I hate these controllers, so I bought one (AKAI APC64)

[@pushpatterns]

🎉 Learn the Ableton Push 3: www.pushpatterns.com/Abletonpush3course

[@MS7.7]

So you compare it to the wrong device which is not Push but Launched Pro mk3. Then you complain you don't know how to use it because you didn't read the manual, then you complain its not intuitive for production because its for live performance, then you complain about the touchstrip which they do exactly what a touch strip does with precision mode using shift, then you complain about chord mode which works fine, then you recompare the buttons to push, also this is not a budget. APC mini is budget, Launchpad X is budget. This is not. You seem just angry it's not a push, just stick to push. It's that simple. Also Push 2 regardless if its 100$ used is slower and much bigger for live performance than Launchpad or APC64. Also the buttons are deeper to trigger so you might miss a click during performance. Maybe if you post this on Reddit where most people are just hating on everything they will love this video.

[@pushpatterns]

Hi and thanks for your comment. I would like to clarify that the video I made is not a direct comparison between the Push 3 and Launch Pad X. Although I do draw some comparisons between both controllers, the video is mainly about how I dislike the overall design of the Launch Pad X. My point is that a controller should be intuitive enough that you don't need to look at the manual to get started. Most controllers nowadays are designed to be user-friendly, and you only need to dive deeper into the manual when you want to explore more advanced features. I'm not angry that the Launch Pad X isn't a Push, I just think that AKAI could have put more effort into improving the build quality, user interface, and overall design of this controller.

[@MS7.7]

@@pushpatterns We are talking about Akai APC64 or Launchpad X? Whenever you buy new product you should always read manual or at least glanced for basic functions. The APC64 has a screen which give you feedback at least. I bought launchpad pro mk3 2 years ago and its harder to navigate without screen -!(just remember the colours) so with a bit of use I memorised it. Every piece of gear needs practice to get familiar with it. Ever transitioned from windows to Mac? I did it when I was in college and it was very difficult to understand. Just few months in and little bit of searching and tutorials, I've been rocking macbooks for 10 years now. I will not complain about product that require 1 hour of reading to understand most of its function rather than suffer for few months trying to figure it out and cursing the designers. Is APC64 perfect? No, is it good? Yes.

[@pushpatterns]

That’s fair enough. But I just fly disagree. I think the controllers UI should be intuitive enough that you don’t require the manual initially. That’s the sign of good design. This is just my opinion.

[@ZDanielPhoenix]

After having my entire set of knobs get corroded on a keyboard and a mixer, I like the touch strips. Maybe it's because you can control multiple at a time, or quickly set effects/sends with a "quick set" by touching on the level you want, instead of cranking on a dial, like you would in more industry safe controllers. My understanding is that it's designed to be more performance-centric, which means that it would mesh super well with the original APC40.

[@pushpatterns]

Interesting way of looking at it, thanks for sharing!

[@ed_ms]

I guess when it comes to Ableton controllers, it is hard to beat the Push.

[@pushpatterns]

Your right! Although they can be a bit annoying Live, size and not working with some playback systems. But for beat making and studio - Ableton nailed it

[@trayoibry8246]

i wish something like this would be available for Studio One

[@pushpatterns]

Surley there is somthing that could be used?

[@MediaMusik777]

I got mine and like it the touch strips are color coded and you can set the custom layouts too

[@pushpatterns]

That is a good point! how are your finding the controller overall?

[@MediaMusik777]

@@pushpatterns I give it a solid 4/5 , I would like to see micro timing , double tap record functions,pitch bend option on custom layouts in the next update though

[@pushpatterns]

@@MediaMusik777 Good ideas for updates!

[@enterthehacks]

Seems like a very different application from the APC40.. I actually really like my APC40 (Because it's essentially a mixer controller.. with physical faders, solo/mutes, assignable knobs, etc) it has its own identity because of this. This... contraption... is just a sucky Push, which is really disappointing. Akai had better up their game for the next APC

[@pushpatterns]

Amen! Love this " Sucky Push!" that's it! It feels like a rushed, budget push competitor. Yep, I agree the APC40 is legendary, and this adds nothing to its legacy

[@ZDanielPhoenix]

You're right. APC40 is a great mixer/arranger. APC64 is a performance focused device.

