ULTIMATE $2000+ Groovebox SHOOTOUT! OP-XY Vs Push 3 Vs MPC X SE

[@tr1co0]

The best thing I ever did was just settle in with my Circuit and Circuit Rhythm, stop buying new gear, stop producing actual tracks, and just enjoy making beats for myself. It feels to me like the difference between going on walks in nature vs. competing in races, or reflecting in a journal vs. trying to get a book published.

[@andrewgobel4936]

@@tr1co0circuits are so powerful & user-friendly. If the tracks & rhythm came as one “circuit pro” device, I’d probably be right there with ya

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

A truly wise choice!❤️ wish it brings you joy for years to come!

[@phatplates]

So you have up?

[@tr1co0]

@@phatplates Some call it contentment. Others call it having up, apparently.

[@phatplates]

@@tr1co0*gave

[@quimbas]

You didn’t add my trip to urgent care in the options 😂

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

😂😂

[@ndguardian]

You're supposed to jam on your instruments, not jam your toe. :D

[@MatsueMusic]

I went through a whole journey going Dawless with the Deluge, then Electron, then hybrid with the Push 3. I have landed on the Push 3 with one hardware Synth. It provides the right amount of performance and simplicity with the visual feedback and workflow I have grown up with it. It's a gem of a system.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I love hearing about people's journeys! Happy you found your perfect setup!❤️❤️

[@substance90]

Unpopular hot take: $1000 groove boxes routinely outperform $2000 groove boxes.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

You’re definitely on to something! Deluge and MPC live 2 can definitely hold their own here and they’re around $1300! Thanks for watching!

[@maddmugsy]

Digitone 2 + Digitakt 2 = $2k = win

[@ToyKeeper]

Agreed. I like my cheaper gear more than anything in the video. For the price of an OP-XY (2.3k), I got a Force (0.9k) and a Pro 3 (1.3k), both brand new.

[@krazywabbit]

Punching above my pay grade. Just down here punching for the algorithms

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Appreciate you always brother🙌🏻 lots of love❤️💪🏼

[@andrewgobel4936]

I have the OP XY & Push 3. Both are great standalone or as the brain of a hybrid or DAWless studio. I love Push’s pads, but I use & enjoy my XY more due to its portability

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Agree a million%! ❤️ thanks for watching!

[@enochroot9438]

I believe a new software update 3.0 for the MPC range just dropped which might add some extra functionality?

[@remyvegamedia]

It adds some functionality, but so far in beta has lost a very important function, which is the use of odd time signatures. The Akai Force also lacks odd time signatures and in all its years in production Akai never addressed this, which is a huge fail, in my opinion. Just thought I'd point that out.

[@Drrolfski]

What you see in this video is MPC 3.0 beta

[@ArguZ72]

Yeah, that's why i sold mine...after trying for a few days i drowned in the options and said, Hell no, i have a laptop, why would i bother with this outdated tech

[@chatolars]

Most detailed and comprehensive comparison video there is. Thank you

[@Khordmaster]

Incredible video. I feel like I NEED ME A PUSH 3!!!

[@esulkes]

Wait for a sale! Got mine for $1500 for Black Friday

[@Khordmaster]

@ so technically I have a 30% artist discount on the table 🤔

[@DoctorNemmo]

I've been using again my MPC Live I and it's such a good instrument once you learn to use it. Wouldn't change it for the OPXY.

[@MM-do5yx]

MPC hands down every day of the week

[@if_dots]

i feel like these grooveboxes aren't really competing among themselves, they're competing with just taking out a laptop. I'm still good with my digitone 2 whenever I don't want to fully look at a screen ... the xy would probably be the closest but the synths haven't convinced me at all.

[@InRoB-Music]

Yeah, maybe it is more a workstation than groovebox🤷🏻‍♂️ i would pick the akais over all other workstations / grooveboxes, because there is no problem with routing etc., everything is in the box.. fx.. midi.. samples.. synths.. all!

[@joshualane1716]

They compete with each other in the sense that most people can’t afford to buy them all. So, many folks looking for an alternative to a DAW end up with one main device - not a fleet.

[@InRoB-Music]

@@joshualane1716 i got an akai force and an mpc live mk1 both for 1000€ with all plugins included the mpc is for drums and the force for synth and loops / clips.. routing all the outputs in an allen & heath xone mixer and the perfect setup is made for less than all of these devices 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@esulkes]

Digitone 2 ftw!

[@jamesbond339]

The Perkons is sitting in the background sad that it didn't win "most fun" category but happy it wasn't judged on specs, synths, portability, battery life, MIDI.....

