Ableton Live 12 on Standalone Push 3: A Major Disappointment?

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Ableton recently released Live 12 for the standalone Push 3, following its debut just a few weeks prior. While it brings some good changes to the Push, the question remains: is it a truly substantial upgrade?
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WHO AM I:
I’m Craig, a professional musician and music technology teacher working at universities online and across London, UK. I make videos that look at easy and fun ways to get started in music production. I have also just launched my first course ‘Ableton Zero to Hero’ - a beginner’s guide to music production.
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If you’d like to talk, I’d love to hear from you. DM me on Instagram @pushpatterns directly, but if your question is very long, feel free to email me at [e-mail].
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[@joeymc5272]

At least you guys are dissapointed with an update. I spilled coffee on my push standalone took it apart, accidentally broke some spring contacts off the audio jack pcb which were even soldered in. So now i have to buy a new push. Hoping i can take the cpu and ssd out and buy a controller version and swap it over or im out another $2200.00 so dont feel so bad. Other people are in shittier conditions.

[@pushpatterns]

Omg! So sorry to hear this! That’s terrible news! I remember a friend of mine knocked over a candle on to the pads of his push 2. They couldn’t get the cover off before all the wax solidified. Never knew a candle could be so damaging! Lol

[@joeymc5272]

@@pushpatterns thank you for the kind remarks. exactly! You have to be extremely careful certain parts in the push are so fragile. The spring contacts will snap off barely touching them. Im waiting back now a week later for a response from ableton but not sure i will get one. It looks as if the pads are sealed on the push 3. I could not get them off so taking it apart was not a smart idea. I thought it would be similar build to push 2 which is fairly simple to take apart and clean. Push 3 with the 2 pcs is an absolute pita to get back together. Oh well lesson learned do not have liquid near your push. My biggest concern is i cant fond anything adequate on ableton repair work. Do they even offer this that you or anyone knows of? Im sure its expensive as hell but still in case of warranty claims

[@pushpatterns]

Hey, yeah I bet! Lesson learnt! Unfortunately I don’t know anyone but I will pin this post and hopefully some can get you sorted! 🎉

[@joeymc5272]

@@pushpatterns oh thanks i really appreciate this man. Take care and keep making content and ill keep watching it!

[@pushpatterns]

Thanks man! Happy to have you here. Lots great new video coming soon 🎉🎉

[@eyesintheskies]

Love the fact the screen is not to intrusive, bright screens drive me nuts.

[@pushpatterns]

And you can adjust the brightness too!

[@eyesintheskies]

@@pushpatterns nice, of course you can, ableton thinks of everything!

[@PololiNuskil]

I don't expect arranger view on the Standalone, but some variation of Midi Tools would be very welcome. Also a better M4L integration would be nice.

[@pushpatterns]

I think they will get some form of arrange view and a way to view automation eventually. How detailed it is I don't know 🤷‍♂️

[@droggisch]

It will never have an arrangement view. The interface is just not possible to usefully replicate on the limited screen real estate and interactions available. Things like comping or drawing automation curves just don’t translate to the paradigm.

[@roymoxley2587]

Ablelton live 12 lite keeps crashing coming from a mpc live 2 f this

[@pushpatterns]

Do you mean it keeps crashing on the Push 3 standalone?

[@Tx66]

Requesting arrangement view on Push 3 misses the whole point of this performance instrument. You don’t want a shittier computer DAW. This is an instrument meant for live looping and composition. Stop asking for this nonsense.

[@pushpatterns]

I think this is a fair request. You can already record and store an arrangement on the Push 3 standalone; people are just asking for the ability to view and do some basic editing. It's not too much to ask for when this feature can be found on many other standalone devices.

[@Tx66]

@@pushpatterns why not just get a computer then?

[@Tx66]

You’re supposed to record the arrangement live. That’s why it’s called Live…

[@kittel-dev]

I don't have the Standalone. But i am very happy with Push 3 as a Controller Device.

[@pushpatterns]

It is a good option, you got the push and all the benefits of Live! Do you plan to upgrade at some point?

[@damelos4039]

Same here. I want to wait to upgrade when I can get a faster processor. OR, there's a major discount on the upgrade kit. i5 isn't worth my $$$

[@pushpatterns]

This is a good point too, what type of processor would like to see? And how much do recon the upgrade kit should be?

[@carlosfedericolopezspindol3103]

If there are laptops with a Core i7 1360p with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for less than 1000 USD why not such specs? I believe Ableton is being greedy and at the same time they want to avoid the challenge/cost of fully loaded standalone integration with plugins etc. I believe it won’t happen, with a real sense of the matter is best to just accept it as it is today, and stop wishing. It’s not that bad to have the standalone for sketching the song and finish in the PC. As for live performances let’s do as Taetro does, adding a sampler and a Novation Launch Control and play!

