@@RhythmExplorer surprising as its a powerhouse. Anyway I'm relieved to see push 3 standalone is almost double price of force so far out of the ball park on price.
Here in Ireland the amount of Push 2s hitting the second hand market is up over past day already. I think people are looking at their instruments as a devaluing item but really they should not be this reactive to push 3 launch. Madness
@@Ipsissimus He clearly states at 6:47 that you can buy the upgrade kit seperately. Thus making it somewhat repairable since you can replace that module if it breaks. Repairable does not necessarily mean you can replace every single piece that makes up a unit.
I sure like your videos on everything. They are so clear, so instructive. I so appreciate the contents listed on the side. I come back to your videos often to learn items I own. Push 3 is exciting! Thanks! You're such a good teacher!
Thanks for the complete review. The product page for the Standalone is telling, in that they mention "Replace processor, battery and hard drive as technology improves". One could assume that these future upgrades will become cheaper and better as time goes on! Yay if you can wait!
You can get more powerful hardware but you can't jump to a different CLASS of processors, that's not supported. I'd have preferred if Ableton with their huge discounts for volume put more state of the art hardware into a 2 grand controller. True confession - I have a Push and the pads are not good. I like Live Suite and use it every day.
Can we connect a Workstation keyboard as the Roland Fantom with only the USB? Like on computer, that appears all the 16 channels of the keyboard as separated audio channels. In this way we still could plug a Guitar and Mike on the inputs... It would be nice.
To clean the stickiness on the old Push 2s, you can use a liquid called Goo Gone ($5), with a proper cloth and 30 minutes of scrubbing, all the stickyness will be indeed gone. Use gloves and be careful not to touch the top which doesn’t get sticky, this liquid is kind of oily
Just got mine today. Stand-alone is far exceeding my expectations. I find that due to the workflow I’m discovering new ways to use Live that I passed over in the software.
Push 2 owner here. Quite happy with it. Synth player/keyboardist as well, so I always have expressive KB's in my rig...therefore I simply don't see any reason to upgrade at this time---at least for me. gotta say, I'm LOVING the user update ability. I HATE when manufacturers hardwire EVERYTHING (looking at you APPLE) and thus shut out users from upgrading, forcing them into a "Buy and dispose/recycle(????...yeah, sure....)" cycle.
The pads are a bit small for the mpe upgrade. Also, not hearing anything about sensitivity consistency. Had push 1 also as well as push 2.. both had issues with pad sensitivity. So, I kind of agree!
I have the Force... And it's great.. but this is real competition for it and what a innovative set adding upgradable hardware!! they should get a Nobel prize for that!
@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 bet you are fun at parties! It's a great step forward, however, they should have an option for adding a bigger screen so yeah.. it's not "perfect"..
I actually bought the MPC Live 2 and adapted to its platform coming from Ableton Live because a device like this was not available at the time. The Push 3 is the device I always wanted: a standalone, mobile Ableton DAW-in-a-box. Fully focussed on the Session View and where you use the computer version for arrangement, mixing and mastering.
I bought and sold a deluge last year hoping it could do something like this, sadly it was too hard to interface it into ableton in the way I wanted to and I ended up selling it. This being standalone is a gamechanger for me in so many ways. I can use it to play as a synth in my band. I can use it to perform my live set without a separate computer or laptop.
my only gripe is that you only get ableton intro with the new push, it should really come with the standard version of ableton. Feels weird to launch a flagship controller product without access to the full software.
What I really missed from the Push 2 is the nudge functionality. I like to use Ableton Live in my DJ sets to play some drums and effects but if you're playing on a pro Pioneer setup you don't have Ableton Link (shame on you Pioneer, but i also only use any sync options if I must have to) so somehow I have to beat match. For this I found out I can map two button in user mode which can be momentary too. Is there any way to access the nudge functions on Push 3 directly or with a shift button?
@@jgcamil nice, but both is quite rare at the clubs. V10 is ultra specific, the A9 is too new to be accessible... most clubs are still running 900 nexuses or NXS2's.
Would love to see a direct comparison to the Force .. as they feel like they are after the same market.. The MPE is very cool but struggling to see in standalone mode how it has a comparable feature set .. and the price of P3 in standalone is hard core....
Ableton really went hard in the paint with upgraded features for its Push 3 hardware. I’m impressed, can’t afford 2K price point, maybe can pick up a used push 2. I’d be happy with that
Ableton upgraded and developed the right things. Too many companies are adding a bunch of features but holding onto messy workflows and clunkiness. For me, this the ultimate standalone layout. Akai Force was close but had a HUGE deal breaker with no time sig change. I'm more than okay with forever parting ways with the MPC workflow now. I was gonna get one to pair with my SP404 MK2 and now it's not necessary. Great review man thanks!
@@remyvegamedia sounds good, the mpc learning curve makes you wanna take a long brake 😂 and im a bit tired of it. If the push 3 was cheaper I would have consider. I'm thinking about selling my mpc to buy a mac laptop and a midi controller the keylab mk2 from arturia. I want to make music for film and commercials.
@@thegreat1548 Oh, yeah, the Arturia software and a proper DAW would serve you MUCH better than an MPC for that sort of music. The idea of a standalone device is cool as something to use on the go and bring back to the studio, but a full functioning DAW is unmatched. But yeah, if you're looking to compose film/commercial music, I would honestly suggest moving away from the MPC format.
@@remyvegamedia yes, most definitely. I do have a thing for stand-alone equipment I think it's cool. But I don't want to keep stressing over the MPC when there are different avenues to take to produce music. Some say a Synthesizer would be better to create sounds that's better fit for movies. But I think the arturia software and sounds is more than enough..
Love the standalone upgrade option, would be nice a cheaper non-experessive version for those that don't need the poly expression pads. As always, loopop saves me from clicking buy. Thanks for the awesome review.
Force struggles with anything I threw at it, time stretch is awful, buggy encoders, audio interface that doesn’t work so not comparison imo but this it’s just off my experience of owning it
I love my Force. And Force has its arranger to lord over the Push 3. But Push 3 looks amazing to me, especially with the upgradeable aspect, and the fact that projects are seamless between standalone and an honest-to-God DAW. Pretty game changing imo. I’ll probably opt for the controller, then upgrade to standalone at a later date. (Just got the MPC SE ffs). Incredible that that’s even an option.
@@bugglebegger143 Well, it has the same memory and CPU as every MPC but the 2 newer ones. I’ve never heard of anyone having a cpu issue. Memory actually is hardly an issue at all on Force with its streaming ability.
@@gullyman777 I love my Force. Maybe my workflow adapted around it, so after a few years I don't see these issues anymore. There are a few things I would like, like better audio looping and program changes per clip for the internal synths, but that's just nitpicking. Nevertheless I also still love ableton since I'm a user since the early days there too
Thank you for the cool tutorial. I do have the push3 for a few days now. I love it and hate it 😂. Because it’s not flawless at all. Some things are buggy (!) and some things are just not possible at the moment (speaking about stand-alone only). For example audio trakcks: you can sample on them, but can’t load a sample on them, like in the real software. Workflow: If you want to load samples from a private folder (yes, i takes ages via wifi) … for each pad in the drumrack you have to browse to your folder again… it always jumps back to the standard folder for drum sounds. That sounds small but for me it is a huge workflow problem. And there are more things… really hope for an update soon! Some bugs are also really annoying.
Short version: at twice to thrice the price (depending on Live version), you get four times the ram, dozens times more cpu power, up to dozens times more GB of sounds, MPE pads, built in battery and upgradability, Akai Force does not stand a chance for value for money.
I'm not swapping my Force for P3. Akai Force sounds just awesome. It's funny how no P3 review is talking about the audio quality. Except Stimming talked about the headphone out that he said was not impressive.
I love my force, its been my centerpiece for a few years now. An ableton user for over a decade, I barely touch it because the force is just so well integrated with my other gear. This is definitely bringing the daw in the box. The force has come a long way, butbi dont see anything it can do this can’t.
@@Distortic I agree. But I haven't heard anything with an audio dynamic range like Force has. The sound with Force, if done well, never gets muddy. Everything is positioned rock solid and even then you can add stuff that does not get lost. That to me is valuable.
What about CLOCK? The only thing keeping me on octatrack is that stable clock. Live with external synths has been so tough for me because of the delay/latency/inconsistency
Push 3 seems like a great controller to pair with a Windows or Mac computer. Standalone seems like it's missing too many important things to be worthwhile, though. At Ableton's store, I see the controller for $999 or standalone for $1999, plus $339 or $559 for the software. So $2338 or $2558 for a standalone unit, and it doesn't have an arranger. So the user would need to use a computer to finish songs. By comparison, I got a Force + Decksaver + stand + SSD for about $1050 total, all brand new, and it's a complete production system.