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

😂🤘🏻 nothing but love for Perkons❤️❤️

[@CartoonCityKid]

I don't plan on ever getting an OPXY, but it's great to see that you didn't stop at the first video when opxy was released. You've kept going and updated your thoughts; it's cool to see someone's journey with a piece of gear 🎹

[@whoadog8725]

The Push 3 cannot use audio interfaces over USB. It can use ADAT for this purpose.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

You’re absolutely correct👍🏼 Only MPC and XY use USB. Thanks for pointing that out and sorry about that blunder!

[@elarielo]

Didn't the MPC Standalone ecosystem have an Ableton Live export option somewhere? EDIT: 12:55 found it, it's that bottom right button, is it any good?

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Yes! It works great but the Push 3 is just a bit more streamlined👍🏼 thanks for watching!

[@Whispering-Cosmos]

Very much true, that each of these machines fit in a particular role. I think that TE needs to listen to this and get their software updates out soon, while the XY can output songs that sound almost production ready, we all know stem export is gonna be a must.

[@BreakfastatSynthphonys]

Great video as always. The OPXY definitely needs sample chopping and auto chopping. It would be an easy upgrade, I think. They already have that feature on the KO 2.

[@SamCooler]

Thanks for the video! I bought a Push 3 SA and Live Suite recently and I'm in love with it. I'm new to production and I wanted something that could prevent GAS, given how I am with hobbies. There's really nothing the Push 3 SA can't do... it's got excellent synths, sampled devices, effects, midi and audio, a great input device, decent portability, etc. So I can't really want anything more, so I can get to music making rather than wanting and shopping, which ultimately costs less! I feel optimistic that they will at least add follow actions or some sort of song creation capability this year, and that they will support it with new features for a decade (given how they still support Push 2 now) and compatibility for longer. In the meantime, I can hit an artistic flow state and make music I enjoy in any genre I care about with a device on my lap and that's my goal!

[@remyvegamedia]

They added the ability to create racks and map macros, so I wouldn't be surprised if they added follow actions. Push 3 is really the best of the three, no contest haha. I don't have one, I have an MPC. I enjoy it, but functionally there's no contest in my opinion.

[@SamCooler]

@@remyvegamedia yeah it's such a clear feature omission and well within the capabilities, and they have hinted at it pretty strongly on the beta forum, I think it's just a matter of time.

[@remyvegamedia]

@ To be honest, I've never used follow actions haha. I build my whole arrangement in session view using Push 2 and arrange scenes to get my basic layout then play it through manually. I think it's a great feature, though, and probably vital for performers using Push 3 SA. I think it would make a lot of sense for them to include it. I think I'll get a Push 3 eventually and I look forward to seeing what it has by then.

[@Drrolfski]

On paper, this would be an easy win for the Push 3 Standalone if it weren't for the fact that, at present, it's still a Gen 1 product. Meaning the raw power is there, and the potential is amazing, but shoehorning a fully fledged software DAW into a single standalone box brings its own unique challenges, compared to designing the capabilities around the hardware like the MPC and Op-XY. As a result, the Push 3 Standalone still needs a lot of work and plenty of firmware updates to deliver its full potential.

[@kingof9x]

This was great. For me the push 3 is the best all in one groove box when at home. Its just too big for me to travel with. I spend around 200 days on tour every year, for that reason the op-xy size and battery make it the perfect groovebox for my life.

[@MadValleyMusic]

What about the Deluge? Missing out.

[@rycrump]

“$2000 or more”

[@MadValleyMusic]

@rycrump yeah I get it. Still think it competes in this category with the big boys.

[@mgmcdb7606]

​@@rycrump Deluge and a Hydra Explorer? 😂

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Deluge can definitely hold it’s own here but as another person commented, I wanted to keep it $2k and above! Thanks for watching!

[@MadValleyMusic]

@ absolutely. I get it. I’m just such a deluge fan boy I want to see it everywhere. Heart. Thanks for the great videos and insights as always.

[@ElanBrio]

Great video I just bought a MPC x SE

[@static-san]

Great comparison! I love the portability of the OP-XY and that's why it's highest on my wishlist, but the exporting options are definitely giving me pause. At least with the OP-1, I can put the track audio files into Ableton Live and polish things there. The ease of starting on the Push and seamlessly continuing on the PC is attractive, but it's not so portable. The Move could address the portability but then we run into no song mode and a four track limit. Why must everything be a compromise.

[@88mokeyz8k]

If I was just starting, I would by the Push 3 MPE, Novation, Machine, Akai, are going to follow Ableton. Akai,Machine, and Novation will release multiple products with MPE.

[@ZETONEproductions]

Maschine or push With one good bass synth , Roland SE 02 is all you need to get it Done

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Facts!

[@Geekraver]

The Akai Force, Maschine+, and Deluge could all be contenders with these 3 as well, apart from the price tag!

