Push 2 Review 2023 - Still Worth It? Beatmaker's Perspective

[@biggiefan4life860]

Knowing my luck the minute I buy a push 2... push 3 will drop.

[@LowHeatBeats]

lol that would suck big time

[@LoZeroPwalker]

I thought the same thing when I ordered mine earlier this year. But it's worth every penny. I don't want to give it up anymore.

[@karacoldmusic]

literally thinking the same thing lol. imma give it like 12-18 months b4 I pull the trigger

[@ToxicFruitSnack]

Same 😂

[@oopalonga]

And you forgot to add Ableton will stop supporting push number two and it won't work on subsequent versions...!

[@bodhibeats8257]

Great review. I still love my Push, and I think you nailed all the points, pro and con. One little comment: you CAN control third party devices with a little configuration. The “configure” button on any plug in will let you get the automatable parameters from the plugin onto the Ableton device, and they are then available from Push. You can rearrange them and such. Still not as nice of control/display as the built-in Ableton devices, but I use it all the time. Also, if you configure a plugin for your Push and then save it as the default config for that plugin, it’ll remember it for next time you drop it on a track. 😁

[@LowHeatBeats]

Fair enough! It's good that you mentioned it because people may get the impression that it's not possible at all, when I meant that you don't have the automatic control like with the built-in devices. Glad you liked the review!

[@bodhibeats8257]

@@LowHeatBeats Yep, I was pretty sure you knew, but thought it was worth mentioning in case it helps someone! 😁

[@MrVuvu]

My Native Instruments, Softube and a few other plugins are mapped in Ableton so parameters are available on Push 2 automatically. Also what do you think of touchAble Pro ios as controller for Ableton?

[@LowHeatBeats]

Check out my Ableton Live packs: lowheat.gumroad.com Push 2 Sampling Tutorials: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6fPnmmapteibc0 + kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2LUe4RqrJenqdE Push 2 vs Maschine MK3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqqbZKqYrN2AhpI

[@samprock]

Got my Push2 in 2021 ... finally and ultimately (before was buying/letting it go waiting for Push3 LOL) Can't be happier!

[@LowHeatBeats]

That's what's up!

[@StephanieSante]

I agree with most all your points regarding the push 2. I have had mine about 2 years now. Solid as a rock.Pads are great and all buttons and switches solid. I use mine for most every part I play except some melodic parts where I would prefer the deeper sensitivity of keys. I have partially mapped several 3rd party VST's to the push including some of my favs in UVI Falcon. I do wish Ableton would let us name Parameter banks like the have in their own VST's like they do in Analog, Operator, etc. Its not without its limits but I think it the best controller overall for Live Session mode. I also have Maschine MK3 which I have had since it came out years ago. It still works find but several of the 8 knobs spin really easy making it more difficult to get exact settings. I love the fact that when you map VST's to Machine you can label banks. All of my 3rd party VST's are NKS really now thanks to Freelance Sound Labs. Even Omnisphere and Falcon are NKS enabled. Browsing on the Maschine MK3 is really nice. Good review Low Heat Beats.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Thanks for sharing your experience and glad you liked the review!

[@RobR386]

I have one of these sitting in its box, really should set it up and try to use it again 😊

[@LowHeatBeats]

Definitely!

[@alangunn3850]

I like it for recording fixed length clips (sustain pedal is cool to start the recording when my hands are on guitar or bass). also tweaking knobs for automation without mapping a ton of stuff. and of course playing the pads is cool, but i need to get into the sequencing aspect more. i don't really build arrangements by launching clips, but I could see that being a compelling use for a lot of folks. oh and setting up the scale on a keys sound can make for interesting chord progressions that I wouldn't think of otherwise.

[@Rizamusic]

Good review! I used to have the Push 2 but eventually sold it as I was one of those people who worked faster with a mouse and keyboard. I eventually settled on the Novation SL MKIII, which had the Ableton integration that I was looking for with a keyboard

[@LowHeatBeats]

Glad you liked the review! The SL MKIII looks great, I've never tried on though.

[@MrVuvu]

Thanks for the great videos, constantly inspiring me and helpful. I opted for push 2 with Ableton bundle years ago because it's like having a groove box and DAW in one like you say. PAM (Push-ArrangeMode) v2.1 is another great tool that gives Push extra functionality in arrangement mode. Fantasic workflow with this

[@LowHeatBeats]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! I've never tried PAM, I just don't need the arrangment view functionality but lots of people seem to swear by it.