@@allancerf9038 I try to stick with Linux, so I don't have a Windows or MacOS computer to run Ableton... and haven't tried to get it running in WINE. Doesn't seem worth the effort, especially when I can just use my Force and get everything I need in standalone hardware form. No mouse, no keyboard, no driver issues, no resource contention with other running apps, no waiting an hour for it to apply mystery updates on boot, no viruses, no need for an audio interface, no expensive software, etc... Just a simple device I can turn on and make music with, without the headaches of a full computer. Plus, it runs Linux and has a nice modding scene, so I can mount it as a hard drive over wifi, and manage files on it with standard tools. The Push 3 definitely has some great features, but for standalone purposes it still has a lot of catching up to do.
Amazing feat, Ableton team! I wished you would have taken the opportunity to integrate more functions via the push. Please take his list of "missing features" as a To Do list, so it can get closer to the likes of Maschine from loop to full song without touching keyboard and mouse!
They took 20 years to get automation lanes and on Push 3's small screen the arrangement view would have to be a stripped down version - better than nothing. Whether anyone would use a stripped down arrangement view rather than recording in session view and then connecting a computer - is unknown, LOL. BTW there's a max for live device that brings the arrangement view so when you get 'yours,' tell us how you like arrangement view on a controller. I'm not being facetious, I'd really like to know how it works out. Best,
I was thinking the same. I refuse to buy anything with that coating anymore. I have a few pairs of aiaiai headphones that have disintegrated after a couple of years
I'm told they already fixed that in later version of Push 2. I bought the original Push 2 and mine went all stickly too (back and sides), but $5 goo gone fixes that after about 30 minutes of scrubbing. Not fun, but does the job. Anyway, to your question, yes this material seems different
as usual, a solid comprehensive review. And yes.. i’d be keen on seeing this one compared to the Force. Thanks for the review. (i hadn’t been around for a while_ cheers from Portugal)
Great review, as always, thanks! I'm a Force owner since before all the big updates and on the Force forums, there was a spate of dedicated Ableton users who bought the Force hoping for Ableton in a box who were then disappointed, so I guess they'll be happy! I did always wonder though, if you wanted all the feature set of Ableton in a box, surely that's.....a laptop? When I got the Force, I was deliberately looking for a reduced feature set as I found myself a rabbit in the headlights with a DAW - too many options stifled my creativity. Nevertheless, there's a lot to like here, particularly the hardware upgradability that could benefit the whole standalone community regardless of the manufacturer you choose, as it raises the bar. Thanks again.
Totally true. Ableton in a box is… Ableton running on a dang laptop. If you wanna use boxes use boxes, why do we need Ableton in a box in the first place? Use Ableton for its strengths, use something else for what *it* does well/better. #opinion.
@@sub-jec-tiv Totally agree. Next thing you know these stand alone devices will get support for connecting a mouse for easier editing, and a keyboard for easier typing. And then we´re kind of back where we started. :-)
Thanks for the review. I believe this thing is a game changer, especially for the industry. Will absolutely grab one (not sure if a stand-alone or a controller first)
Looks great. I wont be upgrading my push 2 any time soon but probably will to the controller version at some point in the future. Almost entirely for the UX improvements and the polyphonic x/y controls. Not even slightly interested with standalone. There is no situation where I am going to want a push without a computer. Maybe in 10 years when there is no point not upgrading I will but I cant imagine using it enough to justify the cost or the added heat/ complexity.
Yeah stand alone is a weird flex for push. I get its the new thing everyone wants but push IS a controller FOR a daw. I guess its ableton you can throw in a back pack which is kinda cool 🤷♂️
@@DubsteadyMusic Agreed. I dont even get it from a pragmatic standpoint. All you are buying is a slightly more portable version. Fair enough for the inclusion of an interface now. That at least had some merit but: Its not even that much more portability. Laptops are super thin and powerful these days. A macbook air is negligible weight cost, at a huge advantage to this or any other hardware. Dont like a screen? Close the lid and dont look at it. There you go you have exactly the same product albeit without the hassle of moving files back and forward and not having all your plugins and samples immediately available.
@@DubsteadyMusic I think that the whole idea of a stand-alone device might sound good on paper, but in reality, it is super questionable. I have Roland MC-101, it is really tiny and portable, but still - the pads' colors are not visible when it is cloudy outside. I used it outside once, during the 5 hours bus trip. For me portability means I can grab a device and play around sitting on a couch or laying in bed. I don't think Push 3 will work for such a case.
I got my Push 3 today, thanks for your video! Did you figure out how to play the MPE pads with other synths like Pigments? Pressing the pad is interpreted as aftertouch but I can't use the up/down function to control something.
My pleasure :) yes pressure is aftertouch, I can check later but you need to find out how to map the slide parameter or cc 74 in pigments. Let me know if you figure it out!
@@loopop You are the best, it works! I did not get it because M1 does not move when it receives a signal unlike all other modulation sources in Pigments. Too bad that I just released my Push3 video without it. :)
@@MartinStuertzer yeah it’s kind of silly, it moves but only when it’s mapped. That’s how I figured it out. I was browsing through the presets and saw M1 start moving…
Who wants to buy my Push2 now 😂 That’s was worth the wait! ADAT is breakthrough, needless to say MPE surface, can’t call it pads. Still hope Push2 can be used side-by-side with Push3 for more creative session control! TNX Loopop!
I'm actually pretty disappointed - been seven years since the push 2 but this is all they add? A crippled standalone mode, a crippled audio interface, a minor UI redesign and MPE? That's really it? For this price? I'd expected a hell of a lot more.
@@robinr22 Still, leaves all current controllers/standalones irrelevant. For me for sure. Tons of things I love to see still. Why screen is as small. Or lacing a freaking song mode. On Maschine+ I can do simple from-to and it loops. Beats me how Ableton NOT implementing this for years! But I feel like my M+ going to find a new owner, Push2 already did, and I cancel plans for Osmose. New base is solid, software can be improved. I was waiting for Push3 for soooo long, just happy it’s out whatever it is 😂
Man... I'd love the MPE pads to show up on the 16-pad grid of an MPC. It might be a way to liven up a drum kit without having to use 16 levels... Or even in combination with that!
Incredible. Or should I say, UNBELIEVABLE! As a synth-pop dinosaur from the 1980s, I'm literally shocked at the equipment coming out today and where it's all going. Where is it going? We'll see.
They have actually put a proper laptop comparable x86 system inside it that is capable of running more than a few instruments (looking at you MPC and maschine+ with your atom and ARM based systems). the P3 is absolutely running some build of linux - ableton by law (GPLv3) need to publish the source code for the OS if this is the case so they need pushing to do that if they haven't already - what this also means is that there is absolutely nothing preventing the addition of VST instrument support other than potential limitations in their linux build of live.
kids: whats a ADAT? dad: It was an 8-track digital recorder created by Alesis in the 1990s. It used specially formatted S-VHS tapes as a storage medium but It sounded awful. Alesis also created a connection standard known as ADAT Lightpipe that is used for tranmitting multichannel digital audio on a single optical cable. Lightpipe technology has long outlived the original recording format and is used to expand the input/output channel capacity of modern devices. kids: cool. whats a S-VHS tape? dad: it's what we used to watch movie before DVDs came along. kids: whats a DVD? dad: go outside and play. daddy's tired.
19:28 "You can arm tracks by holding record and pressing a track". Thanks to seeing this I finally found a way to arm multiple tracks with the Push when Ableton is configured with the "Auto arm track on selection" configuration in options.txt. I've been looking for this for ages and this made my day!
Almost perfect. If the standalone version can send / receive the graphic info and such to an external multitouch display screen, alphanumeric keyboard and mouse or pad, just like on my “ancient” Roland vs2480 multitracker, the void between DAW hard and software would at last be closed. After posting this I’ll take a look at the projected price, probably gulp and decide to not switch as yet. 😊
@@final_animal You would if you had the chance to use one. User dedicated hardware so no laptop hassle getting in the way. Super stable. No bugs. No compatebility problems between different hardware components ("Why doens't this f(beep)ing hardware controller not listen to this protocol?") but fully integrated hardware controls (the VS2480's faders are even motorized!). And still you can get very deep into the nity gritty with the keyboard and mouse. That may all sound like unnecesarry luxury and to a certain level it is, hence my cost remark, but it's bit like a good digital hardware synth with sufficient controllers: It may "only" be digital but it feels like the real thing.