[@jantuitman]

I bought the OP-XY fully realizing that I could spend the money to buy a Push 3 instead, and I have considered briefly to go for the Push 3. Totally agree that Push 3 is better in most categories. But I was really looking for a sequencer that sparks my fun and creativity and I knew that Push would bring me less of that… now having the OP.XY for. a couple of weeks and not regretting my choice at all, I am having so much fun with it….

[@remyvegamedia]

I have an MPC and I dig it, but in the instrument and effects realm, Push 3 is miles ahead, no contest. With Ableton synths the modulation is insane, then add the fact that you can add LFOs, Envelope Followers, create chains, racks, etc. and map those to the 16 macros, not only does it have more sound design, but once you set it up, it has performance and automation capabilities that put it on another level. Proper arrangement wins on MPC and there are some other things about it when it comes to sampling, BUT, you can get those things with the cheapest MPC and not need to buy the XSE. The 16 macros and extra I/O are nice, but I don't think they're worth the price. I think MPC One Plus or Live 2, especially Live 2 for the battery and a couple more ins/outs, are best value for the money. Personally OPXY is not even close to worth it for me and doesn't stand up point for point. It looks fun, but $2,300 with that much limitation, bugs, etc. ceases to be fun, if you ask me haha.

[@damelos4039]

Push 3 all t he way. I have other gear (MOVE) for portability. The tie into Ableton (my DAW of choice) weighs heavily.

[@quimbas]

Do feel faster on the push and if so how long did it take? I know a large incentive is the instrument feel of it but l can’t imagine “flowing” faster than the good old mouse and keyboard shortcuts.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Can’t agree more! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

As hefty as those boxes are, they make ruts instead of grooves. Maybe canyons.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

You’re not kidding! Thanks for watching!

[@mamba_56]

Was just thinking about this!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Great minds❤️🤘🏻

[@Cactuspractice12]

I feel like the XY would have done so much better if theyd taken their time before releasing it and really thought about what people will use it for. Instead they seemed to have chosen to lean on the 'but its portable' feature

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

There’s definitely room for improvement and it’s the buggiest out of the three. Still a wonderful device, hope they fix it up!

[@Cactuspractice12]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I want it, nearly bought but, but will wait until people start to have a positive expereince with it on Elektronaughts. I have have faith, but not enough to risk buying it in its current state

[@andrewdoucet3029]

wait-can push run stand-alone? also thanks for this video-I know I’m having a good Saturday when my grading is done and I’m watching a video about three things I will never be able to afford.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Yes!! Push 3 has a standalone version and it’s amazing! Thanks so much for watching🙌🏻

[@ArguZ72]

A M8 02 and a proper mixer i'd say

[@ToyKeeper]

Best setup for 2k or less? No contest. A Force and about 1k left over for other gear of your choice.

[@cuezaireekaa]

i wonder how am ipad pro wouldve fared.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

It’s probably very poweful and capable, I just don’t get that inspired in ipad/computer setups😅

[@g3cd]

I can get a Sequential Prophet 6 Desktop or a Nord Wave 2 for about the same price as the OP XY, or a used Black Corporation Kijimi. All of them have less "horsepower" and less RAM, but a TON more charisma. Maybe concentrate on that instead of citing endless specifications next time. I know, in the "Little Prince" adults can be impressed by a lot of numbers, but I still prefer to see an elephant swallowed by a snake ... and the Kijimi can do that, 10 times over.

[@aloharay]

Push 2 for less than 300 is an excellent value, and Maschine or Maschine+ are no slouches

[@elementlab41]

Adore my MPC Live II, but the OP-XY has made me consider selling it. If you make sample based music, do not even go near it. It would be dead last. But the joy it brings to me is unmatched. It's a mess atm, but what a beautiful mess.

[@raul0ca]

Selling the Fantom for the MPC because of the synths sounds like such blasphemy. My world is spinning

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol, I know right? It was actually a lot more than that😅 I made a full video comparing them both and sounds, workflow etc was just better for me. Thanks for watching!

[@Gael_AG]

Buy all of them :)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

This👆🏻🤘🏻😜

[@MrBrunoRenee]

nice video

[@oaklandghosts0510]

Deluge.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤘🏻🤘🏻❤️

[@robertjamesonmusic]

OPXY

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

If you know, You Know😉 lots of love!

[@bluematrix5001]

How can be $2000 when the MPCXSE alone is like $2500?

[@bobbeaver2361]

MacBook + midi controller + Logic Pro + Bitwig Studio = more powerful for less money. The cheapskate in me can’t justify spending the money for something that has less processing power than my 20 year old MacBook Pro had.