[@auroranamex5886]

I ended up having both push 2 and maschine mk3. If only maschine could record jams like push does Id prefer it no doubt.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yeah, both have pros and cons for sure. I use both as well.

[@jacquibrookes8257]

Agree

[@kostoglotow]

Perfect timing, been thinking about buying Push after getting into Live recently... and now you have a helpful video on it, haha! I think I'ma take the plunge. Was debating between Push and Maschine. As great as Maschine is, I don't see a good enough reason to bring in a tool that will introduce friction every time it comes to arranging, forcing me to waste time stemming out etc. If I learned Push, I feel with some practice I could be as fast as with Maschine but then I'm already in the right environment and just grab my mouse & kb to arrange right there in Live; one single flow start to finish.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Glad to hear the video was helpful and your argument for getting Push vs Maschine is totally valid.

[@ToxicFruitSnack]

@@LowHeatBeats my maschine broke down so that’s why i upgraded to the push 2. Will be comparing between the two and see which one has better functionality with ableton 11.

[@MrMatisyahu]

Thanks for this review Low Heat. I've always wondered what the Ableton workflow and ecosystem is like compared to the Maschine. I currently export to LPX and that works fine. Can you please do a video on using Maschine as a VST in LPX for those that are using this workflow? Keep up the dope content!

[@LowHeatBeats]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to help by making such a video but I don't really have any experience with Logic, nor do I own a license for it. I don't use Maschine as a VST in Ableton either tbh, to me it's better and more intuitive when you use it by itself.

[@Drrolfski]

The Push 2 is already pretty perfect for what it does. I find it hard to see how a Push 3 would significantly improve the workflow of Push 2. If anything, I would like them to release a "Push Go", a standalone DAW-in-a-box version of Ableton Live with a built-in battery. This not being on the market is the single reason I bought an MPC Live 2.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Absolutely, I agree 100%. Not sure they'd be up for making a standalone, but that would be amazing indeed!

[@trayoibry8246]

the most important thing you said was at the end, you always quicker with the mouse and the keyboard but in my opinion it's an workflow hancement if you occasionally use different tools...like a drum Maschine/midi controller just to catch the/different vibe... A Drum Maschine is forcing you more to use your feeling and hearing instead of the Mouse and your eyes...producing/finishing the track in detail, you always can go back to your mouse and Keyboard...

[@LowHeatBeats]

Well said, I totally agree.

[@Whynotdudemusic]

I love using it for the knobs up top to mix its such a great tool

[@LowHeatBeats]

Indeed!

[@Bashanvibe]

My reason for wanting the Push2 is because of the drum pads but after watching this I’m rethinking my first choice Komplet Kontrol and Machine stacked!!!

[@LowHeatBeats]

Maschine can't replace the Push 2 for controlling Live though. You will have some decent control over Live with the KK keyboard, but not as in-depth as with Push 2.

[@GianMayI]

got mine used for 300$ less with a decksaver

[@LowHeatBeats]

Nice one, that's a great deal.

[@ToxicFruitSnack]

buying mine with $299 per month + ableton suite :p

[@wilkopiano]

Biggest problem I have having owned one for the use of live performance, Is having to hold track select button to arm recording for 1.5 seconds making you miss the beat. Where as on apc40 it’s simply arm on select no delay, instant arm and apc40 has instant stop button, where as push2 there a weird clip stop mode then press clip. again more delays for performance where you have to be like lightning not to miss beat. I am about to buy an akai force, simply because its 8x8 and has instant stop and instant arm on select features. Problem is I’ve never seen a review where both push2 and force can be used happily together, clock sync and midi issues spring to mind. I try not to record ext instrument in audio and I am heavily midi plug-in focused. However akai force is mainly an audio recording device.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yup, it's more of a song creation tool than a live performance tool. IIRC the holding select track button is only for audio tracks though, MIDI tracks are armed immediately.

[@dapsg.8068]

Hi Low Heat Beats, Thanks for making this in-depth video! I have the MPC Live 2 and Maschine Plus. I like the MPC standalone workflow, but the Maschine's pads better. However, not a fan of Maschine Plus's standalone workflow (can’t convert Stereo-to-Mono samples, only 2 subfolder directories in \\User, etc.) I've looked into the Launchpad X & Pro MK3 vs. Ableton Live & Push 2. I've read terrible things about Launchpad X & Pro MK3's velocity consistency across it's 64 pads. I wonder about how Push 2's manufacturing build has developed between 2015 - 2023? I've read the pads or buttons can be excellent or inconsistent (seems this is more of an issue in early builds 2015-18 vs. 2018-23). QUESTION--- Can you speak to Ableton 11's "64-pad Slicing Playback Mode"? Sometimes when I sample into MPC, I have more than 16 chops and it would be nice not to have to page Pad Banks A to D, etc. If I have 37 or 51 chops, is it easy to assign them to Push 2’s pads, play the ones I want into Arranger, then assign automation/mix?