Honestly, this is the biggest music tech news in a long, long time. This is an actual gamechanger, and I hate that term. They have really, really read the market here. The fact it is upgradable at the processor level shows that they are fully commited to this device for a long time. More beautiful, more functional, more capable. Baring in mind they have done a lot of this during the nonsense of the last few years, Ableton have really knocked this out the park imho. Now all I need is a standalone S series keyboard from NI 👌
@@milk_bath it's a development platform, I'd imagine you will see 3rd party support in the future plus a massive explosion in M4L instrument development too. As in major developers such as waves, fabfil etc potentially dipping their toes into their own M4L devices.. Kinda like with Propellorhead having 3rd party, proprietary stuff.
@@shogunai You can imagine 3rd party VST support all you want. It doesn’t mean it will/can happen. Never buy a product on imaginary features. I am excited to see future M4L developments though.
@@boredomcreatesmusic yeah! and they included it with every version of their software as well, I think so that it would always be packaged with the Push.
Still no Tonnetz mode 😢 and no automation view. I guess I'll stick to the Force for now. That being said, I love the fact that they made it future proof, that gives me hope that I'll be buying it in the future.
The time signature is per project. You can set clip length to be anything you want. I didn’t see a way to set bpm per scene in push. You can do it in the software of course
I think that Ableton made P3 with their workflow/ecosystem in mind: Note for sketching the idea. Live to produce the song. Push3 to perform it in standalone mode. For example, whole last week I was preparing live set in Ableton for running that on Force. Thanks to Akai, they made Ableton's project import, otherwise I would spend hours doing the same thing on Force. But then I spent another week tuning the project on Force (still not ready). With Push3 I could just import the same project and perform it. Also, tempo change per scene is not available on Force, thlis pushed me to exclude songs in different tempos just because Force warp sounds bad. Macros can be easily added by attaching small controller like Korg Nanokontrol. I will wait until the launch hype will be over, first real user reports and big fixes will be released, and then decide if I will hit trigger on buying P3.
Wait for the Hype to be over? You’ll be waiting a long time. Believe the hype. Trust in Ableton. You’ll be back to this Loopop video many times, and the GAS will hit, just as it is for me. 🤓 I’m just hoping that when Live 12 drops, they make it a free update to Push 3 owners 🙏🛐
@@JamesBermingham Talking about hype I mean initial release 'hype' when people are discussing the piece of gear that they didn't touch. Same happened to Force, when it was announced, but it was missing advertised features. I want to hear opinions from people who will use the actual thing in different scenarios. It will have bugs, for sure, every software has bugs, and its important to know how severe these bugs are. I always prefer to wait a bit, hear reviews from people who bought and tested the product in studio/live environments. Usually some floating bugs appear in such cases. Product will become better overtime, and I see benefits of using it already in my setup, but I prefer to hear reviews from people who bought off-the-shelf models.
So a big thing for me recently has been simplicity. I own a Push2, which I have used live many times with my band. However, I wanted to go in a different direction. So my live rig right now is Waldorf Iridium, Novation Summit, and Elektron Digitakt. I'm now looking at Push3 and comparing it to that and thinking ... okay... but actually .... standalone aside.. how would it really HELP me??? I like Push. But the performance experience is very different compared to running some actual synths and a fairly capable but limited (and thus you have to be super creative to get the best out of it) groovebox... versus something that can do absolutely everything... but often in quite arsey ways that don't really connect with me in a live situation.
100% agree. They're building an ecosystem / workflow across multiple devices. At some point maybe there'll be an official Ableton iPad app explicitly to pair with Push 3 / control Ableton, or maybe Note will sync w/push 3 (It probably can over Link), etc.
I put off getting the push 2 because it came out so soon after I got the original push. Thought I’d just wait for the push 3 to come out and kept waiting for so long I lost interest lol
I didn't ever upgrade from my Push 1 bc I was happy with it and when I started to want to I thought "I'll wait for Push 3"... now that I'm seeing it I feel like a muchhh cheaper used Push 2 is the better option as I'm not interested in standalone, and MPE functionality doesn't seem worth the price. I'm let down but oh well.
Awesome. Couldn’t wait to get off work so I can watch this. Since I waited so long for Push 3 before getting Akai Force, I was already ready thinking of getting Push 3. Thanks for the in-depth review, I think I skip for now. There are some limitations that makes Force a brilliant choice for my setup. Also, I think this will put Akai on their toes for more improvement.
If they want to bring Push 3 standalone to another level they should make it work with an external monitor/tablet and have all the interface controls as on the computer but with touch operations! One reason I didn't keep my push 2 is that I could not see and change in the arranger view. I believe if they would do such a thing (and this could be added to other gear, not just Ableton) they would have a complete hardware on the market right now
This. I need to be able to see my arranger on my IPAD along with all the other things I'd like to fit on a full screen. Also need to be able to integrate my push 1 and 2 with push 3 in standalone mode.
I truly don't mean this to be combative, but...if you're going to the trouble of hooking up an external monitor, why not just use a computer /controller mode at that point?
@@Lokua @@Lokua well i get the point there, and it seems stupid from some point of views but i really don't like to sit in front of my computer anymore! Is basically the only reason i don't do any music right now. It sounds redundant but since the push 3 is also a computer, it would be an additional advantage to have that ability! What i really want from my gear is to be able to use a part of it to start new projects on the move but at the same time to have the possibility to do everything you can do on the daw itself! Before i sold my push 2 i wanted to go with an MPC , and right now this is a big contender for that! So being able to get a push 3 on the move and just by adding a tablet to it BAM you get the whole Ableton possibilities would be awesome! And yes connecting it to a laptop is still a thing... That could be an option. But it would be really nice to have all the possibilities not just being limited (because in the end they only limit themselves)
Totally agree. If they're not going to give us the arranger view they should have at least given us follow action access on the push which can act as a song mode option. I kept my push because I produce solely in a studio environment put it's important people understand the limitations in standalone mode.
Yep... a lot of people get away with live Intro or Standard because they can use 3rd-party plugins. Without plugins the $2000 standalone Push 3 basically doesn't have many built-in instruments...
In my opinion, the Ableton team has done an outstanding job with the UX of Live. I believe that purchasing a Live license and installing it on your existing computer is a more affordable and superior option.
0:49 less than a minute in and it’s really hard not to want it. I’m a Maschine Mk3 owner (I scratch the surface of its ability btw) and I’m really not an Ableton user in its “live” format but again, this looks so incredible that it’s hard not to want it. Nay, desperately want it. Hahaha! Can this control external gear as well as Live at the same time in standalone?
there could be a button to toggle the MPE to scroll the grid of clips... currently the change is scene by scene / track by track... who knows in an upcoming update
My poor ass might consider it if I could add my own cpu, ram and ssd.. 1000$ USD for an i3, 8gb ram and 256Gb ssd is really steep but I'm not holding my breath for user expandability. I hope we see the insides soon! @loopop, will you post a video with the internals showing?
you know I was like should I or shouldn't I do it, waiting for someone else to risk their unit ;) though it really shouldn't be a risk because you're supposed to be doing it at some point
The only Push 3 units out there are in the hands of RUclipsrs - 1000s of videos explaining how fantastic it is and creating lots of demand. No wonder there are no Push 3 units yet available to buy 🤣
I feel you went too soft on this one loopop. I don't know if your relation with Ableton affected it this time around. Would be nice to dig more about battery life, loading times, price comparisons when getting the different Live software tiers, and what exactly are yougetting from them (like the CV limitation between Standard and Suite, does it apply to Push 3?), I wanted to know if I can make my own synth presets in standalone or I am tied 100% to the Live tier I get. For the price, the standalone limitations that depend on your Live version sounds like a deal killer personally, but we needed a deeper review on what really is the experience of standalone away from a computer. A follow up video free from bias would be greatly appreciated.
When asked as you do I have zero interest in responding other than with facts that are in the video that disprove bias - this has by far the largest time spent on cons than any of my other videos; I mentioned long loading times and I respond to anyone asking for specifics; I mention battery life isn't the 2-2.5 hours claimed when you use the CPU a lot, I mention the different live tiers and that each is "hundreds of dollars" extra per tier (pricing fluctuates when there are deals).
