Ableton Push 3 Gets Expressive: Here's how it competes! // Review & Tutorial

Find out how Push 3 compares to Push 2, other expressive instruments, Akai's Force & MPC and Maschine+, and which version you might want to get, standalone or controller. #AbletonPush3
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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:25 What’s new v P2
1:45 Poly X & Y
3:00 Cross pad bends
3:30 Pad settings
4:10 MPE instruments
4:55 MPE kits
5:25 P3 Standalone
8:25 Audio & I/O
10:25 More controls
12:50 New views
13:20 Similarities
14:25 Session grid
16:15 Note layouts
18:15 Screen controls
19:25 Live recording
22:05 Step seq
24:10 Automation
25:55 Sample chops
27:45 Adding devices
28:05 Live versions
29:50 Misc topics
31:10 Pros & cons
31:30 Standalone?
37:25 Plugins?
38:40 CPU power?
41:05 vs controllers?
41:50 vs MPC/Maschine?
44:20 vs MPE synths?
45:55 Outro
Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@v3zMedia]

For $2k this should come with a Full License to Ableton Live. Sheeeesh!

[@christdolphin69]

It’s literally ableton in a box. What are you whining about?

[@milk_bath]

@@christdolphin69Have you explored the differences in Live Intro and Live Suite?

[@christianthompson1473]

That will be a special offer in 3 months time. 😉

[@chriskelvin248]

It doesn’t?!?

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

@@christdolphin69 Live Intro/Lite is borderline useless

[@mklschwrtz2]

Gotta love that upgradeable/right-to-repair thinking Ableton has had with this one. Definitely interesting!

[@Ipsissimus]

Nothing to do with "right to repair".

[@mdeerocks6792]

Not sure how we are going to upgrade sticky rubber coating, which they decided to use again.

[@mklschwrtz2]

@@Ipsissimus Whatever their intentions are the result is still the same.

[@Ipsissimus]

@@mklschwrtz2 So you've had your hands on the Push 3 and can confirm that it's repairable?

[@mklschwrtz2]

@@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.

[@vertigev]

Would definitely watch an in-depth comparison with Force/MPC.

[@xntricity6446]

Agree, I'm rooting for the force however 😋

[@RhythmExplorer]

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.

[@xntricity6446]

@@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.

[@RobertoFrobs]

@@xntricity6446 well..without third party plugins in the push, your synth choice will be very limited

[@xntricity6446]

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

[@nsbd90now]

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!

[@88keyz]

👍🏾

[@richardemerson8075]

The level of detail and clarity in the explanations here is really superb, so well balanced. Excellent work!

[@SvenFx-22]

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

[@loopop]

I do want to get to it.... but can't promise when

[@NuisanceMan]

@@loopop May it soon be with you!

[@giobifasoli]

Your videos are always THE videos I look for when trying to know more about devices. Thanks a lot!

[@bombardier666]

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!

[@allancerf9038]

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.

[@thegood9]

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.

[@kierandennis1883]

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!

[@novalogue]

@@kierandennis1883 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4KmeqSMeLiLnK8&ab_channel=KenFluxPierceFluxwithit got you covered

[@DokterRyConn]

nobody breaks it down quite like loopop! Respect.

[@isolamusic6205]

Thanks again loopop, your retutorialviews are always excellent!

[@nukenoly8751]

Got a sticky Push 1 for $99 and it is fantastic

[@mikebush3834]

Just woke up, seen the ad on KZbin, went straight to loopop 😊

[@Lokua]

Same

[@DJCJ999]

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]

It's a push 2 with a built-in, underpowered laptop. Calm down

[@DJCJ999]

@@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"..

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 But with MPE pads! I want that on my Force. Akai are you paying attention?

[@Patriotic_Eagle1995]

@@DJCJ999 I'm probably more fun than someone so enthused by another DAW-in-a-box that they lose their mind over it...

[@DJCJ999]

@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 doubtful.. you'd probably be hiding out in the kitchen, petting the family cat with me :D

[@jorcis67]

I just looked the announcement and first search on YT looking for a review, sure yours come to the top! Thank you sir! 🙌

[@theboytheycalljonny1]

Amazing tutorial as always. Covered all my questions. Thanks!