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yes, with a single press of the Layout button you can switch to the 64-pad layout where you can have up to 64 chops without switching banks or changing octaves. It's extemely easy to chop samples and assign them to the pads. You can record to the Arangement view + automation easily, although the Push 2 workflow is more focused around the Session view. Glad you liked the video!

[@Phadddy]

Thanks for your review, I agree! Also don't like the buttons, especially when the push is on a rack, pressing hard makes it unstable. I wished Ableton would try to implement as many functions as possible (which would not need a new Push), so I could do 99.9% without keyboard and mouse, like Maschine does it.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Appreciate you watching it! Yeah, Maschine has more comprehensive control over its software for sure.

[@neonvoid]

The answer is: YES. I use it daily for live improvisations / performances.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Absolutely!

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

Got my push 2 over 4 years ago. It is a great controller but I’ve moved on to the standalone controllers and debating on selling it.

[@LowHeatBeats]

I definitely hear what you’re saying.

[@Allan-et5ig]

Which controllers did you select? I'm in the marketp; feedback appreciated.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

@@Allan-et5ig The Maschine + and the MPC Live 2

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Its 10 years since the original akai colab push i expect an announcement this year... my hope is the keys are multi-directional mpe capable ie vibrato wiggle, modulation left and right... tricky with such small pads but come on we've entered the age of nuclear fusion! I have expressiveE touche se, so im not too fussed but Push 3 will have to bring something game changing for me to become an early adopter as i am very happy with just how versatile push2 is.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Sure, but I don't see the connection between 10 years since the original Push and having an announcement this year. We've been expecting an announcement for 5+ years.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

@@LowHeatBeats i know im just putting it out there to the universe! Call it a prayer if you like 😂

[@LowHeatBeats]

@@StuartwasDrinkell lol gotcha!

[@Kaje05]

Only thing I really didn’t like about Push 2 was the feel of the buttons. They feel so slow and sluggish. I actually hate pushing them. The buttons also make the browser super slow. Also, I could never really find a use for the touch strip.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yup, true

[@kikeon0017]

Bought a Push 1 in 2014. I could not justify spending the money for the upgrade when Push 2 came along in 2015. I would hate to take the risk of a Push 3 coming along right after I buy the Push 2. So it's been 7 years waiting and looking at the awesome features of Push 2 i'm missing out on.

[@LowHeatBeats]

I mean, if you're looking mostly at the computer screen Push 1 is fine, but the pads aren't all that great, compared to Push 2.

[@kikeon0017]

@@LowHeatBeats totally agree, borrowed a Push 2 from a friend for a little while, but just been afraid for the past 5 years to get it because a Push 3 might come along right after. I mean, Push 2 is out for 7 years now, Push 1 was replaced by Push 3 after just 2 years

[@sixstab2967]

you sounds like a scared human

[@kikeon0017]

@@sixstab2967 you might be right LOL

[@sixstab2967]

@@kikeon0017 just get one, it has good re sell value so you will be good!

[@nthng5415]

I was invited to the ableton survey for the push 3, they are not Sure if they do it as a controller or standalone like akai force.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Wow okay, good to know

[@nthng5415]

@@LowHeatBeats second Info, they consider to make a standalone Version with upgradable ram and SSD, but the estimated price Tag would be around 2500€ or more, even asked for an exchange for a gift card if you trade your old push for a newer one.

[@LowHeatBeats]

​@@nthng5415 Well, that would be waaay to expensive, it doesn't make much sense when Maschine Plus is a little over 1000 euro.

[@nthng5415]

@@LowHeatBeats yeah but maschine + runs on maschine Software, you will have a full fledged DAW ableton live suite, all the plugins and Sound Packs. The specs for the DAW needs to be fullfilled to have a gear without latente, so the price Tag would fit.

[@LowHeatBeats]

@@nthng5415 Gotcha. Well, if this is true, I'd assume, they wouldn't want you sharing this information 😂 But thanks anyway.