[@pushpatterns]

I agree this is never going to reply Ableton live in the desktop format and it’s best to look at the push 3 as a sketch pad, groove box, idea generator and finish and expand and finish in Live

[@remyvegamedia]

I hope they implement the ability to create racks and assign/edit macros. Some more audio and clip editing would be good. I'm still saving for a Push 3 but what is already available would be useful to me, I think. Ableton is insanely deep, so I can understand why so much wouldn't be available, but I feel like there are realistic changes that can be made that can make Push 3 a highly functional standalone device to a higher level.

[@pushpatterns]

These are good ideas! which version of the push do you think you will get? Standalone or the controller versions?

[@remyvegamedia]

@@pushpatterns I'm definitely going with standalone! I don't expect a perfect experience, but it has plenty for what I need in a standalone experience.

[@pushpatterns]

I didn’t think I needed it at first but now I’ve upgraded I’ve never looked back! Just making a beat on the couch is 🎉🎉🎉

[@kingof9x]

I wish ableton provided a way to filter out things that dont work on push. I have a handful of devices that work on push 3 in controller mode but not in stand alone. I do wish there was a way to add 3rd party packs. I figured out a method but its hacky... I agree with all your requests. It does feel like push 3 got almost nothing with the 12 update. I really hope ableton does more with it, but even as it is its the most powerful stand alone groovebox i have and it has the best computer management tool that does unlock hidden functionality.

[@pushpatterns]

Hey thanks for the comment, I don't think they will have 3rd party plugins on the Push standalone anytime soon! but would be cool hey!

[@SS-lx8dh]

With BitWig 5.2 and push 3 support, it is sure giving Ableton a run for its money

[@jamelzer0]

I think I’ll get a push 3 to upgrade from my push 1 to push cv to my mother 32 and DFAM. However I don’t want the standalone I really don’t have a need for it.

[@pushpatterns]

I think you'll love it! And that's a good choice. Don't forget that you can always upgrade to the standalone version at a later date, which is a great option.

[@allancerf9038]

Push Patterns - Interesting video and you cover a lot of ground in just 3-odd minutes. I own an earlier version of Push with no plans on buying 3. I do want to ask why you are disappointed on not adding arrangement view to Push, when - and you're far more an insider I'd guess than me - there are no plans to do so?

[@pushpatterns]

Hey, thanks for the comment! Which Push version do you have? I guess it's because I use the Standalone; it would be great to quickly record and edit a rough arrangement before sending it to Live. You can record the arrangement but you can't edit :(

[@allancerf9038]

@@pushpatterns I have version 1. I use it to tap in drum beats live mainly. I totally understand you're wanting to edit the arrangement view!

[@PabloInformation]

@pushpatterns Great Honest run down thanks for you thoughts on suite12s integration with push III .. I also wanted to touch base & ask if there were Any insights or progress now in testing the tightness of sync & clocking of Ableton Push III standalone to other devices when the push III is set a midi slave ? as we had discussed in the winter or do you have any video currently being worked on to address that big question?

[@pushpatterns]

It's not very stable at the moment. I'm sure it will get better but im going to test a midi sync box and do a video on it this month. Will share my findings with you.

[@PabloInformation]

​ @pushpatterns ​Thankyou! Although unfortunate to hear of the early test result ​Im excited to see your later video test & I urge you to take your time & first reach out to 'midronome' ... they are a newer device developer built by an artist collective who have developed a very small rock solid unit that resolves any hardware & software clocking issues for musicians & their gear! I recommend you pitch them on an episode idea showing the results of timing with standalone Push III & then timing tightness with midronome connected ... i think they will likely send you one in good faith for the exposure and their not to pricey if not! from all my research it also the most cost effective, precise & advanced tech that can already fix Ableton's known clocking issues. so I'm suspecting it will be able to do the same for push and will be a win win win for You, midronome & most importantly your loyal audience! ;)

[@pushpatterns]

Funny you should say that, that’s who I’m talking too! 🎉🎉🎉

[@PabloInformation]

@@pushpatterns AMAZING! then your doing it right brother! So Excited to see what your video reveals! My gut is telling me that 'midronome' will be the answer to using Push III as a midi / clock Slave & much more!

[@pushpatterns]

@@PabloInformation I think you're right too!

[@moaby1969]

… still not possible to save clips or tracks and load in other projects. Only complete Sets/Projects. 😂😂 so, more LeaveAlone than Standalone. 😅 good to have Maschine+ beside P3Standalone to have this basics.

[@pushpatterns]

That’s a good point! I use this feature all the time in Live. That would be awesome to do that on the stand-alone

[@moaby1969]

Would be Awesome??? …It‘s rediculous that Ableton leaves out this absolutely basic file-management points until today.

[@pushpatterns]

Fair enough.