[@miss.antidote]

What a time to be alive!

[@jpjameson]

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.

[@powermix24]

Now this is a true successor to the OG Push 2. Loopop amazing review as always

[@duarteestelita7257]

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)

[@ssssssssssss885]

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.

[@shogunai]

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 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.

[@shogunai]

@@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.

[@milk_bath]

@@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.

[@Mikas_Emil]

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.

[@ZOgrameMusic]

Fantastic tutorial as always

[@mattryan6886]

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

[@elekktrikk_home_video]

Those microtonal options will be a revelation 😮🤩🤩🤩

[@SzulcSzymon]

Excellent video. You've covered most of the ins and outs of Push3. Thank you for this vid.

[@MarcelaoVMS]

Thank you very much for this incredible video review tutorial!! Ableton is really amazing!!

[@Divuar]

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)

[@thegreat1548]

Better than mpc live 2??

[@Phadddy]

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!

[@allancerf9038]

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,

[@alexjay8823]

Man oh man, I’m so glad I’ve been holding out for this!!

[@hereps]

I was very much wating for your review, thank you 😊

[@Drrolfski]

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.

[@fcfc]

I've been waiting for this for 20 years, but it seems I still need to save some money before I can buy it

[@lorrenaelliott161]

@@fcfc sell all your gear- problem solved 😊

[@fcfc]

@@lorrenaelliott161 hopefully 😄

[@wmextra]

@@fcfc me too

[@DefinitelyNot5Dogs]

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.

[@SvenFx-22]

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

[@George-nx8zu]

Haven't heard of the AKAI Force yet. What have the updates brought?

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@George-nx8zu Too many to name. It's best to watch the update videos & see how it became a better device over time.

[@rmejia]

As always the best tutorials, thanks!!!

[@tupapa7230]

Appreciate your impartiality great vid!

[@EnochLight]

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.

[@okeribok]

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.

[@myceliumtechno]

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.

[@Distortic]

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.

[@myceliumtechno]

@@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.

[@RhythmExplorer]

I have to agree. Still not sure why we’ve not gotten a review of Force yet on this channel.

[@YuriMocellin]

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.

[@wrkshp]

Excellent overview and comparison, as always!

[@loopop]

Thanks!

[@HJPhilippi]

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.

[@theprincipal4305]

I was just think about when some folks develop their chops on these, it's gonna get fun.

[@valdir7426]

it's going in a landfill in a few years with all the rest of the junk we compulsively buy

[@PaulSpades]

Ableton Live in a box, with a new expressive controller for the price of an OP-1. Ableton, you mad lads!

[@VanaVanaV]

anything seems like a gift if you compare it to an op-1 mk2😂

[@vojtechknot7729]

ableton in a box without ableton...it`s a pity that they didn`t include live suite.

[@pyronb]

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

[@SONSTHREESIXTY]

Appreciate it Loopop you are a REAL ONE.

[@th-wf3sz]

Looking forward to a FORCE comparison. Still believe that the FORCE is better however.

[@Lofilegacybeats]

The better because it ahas an arranger and cost way less

[@zomologorg]

Please tell me it doesn't have the same rubber-like material finish as the Push 2...

[@loopop]

It doesn't

[@JaminZ_1]

Good to hear! I am stuck with a sticky Push 2.

[@unclelee754]

@@JaminZ_1 i am glad too!

[@loopop]

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

[@kozihoppy]

@@loopop Great tip! Thanx

[@omarnomad]

Best review so far!!! Love it 👏🎬

[@omarnomad]

Also, I think your comments about the lack of arrangement view is a huge deal. Thanks for pointing out!

[@inspector-tech]

Faaaaaaaack.... I was waiting more than 2 years for this!! (bought an MPC One in the meantime!)

[@synkuk]

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....

[@ghanezu]

Let's not forget that sounds must be mpe compatible on push 3.

[@halcyondaystunes]

Impressive kit. Especially that upgradable part. Next level for music equipment. You might want to explain what ADAT is to the kids though 🤣

[@DonnDeVoreMusic]

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.

[@mamelukkisakkarassa]

Thanks loopop, great review again. Now I just wait my new Push 3.