[@djpioneer937]

i wish you could sample directly into simpler.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yeah, I guess it's a limitation of Ableton that you can't do that. But still, recording into an audio track and converting it into a Simpler is pretty fast and you can do it all from the Push 2.

[@KrzysztofChomski]

Wow, what a great video! So happy I subscribed, thx 👍

[@LowHeatBeats]

Thank you for the sub!

[@binarysun_]

That’s the main gripe for me with the push2 … 90% of the time using the mouse is way faster. But then I don’t want to use the mouse because I am pushing a mouse a round all day already. So I Force myself to just use the push for as much as possible. Which gets tedious over time. Also for some reason I can never learn the button Lay-out of the multi function buttons of the push for longer than a week. A push 3 should have a somewhat larger color screen and be a bit wider to feature more and clickier dedicated hard plastic buttons with a max of two well labeled functions. A main function and a shift function.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yeah true. But it doesn't really have that many multi function buttons I think. Which isn't bad at all, makes it easier to remember.

[@binarysun_]

@@LowHeatBeats yeah I don’t know. I just gave up on the push but might come back to it. Had it since it came out and the workflow never came naturally to me with the push. I really don’t know why. Maybe I was already used to the pre-push APC40 workflow I used since 2008 or so way too much? But me being too dumb aside I would really love to have nice clickey hard buttons like the MPCs

[@kostoglotow]

I think Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 needs to be mentioned as a quite viable and significantly more affordable option :) It seems many Push enthusiasts mainly enjoy its capability as an instrument. Launchpad Pro pretty much offers the same goodness in that regard, and even packs a nice chords mode that Push doesn't have. It's much more portable than the Push (1kg vs 2.7kg). Of course you don't get any encoders and no display. But the DAW control over Live (and, since 10.7, Logic Pro X!) is still pretty darn good.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yeah, good point! I realised I should have mentioned it but the video was already posted. Indeed, if you're gonna mostly use the computer display anyway, it's the more efficient option.

[@MrCshmn]

@@LowHeatBeats Aftertouch doesn't work properly on the LPPmk3. It's still a great device though. I don't find chord mode as useful as id hoped initially. thinking of replacing the push 2 that I sold. it had better integration. LPP3 is good but the push is worth the extra money.

[@teabreakbeats]

The plastic/rubber edge on mine is starting to melt and feel sticky!

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yeah, a common problem with the Push 2 after several years of usage. It seems other devices that use the same type of coating have this issue too. Luckily mine is still okay but it’s good that you mentioned it for people who may consider buying a second hand unit.

[@jdssurf]

I will likely be getting a Push I do have some hard synths. Using PC Have a small keystep. So I've looked into an Oxygen, Launchkey, and some Arturia stuff, but don't know if I will need all those options if I have a Push. I like the keystep pro for controlling hard synths and it's got 4 tracks, however maybe that just needs to be a separate setup. Should I just get a nicer 49 or so midi keyboard without all the pads and such? Considering I will have a Push? Is it redundant to have a full featured midi keyboard along side the Push Should I get a fully featured midi keyboard and hold off on the Push? Certainly want something that works good in Ableton because I'm still learning it. I'm worried about these keyboards, some say pitch wheels not accurate, some say faders are horrible and so on.... Some have endless knobs, some don't, is that a major flaw? With a regular midi keyboard and a Push, what do you do about faders? So yeah I gotta upgrade from lite to suite, but need to know where to put my money Suite first, or Suite with Push package, or wait for possible Push 3, or fully functional keyboard now and Suite? Maybe a cool hard synth keyboard that also has midi, or with that take me away from nice integration with Ableton? If i do get full function midi keyboard i can pry go up to 500 bucks, but if the ones like oxygen are good, then fine, I just don't want crummy stuff, but I'm also not a baller. Any help thanks....

[@LowHeatBeats]

So many questions man 😂 It's all up to you, I don't know anything about what you need and how you work. And even if I knew, I can't say what's the best option for you. But I've always used a keyboard without pads and faders with the Push and I've been fine. I've used the Roland A-49, Komplete Kontrol A49 and now I'm using the Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2. They are all pretty nice keyboards for the money they cost and compliment the Push 2 very well.