Q. was your demo form 5:25 to 27:00 based on the out of the box install? it's a complicated product to sell and REALLY there should be 4 versions for sale 1. controller only 2. stand alone with basic 16 track, 4 instruments ableton 3. stand alone full ableton version 4. stand alone full ableton suite The 3 stand alone versions should all work out of the box and do not require you to have a computer and ableton installed on it. otherwise i can't see this as stand alone.. it's tied to a computer. it's their first non software based product .. i hope they learn from this product launch.
I mentioned this specifically in the video, that I’m not using the basic version, and I show the difference between the versions in the place in the timeline, where it says live versions. But yes, everything I do in the video can be done with the basic Intro version, except the part where I scroll through the packs. Not all of the packs and devices I scroll through are available in intro.
There’s a lot to be excited about and love here, but it’s also quite disappointing. The price of the standalone version is $2000… which only comes with Live Intro… well you could get the Controller version and an M1 Mac for that $2000 price or somewhere in that ballpark. That’s a hefty premium for standalone with limitations and portability. The upgrade ability is awesome though, so I love to see that. I definitely did not expect that or the battery. I anticipated the custom Linux OS build similar to what Valve is doing with the Steam Deck, but I feel they are missing out on the opportunity to allow users to load it up with some third party VSTs. So idk mixed bag here.
re price: IDK, competitors in the polyphonic MPE realm are charging around 1500K for __just__ a MIDI controller. 2K Seems fair to me (though I agree Live Intro is kind of a shady deal).
@@Lokua True and fair point, but I dont really have any gripes with the Push 3 as a controller. In fact I think its incredible and highly recommend it. Its the standalone/ PC aspect that I dont think is worth the asking price for *most* people. Of course, people who already have Live Suite who are performing live and/or want to reduce used space in a crowded setup may feel its worth it or they may disagree with the price but buy anyway.
@@Lokua Also, the fact that the tethered version can be easily upgraded to be standalone or even upgraded with future PC components that are better or cheaper options is an awesome pro-consumer move. Set aside the stupid semantics of whether or not it is "right to repair" or not based on different opinions and interpretations of what that means - its still a move I did not see coming and one that I give Ableton a lot of respect and thanks for regardless of my feelings on the price.
What a great product. I almost bought one straight off the bat thinking it was providing all the same features contained in my DAW. According to the comments you cant use Komplete or uad plugins inside it. If I understood your video correctly there is no access to the arrangement view when running the demo and limited to no access if you want to use the arrangement view. Is that correct? If that's the case it's a deal breaker for me. Nevertheless, it looks like a nice product but is a little more limited than I expected!
I talk about what you can and can't do with P3 in the arrangement quite a bit in the video... I wouldn't say no access because you can control the devices and the mix, and a few other things, but it's certainly not editing access to track content
@@loopop Thanks for responding. When I heard it was standalone that's what I expected but it has more limitations than I realised. It's a great product but considering the price and the way I like to use Ableton I might wait untill it's updated or improved. That's not a criticism though. I love Ableton. In a way I wish I wasn't so dependant on 3rd party plugins now because this product has come at the right time and would have really helped me out. I would have preferred this over buying a new laptop you see. I suppose that's another factor as to why it costs so much. Some folks will use this and won't necessarily need a laptop. I'm sure the build quality is amazing too.
Would definitely watch an in-depth comparison with Force/MPC.
Agree, I'm rooting for the force however 😋
Honestly. I am surprised Force never got a review yet on this channel and Push 3 got a review already in just days or release.
@@RhythmExplorer surprising as its a powerhouse. Anyway I'm relieved to see push 3 standalone is almost double price of force so far out of the ball park on price.
@@xntricity6446 well..without third party plugins in the push, your synth choice will be very limited
Here in Ireland the amount of Push 2s hitting the second hand market is up over past day already. I think people are looking at their instruments as a devaluing item but really they should not be this reactive to push 3 launch. Madness
Gotta love that upgradeable/right-to-repair thinking Ableton has had with this one. Definitely interesting!
Nothing to do with "right to repair".
Not sure how we are going to upgrade sticky rubber coating, which they decided to use again.
@@Ipsissimus Whatever their intentions are the result is still the same.
@@mklschwrtz2 So you've had your hands on the Push 3 and can confirm that it's repairable?
@@Ipsissimus He clearly states at 6:47 that you can buy the upgrade kit seperately. Thus making it somewhat repairable since you can replace that module if it breaks. Repairable does not necessarily mean you can replace every single piece that makes up a unit.
I sure like your videos on everything. They are so clear, so instructive. I so appreciate the contents listed on the side. I come back to your videos often to learn items I own. Push 3 is exciting! Thanks! You're such a good teacher!
👍🏾
many many feel the same way, you explained what makes his videos so great.
For $2k this should come with a Full License to Ableton Live. Sheeeesh!
It’s literally ableton in a box. What are you whining about?
@@christdolphin69Have you explored the differences in Live Intro and Live Suite?
That will be a special offer in 3 months time. 😉
It doesn’t?!?
@@christdolphin69 Live Intro/Lite is borderline useless
The level of detail and clarity in the explanations here is really superb, so well balanced. Excellent work!
Thanks for the complete review. The product page for the Standalone is telling, in that they mention "Replace processor, battery and hard drive as technology improves". One could assume that these future upgrades will become cheaper and better as time goes on! Yay if you can wait!
You can get more powerful hardware but you can't jump to a different CLASS of processors, that's not supported.
I'd have preferred if Ableton with their huge discounts for volume put more state of the art hardware into a 2 grand controller.
True confession - I have a Push and the pads are not good.
I like Live Suite and use it every day.
Would love to see an update in-depth Force video. You haven’t done a review since all the updates. Which like the MPC was a game changer
I do want to get to it.... but can't promise when
@@loopop May it soon be with you!
Can we connect a Workstation keyboard as the Roland Fantom with only the USB? Like on computer, that appears all the 16 channels of the keyboard as separated audio channels. In this way we still could plug a Guitar and Mike on the inputs... It would be nice.
Please tell me it doesn't have the same rubber-like material finish as the Push 2...
It doesn't
Good to hear! I am stuck with a sticky Push 2.
@@JaminZ_1 i am glad too!
To clean the stickiness on the old Push 2s, you can use a liquid called Goo Gone ($5), with a proper cloth and 30 minutes of scrubbing, all the stickyness will be indeed gone. Use gloves and be careful not to touch the top which doesn’t get sticky, this liquid is kind of oily
@@loopop Great tip! Thanx
nobody breaks it down quite like loopop! Respect.
Just got mine today. Stand-alone is far exceeding my expectations. I find that due to the workflow I’m discovering new ways to use Live that I passed over in the software.
Push 2 owner here. Quite happy with it. Synth player/keyboardist as well, so I always have expressive KB's in my rig...therefore I simply don't see any reason to upgrade at this time---at least for me.
gotta say, I'm LOVING the user update ability. I HATE when manufacturers hardwire EVERYTHING (looking at you APPLE) and thus shut out users from upgrading, forcing them into a "Buy and dispose/recycle(????...yeah, sure....)" cycle.
The pads are a bit small for the mpe upgrade. Also, not hearing anything about sensitivity consistency. Had push 1 also as well as push 2.. both had issues with pad sensitivity. So, I kind of agree!
@@kierandennis1883 ruclips.net/video/UQCIqVCSXfM/видео.html&ab_channel=KenFluxPierceFluxwithit got you covered
The one thing I really gotta know is, did they fix the sticky surface problem that push 1 had everywhere and push 2 had on the bottom case part...
yes
@@loopop surely only time will tell?!
@@loopop do you mean they no longer use a matte/rubber coating? My pish 2 is a gooey mess :(
@@norilam109 $5 Goo Gone and a 30 minute scrub and all the stickiness is gone
@@loopop I hadn't heard of Goo Gone before, so thanks for the tip.
Your videos are always THE videos I look for when trying to know more about devices. Thanks a lot!
I have the Force... And it's great.. but this is real competition for it and what a innovative set adding upgradable hardware!! they should get a Nobel prize for that!
It's a push 2 with a built-in, underpowered laptop. Calm down
@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 bet you are fun at parties!
It's a great step forward, however, they should have an option for adding a bigger screen so yeah.. it's not "perfect"..
@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 But with MPE pads!
I want that on my Force. Akai are you paying attention?
@@DJCJ999 I'm probably more fun than someone so enthused by another DAW-in-a-box that they lose their mind over it...
@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 doubtful.. you'd probably be hiding out in the kitchen, petting the family cat with me :D
I just got.a Push 3 but also have my eye on getting a Hapax, Deluge, or Oxi One. Can my Push 3 do all they do as a sequencer?
