Push 2 Still Worth it in 2022? Long Term User Review

[@TheoreticallyMedia]

Well, I say the Push 1 is still worth it in 2022!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤩🤟🏻

[@beatsnbrews]

Yep, I still use it. I'm so glad I got a digitakt instead of the push 2

[@lighthousephoto7143]

I love my Push 1. Once I got that “soft touch” gunk removed, I really enjoyed it.

[@Beargtatt]

Great video, and thank you! I just placed an order for my Push 2 yesterday, and I'm really excited to sink my (metaphorical) teeth into it!

[@bombpg]

Commenting for ya man because you’re a good egg and I don’t want you to be forgotten for all time ❤

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

And I appreciate it enormously 🙌🏻❤️ see you soon my friend!

[@boikomet]

I bought the Push2 in early 2020 a couple of month after I got into music making and spent the first lockdown with it. I remember the excitment everytime i turned it on. Over the past two years I bought a bunch of hardware and even was at a point to go mainly dawless. After lots of experimenting with the hardware I have I realized that I love to jam dawless at home say in the evening to free my mind and just enjoy experimenting. But to work on whole tracks I go to my atelier, take some hardware with me and fiddle in ableton for days with the Push2 as my centerpiece. I am still excited every time I turn it on :) Theres one thing I am not so happy about and I wonder how many of you have the same problem: Sometimes I turn it on and it start having a life on its on "pushing" the play button and triggering the record button on and off randomly on armed tracks. Usually I have to turn it off and shut down live a couple of times and it will work properly again. I asked ableton for help but they were not familiar with the problem. Anyone else having this issue?

[@trebuchetbeats]

Thanks for the help! I've been an Ableton user for a few years and have been considering purchasing a Push 2 for about a year now. Nice heads-up on the lighting issues. I'll definitely be getting one.

[@m1xercom]

I have a mix of gear, analogue, digital Synths and Push2/Ableton. Hibrid music maker for now.. I tend to buy my gear used or nearly new so not too costly for me to stay entertained. Great vid man, get well soon.

[@AndriSoren]

A lot of good points here! It won't be a surpise to hear that I'm still a fan. Leaning into its limitations and achieving focus and flow is really worth it. Of course it's all a personal thing, but I still don't know what I'd replace it with. Also worth highlighting is how support has continued, even for Push 1; that's almost 10 years of updates, even if these have often been quite gentle/subtle, some of them have been huge. The love story continues, at least for me!

[@treyhudson73]

Well, look who stopped by!

[@AndriSoren]

@@treyhudson73 :)

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

I absolutely love the Push 2, to which, in my opinion, is a mandatory buy for any Ableton Live user. It facilitates its use by miles lenght and adds fun to using the DAW.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Exactly! FUN is the word here👍🏼

[@tablaninja]

Bought the Push 2 years ago. Used a 25% off coupon from Guitar Center. These coupons usually omit ANYTHING from a major manufacturer BUT the Push 2 was a loop hole! The GC guy was like, dude. Way to go! 😂 I LOVE it and it’s the centerpiece of my studio. Great video!!! Love your content

[@Bigheadedwon]

Wow, if I was a typical angry internet guy I'd call you a liar. That's absolutely incredible. I remember getting an email from them about 10 years ago "25% off a single item" And not exaggerating, I had to scroll an entire page to see all the excluded brands and items. The fact you found something, and something this good at that. You are a legend.

[@tablaninja]

@@Bigheadedwon right!?!? I didn’t believe it until I drive off with it in the passenger seat! It felt like a bank robbery 😀😂😂😂

[@tuneroneff]

Thank you so much for sharing a personal point of view!!! Very helpful and informative.

[@lordnikonx]

I appreciate this content.

[@JamesBermingham]

Great intro 🤩😭. Cameron has that natural low tone ✊🤘

[@angeljrivas]

Loved this!!! Thank you for this video!!

[@mauchkimberly]

Lol great intro, and that impression (even if it was because of a cold) was legit.

[@bustabeatz785]

Thank you for the well put together video. I'm considering one of these devices and found this informative and helpful.

[@alexanderjames9888]

Thanks for the vid man. Super helpful and informative 👌

[@notgodzod]

Thanks, this was a really useful review :)

[@jacksp8de]

I have the Maschine Mk3 and Plus and I have the MPC Live 2. The Ableton Push 2 is still my main device. By some miracle, Ableton noticed me and the CEO came to my home along with the Leader of the Push team. They watched me use it and took notes. It was surreal. That just reinforced my love for the company and the Push. Edit: For the people that don’t believe me here is the link to one but there are two videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKuXiJl9ZbqaqLs

[@zakdegenhardt1820]

Haha, right.