[@pushpatterns]

How is the work flow on the push 1 with making drum beats, is it that same as the 2 and 3?

[@SmartShack]

Need CV Tools calibrate from Standalone

[@pushpatterns]

Amen! I completely forgot about this! This is super annoying 😢

[@thrale]

Really like Push 3 but I would really love to be able to edit Audio in an Audio Track. So many times i want to copy and paste a hat a few times. But i have to sample and slice and replay it as a performance, hassle. Now i never use audio tracks at all, they are redundant as they are so limited. They gave us extra midi clip editing, give us audio clip editing.

[@pushpatterns]

Yeah this would be awesome! and couldn't agree more! hopefully we get anew update soon!

[@laurentbouchard6897]

Hello ! I am a fan of youre tutorials on youtube. Espececially for ableton and push. I have two little questions : are your courses on a plaform who allow subtitles like on YT (as you can see i have a poor english language) and if yes can we have an online traduction in french? are you making offers with price reductions at certain dates because my budget is limited... Thank you for your answers

[@pushpatterns]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. There isn't a translation into french at the moment, there are english subtitles though.

[@hasan7786]

One thing I never hear anyone talk about in all of Ableton KZbin is alternate tunings. I forget it’s a thing.

[@pushpatterns]

This si so true, I guess its because it not really something you hear about in western harmony. TBH I haven't really experimented with it myself yet but it's on the to-do list. what about you?

[@djpaceeuro]

Push 3 standalone remains a scratch pad with its session mode only. Also, not supporting third party plugins. Live 12 doesn’t change much of the user experience or functionalities on Push 3 standalone. Quite a disappointment. MPC’s offer a better integrated and linear environment at less than half the price but lacks some horsepower for complex tracks.

[@pushpatterns]

This is it! It’s just disappointing at the moment! It’s not really the full product. In The AKAI MPC gear blows it out of water for the stand-alone features. I have hope tho!

[@djpaceeuro]

@@pushpatterns To me, the point of Push 3 was the standalone mode. I’m not using control mode as my keyboard and mouse combo are more efficient in Ableton. Hopefully, Push will support arrangement mode in a future release.

[@pushpatterns]

I’m sure it will! 🎉

[@paulopalacin3337]

Only as a controller is worthy, but adding almost $1000 for a i3, 8gb, 2 hours of battery, with no speaker? Naa, with that I can get a better laptop + ableton standard or suite.

[@pushpatterns]

I hear you! It's expensive. I would like to see a cheaper option, like the note app in an external controller. I understand your point about using a laptop, but I really enjoy being away from it. Even though the laptop is more powerful, there's something special about sitting down with an "instrument" and just playing :)

[@elchorepunk]

Im also super disappointed about the browsing experience in the push 3, even in controller mode. Come on!

[@pushpatterns]

I feel you! What’s the thing your most disappointed about?

[@elchorepunk]

@@pushpatterns browsing experience compared to Maschine would be number 1 bro.

[@pushpatterns]

I’ve not used maschine, is it much better

[@elchorepunk]

@@pushpatterns way waaaay better bro. You find the sound you want in a matter of seconds. Even though you have thousands. The way NI categorizes (very similar to Live´s new browser) it's visible from the device, and not only from software. For example, if you browse for a specific library, and click on the favorites button, you see only the favorite sound from that specific library. So frustrating I can't do that on the Push 3. Take a look at some Maschine videos. I mean, Live is a whole world of possibilities, and that's why I decided to make the shift from Maschine, but Push 3 feels super handicapped still on that.

[@pushpatterns]

Wow, Yeah just watch some videos! Fingers crossed there are massive updates on the push 3 that take it to another level!!

[@StephaneGman]

I LOVE it.. but I dont have the standalone part :p

[@pushpatterns]

Do you plan to upgrade at any point?

[@relative_vie]

lol 2k for for something made in the 1900s

[@pushpatterns]

I guess it’s retro? I think it will get up to date eventually 😂

[@relative_vie]

@@pushpatterns at this point machine plus wins the race haha.

[@pushpatterns]

@@relative_vie Yep you're right lol

[@MaterialMike]

Push 3 is a flop

[@pushpatterns]

What makes you say that?

[@MaterialMike]

@@pushpatterns because there are lots of missing features and the upgrade price for a weak processor, weak battery, and a small processor is way too high.

[@pushpatterns]

⁠fair point, I don’t feel like it’s a complete flop. I feel it was rushed to market and not complete. I’m sure there will a be a series of major updates this year! 🎉

[@PoboyMusic]

The Akai force seems to be better as a standalone device imo. I have them both and do like the push as a controller.

[@pushpatterns]

@@PoboyMusic I believe that the AKAI Force had more developed software at its release compared to Ableton's. It feels like the release was rushed, but hopefully, the developers will continue to update it and make it awesome!