I actually bought the MPC Live 2 and adapted to its platform coming from Ableton Live because a device like this was not available at the time. The Push 3 is the device I always wanted: a standalone, mobile Ableton DAW-in-a-box. Fully focussed on the Session View and where you use the computer version for arrangement, mixing and mastering.
I've been waiting for this for 20 years, but it seems I still need to save some money before I can buy it
@@fcfc sell all your gear- problem solved 😊
@@lorrenaelliott161 hopefully 😄
@@fcfc me too
I bought and sold a deluge last year hoping it could do something like this, sadly it was too hard to interface it into ableton in the way I wanted to and I ended up selling it.
This being standalone is a gamechanger for me in so many ways. I can use it to play as a synth in my band. I can use it to perform my live set without a separate computer or laptop.
Just woke up, seen the ad on RUclips, went straight to loopop 😊
Same
my only gripe is that you only get ableton intro with the new push, it should really come with the standard version of ableton. Feels weird to launch a flagship controller product without access to the full software.
What I really missed from the Push 2 is the nudge functionality.
I like to use Ableton Live in my DJ sets to play some drums and effects but if you're playing on a pro Pioneer setup you don't have Ableton Link (shame on you Pioneer, but i also only use any sync options if I must have to) so somehow I have to beat match.
For this I found out I can map two button in user mode which can be momentary too.
Is there any way to access the nudge functions on Push 3 directly or with a shift button?
If you use a V10 or A9 sync it to the prolink interface via midi.
@@jgcamil nice, but both is quite rare at the clubs. V10 is ultra specific, the A9 is too new to be accessible... most clubs are still running 900 nexuses or NXS2's.
Would love to see a direct comparison to the Force .. as they feel like they are after the same market.. The MPE is very cool but struggling to see in standalone mode how it has a comparable feature set .. and the price of P3 in standalone is hard core....
Let's not forget that sounds must be mpe compatible on push 3.
Ableton really went hard in the paint with upgraded features for its Push 3 hardware. I’m impressed, can’t afford 2K price point, maybe can pick up a used push 2. I’d be happy with that
Ableton upgraded and developed the right things. Too many companies are adding a bunch of features but holding onto messy workflows and clunkiness.
For me, this the ultimate standalone layout. Akai Force was close but had a HUGE deal breaker with no time sig change. I'm more than okay with forever parting ways with the MPC workflow now. I was gonna get one to pair with my SP404 MK2 and now it's not necessary.
Great review man thanks!
The workflow is more simple? I got the mpc live 2 and the workflow is annoying as hell.
@@thegreat1548 In my experience, yeah, the Push workflow is much more intuitive and straight forward.
@@remyvegamedia sounds good, the mpc learning curve makes you wanna take a long brake 😂 and im a bit tired of it. If the push 3 was cheaper I would have consider. I'm thinking about selling my mpc to buy a mac laptop and a midi controller the keylab mk2 from arturia. I want to make music for film and commercials.
@@thegreat1548 Oh, yeah, the Arturia software and a proper DAW would serve you MUCH better than an MPC for that sort of music. The idea of a standalone device is cool as something to use on the go and bring back to the studio, but a full functioning DAW is unmatched. But yeah, if you're looking to compose film/commercial music, I would honestly suggest moving away from the MPC format.
@@remyvegamedia yes, most definitely. I do have a thing for stand-alone equipment I think it's cool. But I don't want to keep stressing over the MPC when there are different avenues to take to produce music. Some say a Synthesizer would be better to create sounds that's better fit for movies. But I think the arturia software and sounds is more than enough..
You make the absolute best videos man. SO insightful. Thanks.
I don´t understand they did not put just some sort of arrangement view in there.
Can you access the groove pool on Push 3?
That’s something I want to know too
not anywhere I saw
@@loopop thanks! how does swing work, can you still dial something in?
@@jean_voyage yes click the tempo knob and it controls swing
@@loopop thanks you’re really helping me out with this
wow that's a serious powerhouse piece of production equipment, damn.
Love the standalone upgrade option, would be nice a cheaper non-experessive version for those that don't need the poly expression pads. As always, loopop saves me from clicking buy. Thanks for the awesome review.
Excellent video. You've covered most of the ins and outs of Push3. Thank you for this vid.
Definitely curious how it compares to the Force. The MPE functionality and upgradeability seems great at least
Force struggles with anything I threw at it, time stretch is awful, buggy encoders, audio interface that doesn’t work so not comparison imo but this it’s just off my experience of owning it
I love my Force. And Force has its arranger to lord over the Push 3. But Push 3 looks amazing to me, especially with the upgradeable aspect, and the fact that projects are seamless between standalone and an honest-to-God DAW. Pretty game changing imo. I’ll probably opt for the controller, then upgrade to standalone at a later date. (Just got the MPC SE ffs). Incredible that that’s even an option.
@@gullyman777 Interface doesn’t work? Buggy encoders? Buggy updates maybe. Sounds like you struggled with it.
@@bugglebegger143 Well, it has the same memory and CPU as every MPC but the 2 newer ones. I’ve never heard of anyone having a cpu issue. Memory actually is hardly an issue at all on Force with its streaming ability.
@@gullyman777 I love my Force. Maybe my workflow adapted around it, so after a few years I don't see these issues anymore. There are a few things I would like, like better audio looping and program changes per clip for the internal synths, but that's just nitpicking. Nevertheless I also still love ableton since I'm a user since the early days there too
Great video. Thank you. It seems to have many of the features of the AKAI force, which since it’s updates is amazing and at half the price
Haven't heard of the AKAI Force yet. What have the updates brought?
@@George-nx8zu Too many to name. It's best to watch the update videos & see how it became a better device over time.
Best review so far!!! Love it 👏🎬
Also, I think your comments about the lack of arrangement view is a huge deal. Thanks for pointing out!
Please make the comparison for Akai Force. The Maschine/MPC aren't quite the same....thing as Push/Force.
Thank you for the cool tutorial. I do have the push3 for a few days now. I love it and hate it 😂. Because it’s not flawless at all. Some things are buggy (!) and some things are just not possible at the moment (speaking about stand-alone only). For example audio trakcks: you can sample on them, but can’t load a sample on them, like in the real software.
Workflow: If you want to load samples from a private folder (yes, i takes ages via wifi) … for each pad in the drumrack you have to browse to your folder again… it always jumps back to the standard folder for drum sounds. That sounds small but for me it is a huge workflow problem. And there are more things… really hope for an update soon!
Some bugs are also really annoying.
Just incredible. @Loopop: please please PLEASE do an actual comparison to Akai Force, which is literally the best thing to compare Push 3 to IMHO.
Short version: at twice to thrice the price (depending on Live version), you get four times the ram, dozens times more cpu power, up to dozens times more GB of sounds, MPE pads, built in battery and upgradability, Akai Force does not stand a chance for value for money.
I'm not swapping my Force for P3. Akai Force sounds just awesome. It's funny how no P3 review is talking about the audio quality. Except Stimming talked about the headphone out that he said was not impressive.
I love my force, its been my centerpiece for a few years now. An ableton user for over a decade, I barely touch it because the force is just so well integrated with my other gear. This is definitely bringing the daw in the box. The force has come a long way, butbi dont see anything it can do this can’t.
@@Distortic I agree. But I haven't heard anything with an audio dynamic range like Force has. The sound with Force, if done well, never gets muddy. Everything is positioned rock solid and even then you can add stuff that does not get lost. That to me is valuable.
I have to agree. Still not sure why we’ve not gotten a review of Force yet on this channel.
I feel like this brings it closer to the workings of a Maschine or Maschine Plus in terms of some amount of workflow.
What about CLOCK? The only thing keeping me on octatrack is that stable clock. Live with external synths has been so tough for me because of the delay/latency/inconsistency
Let me know how you'd like me to test the clock
Push 3 seems like a great controller to pair with a Windows or Mac computer. Standalone seems like it's missing too many important things to be worthwhile, though.
At Ableton's store, I see the controller for $999 or standalone for $1999, plus $339 or $559 for the software. So $2338 or $2558 for a standalone unit, and it doesn't have an arranger. So the user would need to use a computer to finish songs. By comparison, I got a Force + Decksaver + stand + SSD for about $1050 total, all brand new, and it's a complete production system.
Así es!
Do you own a version of Ableton? Most who drop 2 grand on a controller have suite.
That said I'm about to buy The Force...
