about sound design for those genres though
What about changing tempo / time signature per scene in session mode? Akai force cant do it can push3 standalone do it? (Not talking about control mode and a computer)
It can...yes. But you have to setup in the computer and download. Can't configure this in standalone mode.
Hi mate, wondering if you know it has midi 2.0 for when ableton decides to bting it in? Cheers
👍
With potential upgrades and firmware, this machine is lite years ahead of the others, I'm not a standalone guy. I will be upgrading to the Push3
✌️
Is it anymore usable than the push 2 in a brighter room or outside? With push 2 you can’t see a damn thing, especially outside.
Yes...def brighter. But still...if there's bright sun out, then it's going to be hard. I had to do a performance where the sun was shining on it for part of the time and it was really hard!
You got some good points
✌️😎
What type of non-volatile memory to use for the system and host the firmware? Flash, eMMC, ROM?
🤷♂️ lol...idk.
The cons seem like a deal breaker for me
How's the pad brightness (when plugged into A/C) compared to Push 2?
Can't remember what the push 2 was like, but this is bright!
Apart from the shocking price (which doesn’t even include a Live license) the Push3 has a few major drawbacks.
It cannot be considered a serious standalone device without an arrangement functionality. Of course you can do performances without an arranger, but you can’t write songs. I guess that functionality will probably be added at some point in the future, as it is a clear gaping hole in the Push 3 capabilities.
The inability to connect an audio interface is frankly bizarre. There is of course ADAT, but nobody apart from professional studios uses that. An insane choice by Ableton.
The audio interface part is definitely weird. I guess I just don't want to arrange on standalone, so I don't see that as a negative. You can record a performance, and then open that in Ableton desktop to edit. Why someone would want to finish a complete track in standalone is beyond me (in any standalone device) - because you're limited in plugins, and editing capabilities.
I've really enjoyed mine but the lack of features is starting to get to me. No midi-in means my eurorack jam becomes a real pain with it, but it's still really good and I'm glad I bought it. They've also already fixed some serious bugs that I ran into.
Oh - interesting, didn't even think about the lack of midi in. Should have put that on the hardware cons list!
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy am I missing something here? My push 3 has a 3.5 mm midi in jack and the USB MIDI is bidirectional.
lol...oh, maybe it is? Idk, as I just use the USB for midi. So haven't really even tried to use the MIDI pin jack.
I didn't know Hugh Grant could be play house music
🤣🤣🤣 funny hahar. Although....I don't get why you think that I make "house music."
Good thoughts, thanks for sharing them. You're clearly already an Ableton user and you're using the Push for live performances, so your needs are going to be very different from mine. But they were still useful in de-GASing a bit. 😊
I'm looking at this as a potential grown-up version of a groovebox. Having used both Elektron hardware (with the Syntakt currently being my favorite) and the modern MPCs, my assumption is that the Push 3 would provide a more seamless flow from ideation/sketching, through basic arrangement (recording a live performance is fine), to the final mixing phase. I found that whole process to be clunky on the MPC and when it comes to finishing the job on the computer, the MPC software is lackluster at best. But the reality is I haven't ever used Ableton, so this would mean switching DAW too, which is both an added cost and time investment. So it just seems like maybe it's not worth it for me, but I'm still intrigued by the idea. 🤔
Ah...yeah. I get all that. Ableton is pretty amazing. It's a deep as you want to go, intuitive, robust, and yet streamlined. But there's always a learning curve.
What you could do....to get things out, it's get a little launchpad (under $100) and the basic version of Ableton to test (the free version). At core, it would help you test the workflow without a big investment.
Because the suite is great....but it's not fundamentally necessary. You could always grow into that version later.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Yeah, that's a pragmatic approach to it for sure. It really comes down to whether I want to go through the time investment of switching from Reason 10 to Ableton Live 11 as my DAW. With that shift, the Push 3 would probably make a lot of sense seeing how much I love the tactile nature of a hardware interface. But then another hesitation is on the pure creative instrument side: this is where the Syntakt really shines in my opinion. It's a happy accident machine and it's SO easy to come up with b and c sections of a song by copying a pattern and then twisting a few knobs (ctrl+all makes it so quick) and end up in remix territory by chance. Is the Push 3 as creatively inspiring as the Syntakt is, or is it more linear and what-you-compose-is-what-you-get-like, similar to the MPC and traditional DAWs?