[@taoisimdrunkard]

this video sold me on push 3 better than any of the videos ableton made. what a great device.

[@samprock]

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!

[@robinr22]

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.

[@samprock]

@@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 😂

[@Rhythmattica]

The Truth is in the specs, thus why I love this channel.

[@camreese1444]

Thanks. I didn’t know I needed this.

[@RonTheFlyingDutchman]

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!

[@remyvegamedia]

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!

[@thegreat1548]

The workflow is more simple? I got the mpc live 2 and the workflow is annoying as hell.

[@remyvegamedia]

@@thegreat1548 In my experience, yeah, the Push workflow is much more intuitive and straight forward.

[@thegreat1548]

@@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.

[@remyvegamedia]

@@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.

[@thegreat1548]

@@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..

[@marcbrasse747]

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. 😊

[@inthefade]

It is definitely a bit eye watering of a price.

[@final_animal]

That sounds like just using a laptop though, no? Not being funny, I just don't get the distinction

[@marcbrasse747]

@@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.

[@final_animal]

OK cool, that makes sense. Thanks for the reply!@@marcbrasse747

[@RileyGein]

Just ordered mine. Been waiting for a Push 3 to come out since Ableton 11 was announced.

[@AriannaEuryaleMusic]

AWESOME, Im gonna buy it!

[@nigeltedbury5805]

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.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

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.

[@danielandersson7515]

@@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. :-)

[@VictorGonzoShow]

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.

[@glyndwr15]

This looks amazing.

[@derekholland3328]

great review thank you🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@ToyKeeper]

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.

[@denardimusic]

Así es!

[@allancerf9038]

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...

[@ToyKeeper]

@@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.

[@envo]

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]

If you use a V10 or A9 sync it to the prolink interface via midi.

[@envo]

@@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.

[@trajede]

Excellent video 🔥🔥🔥

[@SeamlessR]

wow that's a serious powerhouse piece of production equipment, damn.

[@Expectaz]

Definitely curious how it compares to the Force. The MPE functionality and upgradeability seems great at least

[@gullyman777]

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

[@alchemistrpm82]

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.

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@gullyman777 Interface doesn’t work? Buggy encoders? Buggy updates maybe. Sounds like you struggled with it.

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@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.

[@Expectaz]

@@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

[@GabeMillerMusic]

This looks like a game-changer, I think this will leave a lot of other standalone device manufacturers scrambling to catch up

[@heffe4257]

Nah.

[@thedoublek4816]

Image-Line FL Studio based hardware groovebox, anyone?

[@ruslanr.6171]

no

[@BaseMosquito]

Great update.

[@unworthyServant08]

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!

[@aqueous5099]

If they simply allowed you to implement the expression with an external controller, that;d be a game changer.

[@viezurelepanykt]

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

[@milk_bath]

Great idea. Roland did this with some of their 90s gear.

[@mikeo4445]

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.

[@Lokua]

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?

[@viezurelepanykt]

@@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)

[@filmingkey]

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.

[@unworthyServant08]

My gosh, Loopop, you're a living manual!

[@fauxlamarr]

Yup, this is the one I’ve been waiting on

[@SvenFx-22]

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

[@marcosrotllan]

And cheaper too

[@eento06]

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..

[@marcosrotllan]

@@eento06 amen bro

[@allancerf9038]

How do you do that with their track limitations?

[@marcosrotllan]

Do you use midi cc, program changes....?

[@robertsyrett1992]

I think I see why they made the drift synth now.

[@tigergame]

Very astute

[@boredomcreates3619]

Why? Because of the MPE?

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@boredomcreates3619 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.

[@boredomcreates3619]

@@robertsyrett1992 Got you! Thanks.

[@cerebrostudios1644]

this is a gamechanger 🔥

[@BadTrip69]

Nice review lopoop

[@m-stat9]

This vs Force would be highly interesting in a in-depth comparison…

[@iqnill]

I have a funny feeling that after a few quick firmware updates P3 may actually burry the Force. As a Force user I drool over the screen layout and accessibility. At the moment Force has more features, but the menus and the look are well dated.