@@allancerf9038 I try to stick with Linux, so I don't have a Windows or MacOS computer to run Ableton... and haven't tried to get it running in WINE. Doesn't seem worth the effort, especially when I can just use my Force and get everything I need in standalone hardware form.
No mouse, no keyboard, no driver issues, no resource contention with other running apps, no waiting an hour for it to apply mystery updates on boot, no viruses, no need for an audio interface, no expensive software, etc... Just a simple device I can turn on and make music with, without the headaches of a full computer.
Plus, it runs Linux and has a nice modding scene, so I can mount it as a hard drive over wifi, and manage files on it with standard tools.
The Push 3 definitely has some great features, but for standalone purposes it still has a lot of catching up to do.
I use Force perfectly with ableton suite 11 as a controller. I also have no problems at all bringing in full Ableton sets directly into the force
And cheaper too
I think AKAI Force is still the best live performance oriented standalone sampler device. Sad that Push 3 is just a Push 2 standalone with MPE..
@@eento06 amen bro
How do you do that with their track limitations?
Do you use midi cc, program changes....?
5:00 RE: Note Repeat good! Notice that buttons for up to 32nd T ! is there a convenient way to do 64th 128 etc? for "Snare Rush" etc!
not that I know off the panel, but these days there's a MIDI effect or max device for anything you can imagine
I’m curious about latency with a sound card plug in with adat.
Amazing feat, Ableton team! I wished you would have taken the opportunity to integrate more functions via the push. Please take his list of "missing features" as a To Do list, so it can get closer to the likes of Maschine from loop to full song without touching keyboard and mouse!
They took 20 years to get automation lanes and on Push 3's small screen the arrangement view would have to be a stripped down version - better than nothing.
Whether anyone would use a stripped down arrangement view rather than recording in session view and then connecting a computer - is unknown, LOL.
BTW there's a max for live device that brings the arrangement view so when you get 'yours,' tell us how you like arrangement view on a controller. I'm not being facetious, I'd really like to know how it works out.
Best,
this video sold me on push 3 better than any of the videos ableton made. what a great device.
Did they fix the rubber melting issue? my push 2 got sticky and meh even when only in a studio with a/c
I was thinking the same. I refuse to buy anything with that coating anymore. I have a few pairs of aiaiai headphones that have disintegrated after a couple of years
Push 3 isn‘t coated.
I'm told they already fixed that in later version of Push 2. I bought the original Push 2 and mine went all stickly too (back and sides), but $5 goo gone fixes that after about 30 minutes of scrubbing. Not fun, but does the job. Anyway, to your question, yes this material seems different
@@loopop I had a later version of the push 2, definitely sticky.
@@loopop thank you!
as usual, a solid comprehensive review. And yes.. i’d be keen on seeing this one compared to the Force.
Thanks for the review.
(i hadn’t been around for a while_ cheers from Portugal)
Great review, as always, thanks! I'm a Force owner since before all the big updates and on the Force forums, there was a spate of dedicated Ableton users who bought the Force hoping for Ableton in a box who were then disappointed, so I guess they'll be happy! I did always wonder though, if you wanted all the feature set of Ableton in a box, surely that's.....a laptop? When I got the Force, I was deliberately looking for a reduced feature set as I found myself a rabbit in the headlights with a DAW - too many options stifled my creativity. Nevertheless, there's a lot to like here, particularly the hardware upgradability that could benefit the whole standalone community regardless of the manufacturer you choose, as it raises the bar. Thanks again.
Totally true. Ableton in a box is… Ableton running on a dang laptop. If you wanna use boxes use boxes, why do we need Ableton in a box in the first place? Use Ableton for its strengths, use something else for what *it* does well/better. #opinion.
@@sub-jec-tiv Totally agree. Next thing you know these stand alone devices will get support for connecting a mouse for easier editing, and a keyboard for easier typing. And then we´re kind of back where we started. :-)
Great update.
Thanks for the review. I believe this thing is a game changer, especially for the industry. Will absolutely grab one (not sure if a stand-alone or a controller first)
Better than mpc live 2??
Thanks for the clear and comprehensive video, as always! I'd be very much interested in a comparison with Akai Force, if you feel like it
Looks great. I wont be upgrading my push 2 any time soon but probably will to the controller version at some point in the future. Almost entirely for the UX improvements and the polyphonic x/y controls.
Not even slightly interested with standalone. There is no situation where I am going to want a push without a computer. Maybe in 10 years when there is no point not upgrading I will but I cant imagine using it enough to justify the cost or the added heat/ complexity.
Totally agree! For me Push 2 is the ideal controller, I will change only if I break it somehow.
Yeah stand alone is a weird flex for push. I get its the new thing everyone wants but push IS a controller FOR a daw. I guess its ableton you can throw in a back pack which is kinda cool 🤷♂️
@@DubsteadyMusic Agreed. I dont even get it from a pragmatic standpoint. All you are buying is a slightly more portable version.
Fair enough for the inclusion of an interface now. That at least had some merit but:
Its not even that much more portability. Laptops are super thin and powerful these days. A macbook air is negligible weight cost, at a huge advantage to this or any other hardware.
Dont like a screen? Close the lid and dont look at it. There you go you have exactly the same product albeit without the hassle of moving files back and forward and not having all your plugins and samples immediately available.
@@DubsteadyMusic I think that the whole idea of a stand-alone device might sound good on paper, but in reality, it is super questionable. I have Roland MC-101, it is really tiny and portable, but still - the pads' colors are not visible when it is cloudy outside. I used it outside once, during the 5 hours bus trip. For me portability means I can grab a device and play around sitting on a couch or laying in bed. I don't think Push 3 will work for such a case.
There is no situation where I would want to use push 2 without a computer.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I got my Push 3 today, thanks for your video! Did you figure out how to play the MPE pads with other synths like Pigments? Pressing the pad is interpreted as aftertouch but I can't use the up/down function to control something.
My pleasure :) yes pressure is aftertouch, I can check later but you need to find out how to map the slide parameter or cc 74 in pigments. Let me know if you figure it out!
@@loopop That would be awesome! Here it does not respond to midi learn and CC74 is not doing anything.
@@MartinStuertzer ok got it - how odd! It just goes to macro 1 - use that as a mod source
@@loopop You are the best, it works! I did not get it because M1 does not move when it receives a signal unlike all other modulation sources in Pigments. Too bad that I just released my Push3 video without it. :)
@@MartinStuertzer yeah it’s kind of silly, it moves but only when it’s mapped. That’s how I figured it out. I was browsing through the presets and saw M1 start moving…
Who wants to buy my Push2 now 😂 That’s was worth the wait! ADAT is breakthrough, needless to say MPE surface, can’t call it pads. Still hope Push2 can be used side-by-side with Push3 for more creative session control! TNX Loopop!
I'm actually pretty disappointed - been seven years since the push 2 but this is all they add? A crippled standalone mode, a crippled audio interface, a minor UI redesign and MPE? That's really it? For this price?
I'd expected a hell of a lot more.
@@robinr22 Still, leaves all current controllers/standalones irrelevant. For me for sure. Tons of things I love to see still. Why screen is as small. Or lacing a freaking song mode. On Maschine+ I can do simple from-to and it loops. Beats me how Ableton NOT implementing this for years! But I feel like my M+ going to find a new owner, Push2 already did, and I cancel plans for Osmose. New base is solid, software can be improved.
I was waiting for Push3 for soooo long, just happy it’s out whatever it is 😂
Thanks again loopop, your retutorialviews are always excellent!
Man... I'd love the MPE pads to show up on the 16-pad grid of an MPC. It might be a way to liven up a drum kit without having to use 16 levels... Or even in combination with that!
If they simply allowed you to implement the expression with an external controller, that;d be a game changer.
It only supports Ableton plugins right? No other VSTs?
Incredible. Or should I say, UNBELIEVABLE! As a synth-pop dinosaur from the 1980s, I'm literally shocked at the equipment coming out today and where it's all going. Where is it going? We'll see.
I was just think about when some folks develop their chops on these, it's gonna get fun.
it's going in a landfill in a few years with all the rest of the junk we compulsively buy
They have actually put a proper laptop comparable x86 system inside it that is capable of running more than a few instruments (looking at you MPC and maschine+ with your atom and ARM based systems). the P3 is absolutely running some build of linux - ableton by law (GPLv3) need to publish the source code for the OS if this is the case so they need pushing to do that if they haven't already - what this also means is that there is absolutely nothing preventing the addition of VST instrument support other than potential limitations in their linux build of live.