I wouldn't say that the Push 3 is where the creative inspiration is.....it's in Ableton, and the way that it enables the twisting and turning to find new ideas. But as I mentioned, you could access that through a Launchpad almost as easily. The Push is just deeper and has added features from a Launchpad. Again, you could easily try those things out with a free version of Ableton to start to learn how that could work for you.
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy That's probably what I'll do - get a free copy of Ableton and try it out. If there's anything remotely close to the infinitely creative ctrl+all feature on Elektron boxes, then Ableton may be just the daw that I've been looking for. In Reason 10, sure you can twist any knob in the UI but there's nothing that approximates what ctrl+all does in how it modifies parameters across a range of tracks at once on the Syntakt. It can really transform a simple idea into something much deeper and lead you to a place you hadn't even thought of. Is there anything equivalent in Ableton? Or is it more about just launching clips and muting/unmuting parts of your already sequenced tracks?
Very informative , but the real question is… where did you get your shirt?
8😂8
I made it!
pinkbuddha.threadless.com/
WOW@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Beautiful! Best looking 808 shirt of the internet IMHO.
Thanks for the nice video.
+1 on max4live compatibility and MIDI learn. Please!
I still cannot find a way to assign specific tempo and time signature to a scene, I'd love to have that on stand alone mode. (correct me if it already exists)
I REALLY REALLY would love to be able to create macros on the push, that would be so amazing... I imagine it could be easily implemented like the matrix in the wavetable device, Whenever you touch a parameter, a button turns into "add to matrix" If that could be done for the macros by a buton turning into "add to macros"
My two cents on the pads: I get what you are saying about the pads when it comes to finger drumming, however, I strongly feel that these pad are way more designed for playing instruments. Especially if you are an experienced guitar or keyboard player, the xyz throw of each pad is plenty!
The tempo and time signature part is coming, I'm guessing. Just not here yet.
Yeah - I hear you about the pads. I just so locked on the piano keyboard, that I really only want to use these pads to play instruments as a last resort (or for something quick). Just not my vibe. But can understand why other people like them.
Which M4L devices are you missing? Unfortunately Ableton is not making this really attractive so far for M4L developers as I explain here: ua-cam.com/video/62YbWAaFyn8/v-deo.html
It's a tape stop effect. Yeah, I really hope that changes.
Also...glad to see you here! I've actually tried out your live loopong device. It's really interesting and very well designed. I only opted to not use it, because I didn't want to have my screen open for looping. And that's one of the next features of your device....the visual feedback. Lol...your strategy and device almost convinced me to change my mind about using my screen, because it was such a great solution!
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy might be possible with some 'smaller' UI changes - it really depends but as Ableton isn't providing info its try and error for developers....
Hopefully that changes
Live, it’s called Live
🤣🤣🤣
THIS!
I'm on the fence
what's going to get you to jump?
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy That's a great question... It boils down to, me putting my foot down and making the commitment 😄
There's always a gotcha with this gear. But you never find out what most of them are until you've lived with it for a while.
That's why I made this video....give people a heads up for what it's like to live with it
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Cool, its all helpful.
I had it with the Force, i read chunks of the manual and watched YT videos for weeks before pushing the button on one. Some gear is so feature rich these days is hard to take it all in. But the devil is always in the detail, which you find out later...
Which is more satisfying to you overall..Push 3 or Akai Force? I have a Akai Force but want the Push 3. Been holding my breath that Akai would give the Force a software companion, but I'm blue in face now on the thought. Does the Push 3 workflow feel like the Force without a touch screen?
lol...well, the Force was modeled after Ableton (but in reality, is kind of like the awkward child of both Akai and Ableton). So the workflow on the Push is VERY similar to the Force. Actually, it's better to say that the other way around.....
And I wouldn't hold your breath for the Force computer software - you'll get brain damage from lack of oxygen! I just don't see them making a computer version, when the Force is just such a smaller market than the MPC world. It was supposed to be able to use Ableton, but that never really panned out as planned.
I kind of already thought these same things about the push when it came out but also had those thoughts about all the possibilities... but they lied about the CPU.. it's not a CPU change it's a mini computer change which will have to be specifically built by them so yes you can up grade but through their own company not on your own experiment.