[@internetgod404]

@@zakdegenhardt1820 trust me bro I was there lol

[@Fluxwithit]

@@zakdegenhardt1820 I've had the same experience. They are very committed to not just the users that surround their offices, but external users. head of the push team a dope producer in his own right.

[@501Labsmusic]

Same! Then Kanye made me a cake shaped as a jewish piano.

[@jacksp8de]

@@501Labsmusic 😂 I filmed it. It’s on my channel

[@titanrib]

You’re the man, thanks for the content

[@tiimm0002]

Thanks for this! Great compact video 🎉

[@Caring.for.Couples]

Love the authenticity and in depth constructive critique. Easy to listen to and very insightful.

[@th-wf3sz]

Dude, that intro! 🤣🤣🤣 I appreciate your content sir! FORCE & Ableton user here.

[@GuidoGautsch]

I switched to Ableton from Logic because of Push. Having such a complete controller built and designed for a DAW was what pushed me towards it (pardon the pun). I find it an amazing piece of kit and unparalleled in terms of DAW controllers.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Same here! I was using logic for the longest time and when I got the Push it all changed! The best integration of software to hardware I’ve seen so far❤️ thanks for watching my friend! Cheers!

[@micindir4213]

I needed to write few pieces for brass band fast. Guess which saw I use? If I have techno dj gig coming up, guess which saw I would use? Logic has best stock library of sounds hands down. Paired with trackpad gestures, keyboard shortcuts, varispeed it is really remind me of cassette recorders and 4 tracks. Built in score editor and chord analyser are just pure gold. Ableton is probably only live program there is. It can seamlessly integrate multiple GB of audio data, midi . Scenes and macros are what gives the advantage of handling all these things orderly. Force chokes up when I try feeding it 30% of my live set.

[@bodhibeats8257]

Same here, as well. Love Logic in many ways, but the availability a great dedicated controller like the Push was what pushed me to try Ableton.

[@samprock]

For me same. Since I learned more playing standalone sequencers/synths for couple years, getting back to Live/Push and now CAN APPRECIATE playing Push. Without necessary looking at computer screen (which is not a sin, but rather me growing in skills laying ideas to soft/hardware more efficiently). .... they will looking at girls regardless with or w/o Push :D

[@fallingindrive]

Listened to that intro at least 10 times. 😳 Great video! Thanks!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@petyaur]

That Cameron gag while I'm cold with the same fx on my voice, continued with two cold beers, priceless :D

[@Andy-Kach]

I also had a Push 2 I'd tried to improve my performance with this controller for over a year. But I realized that I am simply much faster with a mouse, keyboard, midi keyboard, and a Launchpad pro mk3 if I need pads. Also, why should I look at that tiny screen if I have a large, high-quality ultrawide monitor in front of me? So, I pleasantly sold the Push 2. Later, I switched from Ableton Live to Bitwig. This transition really increased the speed and joy of work.

[@bodhibeats8257]

Love my Push 2, it’s one of the few pieces of gear I have zero buyers remorse about and am just thrilled to have. All that said, I do wonder/worry about when the next one is coming. The Push 2 has been around for many years now, and ya gotta think Ableton will update it at some point. I just picked up a sweet hardwood stand for my Push 2 on Esty. As I plunked down the $100 for that, I thought “well this definitely ensures a Push 3 will be released in short order.” You’re welcome. 😉 Seriously, it’s a great device and I would recommended it to anyone. But if you’re trying to buy one today, I think it’s fair to wonder if you’re buying into a device that will soon be replaced in the lineup. I have no evidence that Ableton has a Push 3 in the works…but they gotta, right? So my *only* hesitation in recommending it to anyone is just the fact that it’s been around so long without being refreshed. Otherwise, it’s great.

[@robinr22]

Remarkably prescient 🙂

[@alim_puyo]

I bought the Push over an APC 40 Mk 2 for half price and absolutely love it! It's a great addition to my synths and I already used Ableton. However, my hand is still pulled to the mouse way too often to tweak something or search a specific tool. So it's really not a DAW-less experience but still a good middle ground between hands-on jamming and full control in a production sense. Great Product!

[@yadielmercedes3635]

I find it satisfying that in your verdict you said how the push two is not a standalone unit and that it's not for someone who wants to get away from the laptop and ableton just solved this specific issue with the standalone push three

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I’m really happy they finally made it!❤️

[@fiercelaststand]

Great video! And, as someone who has used it, I completely agree with your conclusions at the end. 👍

[@F_letc.h]

The step sequencer in Ableton is actually pretty capable, and enjoyable to use, and the probability that was added in the latest version is a big improvement.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

For Drums I’m loving the step sequencer! For melody I’m still getting my head around it, just need more practice I guess😁 thanks for watching!

[@F_letc.h]

@@MidlifeSynthesist it’s great for drums, but I was actually referring to the melodic step sequencer. It’s quite good, imo. Stick with it. Great video!

[@Len_M.]