Now this is a true successor to the OG Push 2. Loopop amazing review as always
Impressive kit. Especially that upgradable part. Next level for music equipment.
You might want to explain what ADAT is to the kids though 🤣
kids: whats a ADAT?
dad: It was an 8-track digital recorder created by Alesis in the 1990s. It used specially formatted S-VHS tapes as a storage medium but It sounded awful. Alesis also created a connection standard known as ADAT Lightpipe that is used for tranmitting multichannel digital audio on a single optical cable. Lightpipe technology has long outlived the original recording format and is used to expand the input/output channel capacity of modern devices.
kids: cool. whats a S-VHS tape?
dad: it's what we used to watch movie before DVDs came along.
kids: whats a DVD?
dad: go outside and play. daddy's tired.
19:28 "You can arm tracks by holding record and pressing a track".
Thanks to seeing this I finally found a way to arm multiple tracks with the Push when Ableton is configured with the "Auto arm track on selection" configuration in options.txt. I've been looking for this for ages and this made my day!
Almost perfect. If the standalone version can send / receive the graphic info and such to an external multitouch display screen, alphanumeric keyboard and mouse or pad, just like on my “ancient” Roland vs2480 multitracker, the void between DAW hard and software would at last be closed. After posting this I’ll take a look at the projected price, probably gulp and decide to not switch as yet. 😊
It is definitely a bit eye watering of a price.
That sounds like just using a laptop though, no? Not being funny, I just don't get the distinction
@@final_animal You would if you had the chance to use one. User dedicated hardware so no laptop hassle getting in the way. Super stable. No bugs. No compatebility problems between different hardware components ("Why doens't this f(beep)ing hardware controller not listen to this protocol?") but fully integrated hardware controls (the VS2480's faders are even motorized!). And still you can get very deep into the nity gritty with the keyboard and mouse. That may all sound like unnecesarry luxury and to a certain level it is, hence my cost remark, but it's bit like a good digital hardware synth with sufficient controllers: It may "only" be digital but it feels like the real thing.
OK cool, that makes sense. Thanks for the reply!@@marcbrasse747
I wonder if the arrange view is something they can add later in software
Looking forward to a FORCE comparison. Still believe that the FORCE is better however.
The better because it ahas an arranger and cost way less
I just looked the announcement and first search on YT looking for a review, sure yours come to the top! Thank you sir! 🙌
Honestly, this is the biggest music tech news in a long, long time. This is an actual gamechanger, and I hate that term. They have really, really read the market here. The fact it is upgradable at the processor level shows that they are fully commited to this device for a long time. More beautiful, more functional, more capable.
Baring in mind they have done a lot of this during the nonsense of the last few years, Ableton have really knocked this out the park imho. Now all I need is a standalone S series keyboard from NI 👌
It would be a *actual* gamechanger if it could run 3rd Party VSTs.
The jump from Push 1 to Push 2 was a bigger improvement than 2 to 3.
@@milk_bath it's a development platform, I'd imagine you will see 3rd party support in the future plus a massive explosion in M4L instrument development too. As in major developers such as waves, fabfil etc potentially dipping their toes into their own M4L devices.. Kinda like with Propellorhead having 3rd party, proprietary stuff.
@@shogunai You can imagine 3rd party VST support all you want. It doesn’t mean it will/can happen.
Never buy a product on imaginary features.
I am excited to see future M4L developments though.
What are the windows audio drivers? ASIO?
it could be useful to connect it to the smartphone as a second screen, to have a second visual panel
Thank you very much for this incredible video review tutorial!! Ableton is really amazing!!
I think I see why they made the drift synth now.
Very astute
Why? Because of the MPE?
@@boredomcreatesmusic yeah! and they included it with every version of their software as well, I think so that it would always be packaged with the Push.
@@robertsyrett1992 Got you! Thanks.
How does pitch sliding work in scale mode?
Those microtonal options will be a revelation 😮🤩🤩🤩
Still no Tonnetz mode 😢 and no automation view. I guess I'll stick to the Force for now. That being said, I love the fact that they made it future proof, that gives me hope that I'll be buying it in the future.
The Truth is in the specs, thus why I love this channel.
Isn’t the time signature setting per clip? Should be bpm per scene also like regular Live use?
The time signature is per project. You can set clip length to be anything you want. I didn’t see a way to set bpm per scene in push. You can do it in the software of course
Ableton Live in a box, with a new expressive controller for the price of an OP-1. Ableton, you mad lads!
anything seems like a gift if you compare it to an op-1 mk2😂
ableton in a box without ableton...it`s a pity that they didn`t include live suite.
can you tell what is the round trip latency and minimum buffer size with 8 track project?
Oh wow, I'm not interested in Ableton (Bitwig user here) but this challenges the Linnstrument as a MIDI controller!
I wonder how this would work with bitwig. I know there’s a great script for the push 2 for bitwig.
Bitwig scripts by Moss for push 1 and 2 are amazing.
@@balrojmusic I've heard they are, it's tempting now the price of Push 2 will be going down
@@balrojmusic yeah that’s the exact one I’m talking about. Updates it regularly too.
Faaaaaaaack.... I was waiting more than 2 years for this!! (bought an MPC One in the meantime!)
This looks like a game-changer, I think this will leave a lot of other standalone device manufacturers scrambling to catch up
Nah.
Image-Line FL Studio based hardware groovebox, anyone?
no
Can you use it in the sun or outside ? I perform in the daytime a lot and I can’t see the pad when it’s outside.
I think that Ableton made P3 with their workflow/ecosystem in mind:
Note for sketching the idea.
Live to produce the song.
Push3 to perform it in standalone mode.
For example, whole last week I was preparing live set in Ableton for running that on Force.
Thanks to Akai, they made Ableton's project import, otherwise I would spend hours doing the same thing on Force.
But then I spent another week tuning the project on Force (still not ready).
With Push3 I could just import the same project and perform it.
Also, tempo change per scene is not available on Force, thlis pushed me to exclude songs in different tempos just because Force warp sounds bad.
Macros can be easily added by attaching small controller like Korg Nanokontrol.
I will wait until the launch hype will be over, first real user reports and big fixes will be released, and then decide if I will hit trigger on buying P3.
Wait for the Hype to be over?
You’ll be waiting a long time.
Believe the hype. Trust in Ableton.
You’ll be back to this Loopop video many times, and the GAS will hit, just as it is for me. 🤓
I’m just hoping that when Live 12 drops, they make it a free update to Push 3 owners 🙏🛐
@@JamesBermingham Talking about hype I mean initial release 'hype' when people are discussing the piece of gear that they didn't touch. Same happened to Force, when it was announced, but it was missing advertised features. I want to hear opinions from people who will use the actual thing in different scenarios. It will have bugs, for sure, every software has bugs, and its important to know how severe these bugs are.
I always prefer to wait a bit, hear reviews from people who bought and tested the product in studio/live environments. Usually some floating bugs appear in such cases.
Product will become better overtime, and I see benefits of using it already in my setup, but I prefer to hear reviews from people who bought off-the-shelf models.
So a big thing for me recently has been simplicity. I own a Push2, which I have used live many times with my band. However, I wanted to go in a different direction. So my live rig right now is Waldorf Iridium, Novation Summit, and Elektron Digitakt.
I'm now looking at Push3 and comparing it to that and thinking ... okay... but actually .... standalone aside.. how would it really HELP me???
I like Push. But the performance experience is very different compared to running some actual synths and a fairly capable but limited (and thus you have to be super creative to get the best out of it) groovebox... versus something that can do absolutely everything... but often in quite arsey ways that don't really connect with me in a live situation.
100% agree. They're building an ecosystem / workflow across multiple devices. At some point maybe there'll be an official Ableton iPad app explicitly to pair with Push 3 / control Ableton, or maybe Note will sync w/push 3 (It probably can over Link), etc.
hi push 3 standalone or akai force for play live 1 hour or more
I put off getting the push 2 because it came out so soon after I got the original push. Thought I’d just wait for the push 3 to come out and kept waiting for so long I lost interest lol
I feel this way now. I just got the Push 2 the middle of last year.
I didn't ever upgrade from my Push 1 bc I was happy with it and when I started to want to I thought "I'll wait for Push 3"... now that I'm seeing it I feel like a muchhh cheaper used Push 2 is the better option as I'm not interested in standalone, and MPE functionality doesn't seem worth the price. I'm let down but oh well.