[@user-gz1rr1vd5q]

@@iqnill The menu diving can be for some Live devices quite cumbersome. There are other devices where the implementation is really lovely tho. Namely simpler, wavetable or compressor for example.

[@audiolego]

Ooohh I want to see that vs. comparison.

[@ZETONEproductions]

Cant compare .. force ableton integration is a joke and you can’t use force with a daw on a deep level

[@valdir7426]

there's also the relic (which is a different beast)

[@poporowyo]

Please make the comparison for Akai Force. The Maschine/MPC aren't quite the same....thing as Push/Force.

[@kisho2679]

it could be useful to connect it to the smartphone as a second screen, to have a second visual panel

[@noegarciamusic]

Excelente video! Thanks

[@thewebart]

Men - this video is gold. Thank you so much.

[@sacredgeometry]

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.

[@marklar97]

Totally agree! For me Push 2 is the ideal controller, I will change only if I break it somehow.

[@DubsteadyMusic]

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 🤷‍♂️

[@sacredgeometry]

@@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.

[@marklar97]

@@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.

[@Reggi_Sample]

There is no situation where I would want to use push 2 without a computer. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mrotaveria]

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.

[@fcfc]

yes but it looks more geeky on a gigs

[@rorz999]

More affordable yes, but there's obviously a market for standalone gear

[@krolkoolmarek7074]

Thanks for tuto very nice machine ❤

[@tinashesibeko1]

Great review, please do the comparison video with other standalone groove boxes

[@neb2612]

Agreed, I would love to see one on an Octatrack

[@thegroove2000]

Makes perfect sense. Well done Ableton team.

[@Richard_P_James]

The only Push 3 units out there are in the hands of KZbinrs - 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 🤣

[@howlinberry1645]

Preordered baby!!!

[@RhythmExplorer]

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.

[@inthefade]

Akai just need to hire a couple better programmers.

[@thaexception3406]

I'm with you.

[@florianbopp187]

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...

[@loopop]

yes

[@Erdnase23]

@@loopop surely only time will tell?!

[@norilam109]

​@@loopop do you mean they no longer use a matte/rubber coating? My pish 2 is a gooey mess :(

[@loopop]

@@norilam109 $5 Goo Gone and a 30 minute scrub and all the stickiness is gone

[@SteveCookeGB]

@@loopop I hadn't heard of Goo Gone before, so thanks for the tip.

[@lying-dalai]

Loopop you really are a king. Precise yet concise, you manage to do a tour of this in less than an hour, never letting the attention drop. You definitely know your game, thank you for this video!

[@Soma-xm1kj]

Once they add the ability to view and edit your automation sequence I will be extremely tempted by the standalone version

[@F_letc.h]

Can you access the groove pool on Push 3?

[@jean_voyage]

That’s something I want to know too

[@loopop]

not anywhere I saw

[@jean_voyage]

@@loopop thanks! how does swing work, can you still dial something in?

[@loopop]

@@jean_voyage yes click the tempo knob and it controls swing

[@jean_voyage]

@@loopop thanks you’re really helping me out with this

[@aikighost]

If you dont already have a live suite licence the standalone version is going to get real expensive real quick.

[@drindy5166]

Never thought about that. Great point to consider for sure! 👊🧡👍

[@djgonche]

Should of made suite free for standalone

[@mmoncur]

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...

[@algeriathelandofterrorists3329]

It's already 2k lol

[@jammystraub488]

​@@mmoncur I'm surprised the $2k box doesn't come with the full version of the software... That's kind of lame.

[@FotoxBr_nl]

Thanks for the good review. One of the more interesting aspects compared to my Maschine mk3 is the MPE possibilities. In controller mode, what can it do with the third party MPE enabled plugins on my computer ?

[@cleciorimas]

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

[@GadiantonsRobber]

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

[@loopop]

Let me know how you'd like me to test the clock

[@RabbitintheMoon]

Did they fix the rubber melting issue? my push 2 got sticky and meh even when only in a studio with a/c

[@martin_the_artist_]

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

[@peaterrepeater4441]

Push 3 isn‘t coated.

[@loopop]

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

[@toslinked]

@@loopop I had a later version of the push 2, definitely sticky.

[@RabbitintheMoon]

@@loopop thank you!