[@jdssurf]

@@LowHeatBeats lol i know bro, i copy and pasted my question from ableton forum i just posted lol, I'm mainly doing stuff like old trance, acid, some stuff like Enigma too, but more like Underworld...................I would like to have the chance to play what I write live at some point. I'm still learning the connectivity part of it all, sick of it lol just wanna start writing and learning the DAW. i'm a guitarist and bass player with keyboard piano background too. However I love electronic music more older style stuff, and I can write stuff great but actually physically doing it through all this shit is big time learning curve. I'm just hoping not to waste too much time learning some gear then find out I've been screwing myself not getting proper stuff at first. With a keyboard and Push without faders, how do you fade tracks in and out in a live setting? thanks for helping. I'll be at your house in the morning with an ass load of questions and a camera crew lmao.

[@quinnolivarez]

I’ll be surprised if there’s ever a push 3. Akai seems to have moved on. Since 2017, multiple new MPCs have been released, they made the force which is very similar to Ableton in a groove box, and the dawless revolution in general has been strong the last few years

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yeah, I mostly agree, with the clarification that Akai only manufactured the first Push, Ableton ditched them for Push 2 and made it on their own.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Yeah push 2 is solely ableton so that akai boat sailed back in 2015 and frankly as much as i loved my push1, i dont miss akai at all with the push2. at first the differences between 1 and 2 seems superficial until you realise how much time is spent never looking at the laptop in comparison to push 1. Ableton have two products out there and they are still up there with market leaders and itis the best DAW for performance, let's face it, it's practically a musical instrument in it's own right!.. that says a hell of a lot about how good they are.

[@campar1043]

what are ableton native devices you mention at 7:28?

[@LowHeatBeats]

The built-in effects and instruments in Live.

[@flyingdiscproductions]

Push 3 is out!

[@LowHeatBeats]

Yup

[@ninevolt]

thanks for the review! i noticed the Motu M2/M4 interface on your desk, how have you found it, anything particular you like or issues you've encountered?

[@LowHeatBeats]

Maybe I need to do a review on the M4 as well. But no, haven't had any issues. Sound is crisp, preamps are clean and powerful. I'm happy with it.

[@ninevolt]

​@@LowHeatBeats good to hear. i asked because i'm running into some frustrating recording issues with my M2, which is unfortunate since everything else about it is really solid - might be a quality control thing or something to do with the new MacBooks. cheers and thanks again.

[@Q5000]

Do you think it would be a good idea to buy a used push 2?

[@LowHeatBeats]

If you know what you're doing, sure. I often buy second hand gear, but you've got to have good knowledge about the product and some sort of intuition and common sense so that you don't get scammed. Or maybe get it form Ebay or Reverb, where they (presumably) have some sort of buyer protection.

[@Q5000]

@@LowHeatBeats just got one from guitar center with 2yr protection shortly after I posted this. Thanks man! I basically followed your advice before you even sent it! Lol

[@mamelukkisakkarassa]

This video has ruined by bad background music. Maybe some kind of sidechain-effect with speak, doesn't work.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Disagreed. It's my own music. You don't have to like it, but it's not "bad" and it's really quiet relative to the voice and doesn't get in the way at all.

[@karl9411]

Nope it ain’t worth it APC 2 easily

[@LowHeatBeats]

That's a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. The APC is very different, it's a performance controller, while Push 2 is more suitable for making beats, playing instruments. I think I've explained it in the video.

[@TwizzyTwade]

😂 “build quality” useable for self-defense !!!😂

[@LowHeatBeats]

lol indeed

[@basclement9073]

Beatmakink, samplink, sequencink, marketink 😂😂😂

[@LowHeatBeats]

You do have a point but you should have made it in a more respectful manner. I'm not a native English speaker. I'm always working on improving my pronunciation. Generally, my viewers are supportive and don't make fun of it.

[@user-rd1kf8qz9k]

love my push 1 .. if you use reaper or bitwig you can still use the push with DRIVENBYMOSS (look it up works sick with reaper)

[@LowHeatBeats]

Push 1 is cool too, considering how cheap you can get it second hand and that it still works with the latest version of Live. Good to know it works in other DAWs too.

[@user-rd1kf8qz9k]

@@LowHeatBeats works for push 2 as well :)

[@petedako]

YES …definitely …and if you really want to get the most out of your Push2 buy BitWig.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Idk man, seems redundant to me, since I already have Live 11 Suite and I'm really comfortable and productive using it.

[@petedako]

They are all excellent DAWs and each have their own uniquely different strengths @@LowHeatBeats I own and use Logic Pro X , Live Suite 11, and now Bitwig 4.9.10 - very cool to know that the (free) MOSS scripts for BITWIG give PUSH2 much/*even more* functionality ✌🤩

[@LowHeatBeats]

Good to know!