@@BIG_PASTA Maybe a cheap push 2 is on the cards. Probably not tho lol
@@smoothsavage2870 push 2 is still awesome compared to my push 1 👍🏼
@@bigupz6818 Yea, im definitely happy with the Push 2. Love it so far.
Awesome. Couldn’t wait to get off work so I can watch this. Since I waited so long for Push 3 before getting Akai Force, I was already ready thinking of getting Push 3. Thanks for the in-depth review, I think I skip for now. There are some limitations that makes Force a brilliant choice for my setup. Also, I think this will put Akai on their toes for more improvement.
Akai just need to hire a couple better programmers.
I'm with you.
20:50 what's happening here - the pads are lagging behind the sound?
If they want to bring Push 3 standalone to another level they should make it work with an external monitor/tablet and have all the interface controls as on the computer but with touch operations! One reason I didn't keep my push 2 is that I could not see and change in the arranger view. I believe if they would do such a thing (and this could be added to other gear, not just Ableton) they would have a complete hardware on the market right now
Great idea. Roland did this with some of their 90s gear.
This.
I need to be able to see my arranger on my IPAD along with all the other things I'd like to fit on a full screen. Also need to be able to integrate my push 1 and 2 with push 3 in standalone mode.
I truly don't mean this to be combative, but...if you're going to the trouble of hooking up an external monitor, why not just use a computer /controller mode at that point?
@@Lokua @@Lokua well i get the point there, and it seems stupid from some point of views but i really don't like to sit in front of my computer anymore! Is basically the only reason i don't do any music right now. It sounds redundant but since the push 3 is also a computer, it would be an additional advantage to have that ability! What i really want from my gear is to be able to use a part of it to start new projects on the move but at the same time to have the possibility to do everything you can do on the daw itself! Before i sold my push 2 i wanted to go with an MPC , and right now this is a big contender for that! So being able to get a push 3 on the move and just by adding a tablet to it BAM you get the whole Ableton possibilities would be awesome! And yes connecting it to a laptop is still a thing... That could be an option. But it would be really nice to have all the possibilities not just being limited (because in the end they only limit themselves)
Totally agree. If they're not going to give us the arranger view they should have at least given us follow action access on the push which can act as a song mode option. I kept my push because I produce solely in a studio environment put it's important people understand the limitations in standalone mode.
Just ordered 🤞🏾 though I need Maschine Mk3 or big update from them because I’m about to make space !!!! 🤣
If you dont already have a live suite licence the standalone version is going to get real expensive real quick.
Never thought about that. Great point to consider for sure! 👊🧡👍
Should of made suite free for standalone
Yep... a lot of people get away with live Intro or Standard because they can use 3rd-party plugins. Without plugins the $2000 standalone Push 3 basically doesn't have many built-in instruments...
It's already 2k lol
@@mmoncur I'm surprised the $2k box doesn't come with the full version of the software... That's kind of lame.
Did Roger Linn have a part in making this?
In my opinion, the Ableton team has done an outstanding job with the UX of Live. I believe that purchasing a Live license and installing it on your existing computer is a more affordable and superior option.
yes but it looks more geeky on a gigs
More affordable yes, but there's obviously a market for standalone gear
As an Octatrack user im actually tempted but wonder if i will loose my inspiration on it.
0:49 less than a minute in and it’s really hard not to want it. I’m a Maschine Mk3 owner (I scratch the surface of its ability btw) and I’m really not an Ableton user in its “live” format but again, this looks so incredible that it’s hard not to want it. Nay, desperately want it. Hahaha! Can this control external gear as well as Live at the same time in standalone?
Ah man… I’m gonna have to go look at the price…
there could be a button to toggle the MPE to scroll the grid of clips... currently the change is scene by scene / track by track... who knows in an upcoming update
My poor ass might consider it if I could add my own cpu, ram and ssd.. 1000$ USD for an i3, 8gb ram and 256Gb ssd is really steep but I'm not holding my breath for user expandability. I hope we see the insides soon! @loopop, will you post a video with the internals showing?
you know I was like should I or shouldn't I do it, waiting for someone else to risk their unit ;) though it really shouldn't be a risk because you're supposed to be doing it at some point
Man oh man, I’m so glad I’ve been holding out for this!!
The only Push 3 units out there are in the hands of RUclipsrs - 1000s of videos explaining how fantastic it is and creating lots of demand.
No wonder there are no Push 3 units yet available to buy 🤣
As always the best tutorials, thanks!!!
I feel you went too soft on this one loopop. I don't know if your relation with Ableton affected it this time around. Would be nice to dig more about battery life, loading times, price comparisons when getting the different Live software tiers, and what exactly are yougetting from them (like the CV limitation between Standard and Suite, does it apply to Push 3?), I wanted to know if I can make my own synth presets in standalone or I am tied 100% to the Live tier I get. For the price, the standalone limitations that depend on your Live version sounds like a deal killer personally, but we needed a deeper review on what really is the experience of standalone away from a computer. A follow up video free from bias would be greatly appreciated.
When asked as you do I have zero interest in responding other than with facts that are in the video that disprove bias - this has by far the largest time spent on cons than any of my other videos; I mentioned long loading times and I respond to anyone asking for specifics; I mention battery life isn't the 2-2.5 hours claimed when you use the CPU a lot, I mention the different live tiers and that each is "hundreds of dollars" extra per tier (pricing fluctuates when there are deals).
Q. was your demo form 5:25 to 27:00 based on the out of the box install?
it's a complicated product to sell and REALLY there should be 4 versions for sale
1. controller only
2. stand alone with basic 16 track, 4 instruments ableton
3. stand alone full ableton version
4. stand alone full ableton suite
The 3 stand alone versions should all work out of the box and do not require you to have a computer and ableton installed on it.
otherwise i can't see this as stand alone.. it's tied to a computer.
it's their first non software based product .. i hope they learn from this product launch.
I mentioned this specifically in the video, that I’m not using the basic version, and I show the difference between the versions in the place in the timeline, where it says live versions. But yes, everything I do in the video can be done with the basic Intro version, except the part where I scroll through the packs. Not all of the packs and devices I scroll through are available in intro.
There’s a lot to be excited about and love here, but it’s also quite disappointing. The price of the standalone version is $2000… which only comes with Live Intro… well you could get the Controller version and an M1 Mac for that $2000 price or somewhere in that ballpark. That’s a hefty premium for standalone with limitations and portability. The upgrade ability is awesome though, so I love to see that. I definitely did not expect that or the battery. I anticipated the custom Linux OS build similar to what Valve is doing with the Steam Deck, but I feel they are missing out on the opportunity to allow users to load it up with some third party VSTs. So idk mixed bag here.
+1
re price: IDK, competitors in the polyphonic MPE realm are charging around 1500K for __just__ a MIDI controller. 2K Seems fair to me (though I agree Live Intro is kind of a shady deal).
@@Lokua True and fair point, but I dont really have any gripes with the Push 3 as a controller. In fact I think its incredible and highly recommend it. Its the standalone/ PC aspect that I dont think is worth the asking price for *most* people. Of course, people who already have Live Suite who are performing live and/or want to reduce used space in a crowded setup may feel its worth it or they may disagree with the price but buy anyway.
@@Lokua Also, the fact that the tethered version can be easily upgraded to be standalone or even upgraded with future PC components that are better or cheaper options is an awesome pro-consumer move. Set aside the stupid semantics of whether or not it is "right to repair" or not based on different opinions and interpretations of what that means - its still a move I did not see coming and one that I give Ableton a lot of respect and thanks for regardless of my feelings on the price.
What a great product. I almost bought one straight off the bat thinking it was providing all the same features contained in my DAW.
According to the comments you cant use Komplete or uad plugins inside it. If I understood your video correctly there is no access to the arrangement view when running the demo and limited to no access if you want to use the arrangement view. Is that correct?
If that's the case it's a deal breaker for me. Nevertheless, it looks like a nice product but is a little more limited than I expected!
I talk about what you can and can't do with P3 in the arrangement quite a bit in the video... I wouldn't say no access because you can control the devices and the mix, and a few other things, but it's certainly not editing access to track content
@@loopop Thanks for responding. When I heard it was standalone that's what I expected but it has more limitations than I realised. It's a great product but considering the price and the way I like to use Ableton I might wait untill it's updated or improved. That's not a criticism though. I love Ableton. In a way I wish I wasn't so dependant on 3rd party plugins now because this product has come at the right time and would have really helped me out. I would have preferred this over buying a new laptop you see. I suppose that's another factor as to why it costs so much. Some folks will use this and won't necessarily need a laptop. I'm sure the build quality is amazing too.