[@buckycore]

I have thr Novation launch pad Pro, and i love it. But i regret not getting this one only for the sliders. On a side note: you look so much like Colin Jost from SNL, that i litterally thought it Colin Jost until i started watching the vid

[@pushpatterns]

Personally I really don’t think your missing out, the sliders aren’t great! And thanks I guess lol I had no idea who he was but I guess there’s a slight resemblance

[@mrclaytron]

I'd rather use a Launchpad Pro over this. Those touch strips are really useless IMO. Nothing currently can compare with Push, and the extra cost is worth it I think. I believe that even an old Push 1 is significantly better than this controller!

[@pushpatterns]

My point excalty! The launch pad Pro feel more, PRO! lol

[@theelectronic4051]

I find the touch strips super fun and easy. Great for recording automation or jamming. Can be used for smooth adjustments or jumping from low to high values. Great for controlling Ableton macros. Best of all there’s no need for soft takeover anymore when switching between devices or mixer as the visual indicators remember their position.

[@mrclaytron]

@@theelectronic4051 that's great that you enjoy using them. I guess it comes down to personal preference. I personally don't like touch strips on other gear that I have owned, and just have a preference for encoders - but yeah, it's just personal preference.

[@pushpatterns]

That’s it I guess! It’s down to personal preference. 🎉

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

How many times per minute you find yourself accidentally touch the strips 😁😁 As I do every 10 seconds on Maschine Jam 🤣🤣

[@pushpatterns]

ALL THE TIME! 🤣🤣🤣

[@PololiNuskil]

Is it worth it? No!

[@pushpatterns]

No :) Get a push 2 second hand if your budget won’t stretch to the push 3 that’s my advice :))

[@PololiNuskil]

@@pushpatternsYou asked if it's worth it, i answered no. Has nothing to do what controller I want or own. (btw...I own a Push 3 Standalone)

[@pushpatterns]

Sorry I miss understood the comment 😂

[@redabitar]

You didn't mention the huge pro of this device which is the CV and MIDI capabilities. It adds a tonne of value for those looking to control hardware synths!

[@pushpatterns]

You’re right but I think the sequencer is very basic, that other hardware sequencers will blow this out the water

[@shawnmcandrew6923]

I can see how it would work and be useful if you want to put in a buttload of time to learn it. Ill keep my push 3. If i didn't have that id geta push 2 used. Just remember at some point you need to ask yourself am i serious about this hobby and take a good look at what you like and don't like do the research and get stuck in. I did got the push 3 was it expensive, yes. Was it worth it huge yes.

[@pushpatterns]

Completely agree, just get a push 2 if you can afford the push 3. It’s a lot lot better than this controller! It’s super confusing!

[@Drrolfski]

Akai, who has done great Ableton controllers like the APC40 (mk2), missed the mark with this one. Not only does every review complain about its lack of intuitiveness, it just pales in comparison to not only the Push 2 but heck, probably to the far cheaper (second hand) Push 1 as well.

[@pushpatterns]

Yep! You can’t fault the APC 40, LPD8, MPK mini! All solid controller I have used loads! But this is confusing design :( and yes it doesn’t stand up again the push as an ableton controller and is blown out the water by other stand-alone sequencers.

[@Drrolfski]

@@pushpatterns Speaking off, I actually recently bought the the Akai MPK Mini Plus as a 37 piano key controller extension for both my Push 2 and MPC Live 2 and I can really recommend it. Its formfactor hits the sweetspot between mobility and playability/features IMO. It has plenty of useful I/O, control, scales, chords, arpeggio and even sequence features for its price point. Above all, it works well and is preconfigured for the likes of Ableton, MPC, Logic Pro and FL studio.

[@pushpatterns]

@@Drrolfski I had it for a bit too! but I just love the AKAI MPK mini too much

[@williamshaneblyth]

Not a push 3 competitor its a mk3 launchpad competitor im mean come on thstd a not brainer just look wt the price point for starters snd the frature set. 2 different things

[@pushpatterns]

I agree its more in the price range of the Launch pad pro. But the launch pad pro is better i feel, also you can pick up a push 2 second hand for the same price now which is sooo much better.

[@tonydjtekdolan8486]

That's how I felt when controller's came out, being a vinyl dj at the time 😂

[@pushpatterns]

Haha 😜