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

Because I’m traveling the world I have to keep my OP-XY

[@Llouddd]

A iPad is a better option for less money and more powerful.

[@Daniel-ot8gg]

@@Llouddd but it doesn't have buttons and the workflow is different

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

@ I have iPad but I get more work done with hardware. That’s just me. iPad is great though. Def worth it to have one. You can make full tracks easy on iPad.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

100%!

[@k-g-p]

Maschine Plus for Live, Baby😅😂🎉

[@final_mile_music9713]

Yeah, but I can use my OP-XY on a plane…..;)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Absolutely! It’s undisputedly the portability king in the bunch!❤️

[@jeroendeclercq7580]

Why spend 2000 bucks when you can have an equally good system for less than half?

[@dasczwo]

NOTHING. boycott. prices are crazy. i can get a banged up macbook air for 400-500 and pair it with a launchpad. and a launchcontrol. and....cmon bring the 2000 down to 1200. your getting closed to beeing confined to lawyers offices, synth maker.

[@phatplates]

Then why don’t you do that?

[@dasczwo]

@@phatplates my kids all already have jobs.

[@dasczwo]

@@phatplates meanwhile im waiting for the ulli one and behringer mpc clone. and the behringer pull standalone.

[@samprock]

My pick is OP-XY and Push controller! ❤ (yes, we can all stretch budget a bit when want what we need. OP-XY for couch and bathroom studio 😂 Push + Mac is a limitless Standalone in my work office room I keep calling my studio. It’s work-work-work). I’d adopt X SE anyway if had space, though we need synthesizers as well 😊 Good shoutout! You almost got me taking 3 best groove boxes and say pick just one LOL

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks so much for watching my friend! Mac+ Push + XY is pretty much a setup for life! Enjoy!

[@Purrrelll]

Buy an iPad pro with Logic pro.

[@MrJackal43]

Deluge….

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

XY has too many limitations so I don't think that comparing it to a such powerful devices as Push 3 or MPC X SE is fair. A few nice features in a sequencer is absolutely not enough to put it in the same category as other two feature-packed workstations.

[@rhakka]

Depends on your priority. XY wins in portability and immediacy. After owning a field for more than a year, I find myself using it far more than my Push 3 or MPCL2. Both of which are standalone and technically portable, but I can use the Field anywhere, anytime. It starts up immediately and it’s very fast to get from idea to prototype track. Obviously, as stated in this review, the XY has plenty of limitations just like the OP-1. So, it’s up to “what ends up being of value to you in normal life?”

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

@rhakka In the "portability" compartment there are better, more feature packed options than XY. Just choose wisely... not through paid marketing of youtubers.

[@bororobo7036]

Really no need for any of mentioned boxes to produce music.

[@pipster1001]

30 euro or less for Drambo. Ipad

[@danielpirone8028]

I have been holding off getting a push 3 ( have a 2 ) because I feel like they will come out with a 4 this year

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I feel you😂 I think it’s more likely they will keep the push 3 platform and make upgradeable cpu kits (since it’s modular). Amazing device though, thanks for watching!

[@SamCooler]

hmm they sold the push 2 for eight years (2015 through 2023). It'd be pretty surprising if they only gave the push 3 two years, especially after all of the design work they put into it.

[@BeyondTyrants]

If you really want to go DAWless, don’t get anything this powerful. You’ll just end staring at the little screens on these things trying to convince yourself it’s somehow better than a computer monitor. I’d rather have half a dozen $300 groove boxes than one $2000 one running watered down Ableton. These things are like veggie burgers for vegans who miss meat. You might be saving a cow but a lot more field mice are dying as a result. Is it really any different? Wouldn’t you rather just eat the real thing?

[@GenocidePanda]

the new MPC software UI is so badddd. you’d be better off with a mac and a midi controller

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

MPC users aren't forced into getting MPC 3. Also, Beta 3 did introduce a few of the "traditional" workflow features from MPC 2.

[@GenocidePanda]

@ not the workflow but the visuals need improvement. IMO the style could be a little better. makes you feel cooler when you cooking up

[@N0l0ngeralive]

Seriously these machines can’t compare to the "MPCXSE" it’s like a hammer vs an ant..

[@CorbenEdward]

The OPXY is a joke! leave me locked away in a dark room with an SP404mk2 and a mind on the verge of insanity filled to the brim with SHIFT+ functions

[@kolbasevitch]

Buy all three and you won’t regret for sure 🎉

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

😆😆😆 just don’t let your spouse fin out lol

[@Melodic623]

buy nothing. use and master what you have. SAVE YOUR MONEY. most youtubers get stuff for free.

[@macavree9464]

Overpriced plastic boxes… perhaps.

[@KingzofRythm]

MPC is better