As for the functions of the standalone, it is great if you have a hardware setup and only use the basically live functions of Ableton with it... otherwise you aren't getting much from the standalone... and only getting improved latency from not going into a computer complicated computer OS in performance... but that much improvement?
Maybe just it being a simple setup only for the live aspect is is real drawn.
I myself just love it as a controller and love the NPE functions and find it a little bit more responsive in the pads when used as a normal controller like it was.
I myself would not upgrade to a standalone until they bring out future upgrades.
At the moment I find it a bit like using a FORCE but with slight more compatibility but without a time line song mode and AKAI is yet to bring out a new rendition of that yet.
I would hope if they did, on top of being able to connect a multi channel interface or digital mixer they would allow multi-track recording.
We all want a DAWless setup that does everything a DAW can.
The price of this thing is also way too high... they probably appreciate companies like Teenage Engineering for making anything look like better value lol
Price is definitely very high! I guess I don't really expect it to do what a DAW can do, only in standalone. I'm not sure why people think that is DAW-less. It's just a DAW on a small screen without a computer. But that level of expectation still is basically a DAW.
What I really want to see - which is in my wishlist - are the things that are really important to live performance/playing "unplugged." And I'm betting (fingers crossed on both hands and feet), that these things will come to pass soon enough.
Just moved from a force/mpc, man am I missing the standalone chopping. So many limited features, the Force/mpc is way more mature as a standalone product. I’m not even a Live fanboy.. Seriously thinking of going back. Gas regrets.. lol. The retrospective record works a lot better on the push, the warping is a lot cleaner, but this thing is unusable to write songs with in standalone.
You used both the force and the mpc?
@@PinkBuddhaAcademy started on an MPC, moved to a force, and now have a Push3. With over a year with the Mac/force each.
S..t Push 1 is still the best, even though the materials used is crap, still thats just technology.. esthetics takes precedence over durability and quality...
JAJAJAJAJAJAAAAA....Animo con alegrias...very good...a hacer bonitas canciones...
✌️
Im so glad I cancelled my order. The amount of friction in the workflow is debilitating.
Agreed - my goodness, some of these limitations are pretty ridiculous... just shows up how "fake" some of the launch day "reviews" that are pre-recorded can be (i.e., fluff pieces that never have anything that bad to say). This was such a much better review and realistic feedback on the device.
I wouldn't call it debilitating.....but it's made me less apt to start things in the push. But I got it to mainly use in a performance, and it's great for that
Exactly it's not Live portably. Totally overpriced and over hyped. Initially was very excited but once looked it realized it's extremely limited.
force is best
🤣🤣🤣
still? It's still a new product ffs 😂
✌️😜
Way, way to expensive for what it does.
well - if you're just looking at it from a features standpoint....I can agree. BUT....if you want to use Ableton standalone, this is the only option. I've tried - FOR YEARS - to use a standalone that could replace Ableton for me. The Force came the closest. But it' *too* standalone. And now....here's Ableton with a integrated option to be in the box, and out of it. It's pricey, but again....there's no other option if you want to stay in the Ableton ecosystem. And imho, they have the best DAW system, by far.
Perhaps you don’t fully realise what it does?
So many things it doesn't do that Live does on the Mac. For me this is overpriced, limited and over hyped product. Would never buy.
Can certainly see your point
2 hour battery,no arranger,the price,standalone is useless..
Lol...unless you need to do a live show for an hour with no plug in sight. 😜
Narcissistic is about having many layers of abusive qualities, please don't use the word in a down played manor.
The form of narcissism of thinking one is special is all about the context of how one thinks they are special... it's more of a 4 year old mentality that they never grown out of so will often lie even though they know you know they are lying but will do so even then... will torment you even if you are silent because they know you are suffering even when not reacting... the word is for a deeply abusive character.
Some don't even think the world revolves around them they are just simply in denial... like a kid that gets caught with their hand in the cookie jar and says "no I'm not" when the evidence is as plan as day.
And more so than anything else will control how people see you.
If you are here giving a honest opinion that is your own how can you refer to it as being narcissistic unless you want to down play the thermology or simply do not know?
How about you stop being so narcissistic by telling him how to speak?
I was just being facetious, honestly.
Wait we can’t use this word now? Must have missed a meeting!