@Brian Keary No

[@WilliamAdelstein]

Im still trying to understand why the Octatrack is considered a decent sequencer. Seeing as the push is not „dawless“ - whatever that really means - keyboard rolls are the easiest way to sequence. Push 2 does this better as well if you ask me.

[@enbo2001]

First off, LOVE your content!! I’m a Push 2 user. I bought one cause Ableton is my DAW of choice because I do live performances. But when I first bought it I had NO IDEA I could use it as a instrument, that day my life literally changed 🤣😂 man it’s such a fun piece of hardware. PUSH 2 GANG!!!!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hahaha hell yes!! Push 2 gang🤟🏻🤟🏻 thank you so much for watching my friend, I’ll be featuring lots more Push content in the future so good times ahead🤩 cheers!

[@Sweep_The_Leg_Johnny]

i got mine about a year & a half ago & ive never regretted a minute of it.

[@MrFullyCharged]

Honestly I’m itching to see what comes next, but… the push 2 is still the most comprehensive single controller I’ve owned. I have a Push2 on the desk which is used almost every time I fire up live, and a second push2 on the jam station to remix and layer and sample over dj sets. If you took every other midi unit away from my studio and I could only choose one: Push 2. All day.

[@MrFullyCharged]

2024 update: push3 for the win. Desert island. Push 3😊

[@harrymindgameTV]

I have 2 Push units. One in the studio and one at home as I was constantly taking it everywhere with me. Most of my tracks start off in Ableton Push due to its workflow then get ported elsewhere for mixdown. It’s great for getting ideas down quickly.

[@prawnstar9213]

Amen!

[@VenusTheory]

Nailed it.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

😅❤️ now you do me lol

[@darrylhoward3284]

Nice review!

[@medenine4828]

I’ve been interested in the push for a while in relation to modern groove boxes. V useful review. My hapax can do a LOT of this, great for live looping as long as you want plus electron style sequencing.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Dude! Hapax looks so good!! I’m really tempted to get one, maybe next year😍 thanks for stopping by my friend!🤟🏻

[@paulstephenson3867]

Great video. Thanks

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks for watching my friend!!

[@Marco-ek8wu]

Even though I’ve owned ableton since it’s release with the odd update, it never really clicked. I sold my newer MPC’s , bought a push 2 and updated from 9 to 11. Night and day. Having the power of ableton 11, all my vsts and the push 2 is the ultimate setup. I’ve even bought a Launchpad pro mk3 to use with my laptop, which has a very similar workflow to the push. In fact in some ways it’s even better. Doesn’t need mains power , the sequencer is better and chord mode is really useful. Push 2 - Yes, the lights are dim in the day. It has no chord mode and it would be nice to have a built in audio interface just so I could minimise my desk space. Plus I keep getting one pad that sticks.

[@Bashanvibe]

One year later since I saw this video I finally was able to buy AL Suite and caught the sale!!! Now I’m thinking about the Push 2 now that the 3 out and the 2 price is cheaper!!!

[@JBintheplacetobe]

Love the metaphor about the fire hose hahah. Im an amateur musician (in the free time) and use DAW cos its the most affordable way to make songs in a complete, efficient way. I use Ableton with Native Instruments VSTs and its hardware. Its not fun to lead old projects where it cant find/load have of the samples you once used, but it does the job overall -- so always happy to see vids from you on DAW stuff (although I actually also watch the non-DAW stuff cos love all your stuff!).

[@jerrrrrrr1]

Good stuff, per usual

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

Very cool. It's interesting how the Push straddles the line between groovebox and midi controller, reminds me of the Maschine.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

100%! I think it’s the closest thing to compare it to. Imagine though, if Ableton ever release a Push Plus standalone that would rule hahaha great to see you here my friend, cheers!

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

@@MidlifeSynthesist a standalone Push would be amazing.

[@SHLDMusic]

I think the Launchpad Pro mk3 is very underrated, I would never exchange it for a Push 2 😁 For half the price you have: standalone MIDI controller with real in/out MIDI ports, more custom modes with CC and MIDI PC, and a standalone 4 tracks sequencer!

[@prawnstar9213]

It’s all about your introduction experience.. my introduction into this beautifully evil money sucking hobby was a launchkey mini mk3 that I still use for quick things. I’m not a professional producer but the push 2 has given me the gift of expansion beyond measure but I’m not sure if I went with the push at first that I would have loved it as much simply because it has a steeper learning curve if you’re starting from zero daws knowledge. I personally wish at times I would have started with the launchpad pro as plenty of friends agree with you.. the capability is similar between the two.. one has a screen.. one doesn’t. (Pretty much) and the launchpad costs way less! So for beginners searching for something that they can use throughout their careers, I too vote launchpad pro vs launchkey vs push 2.

[@TheSemderksen]

Thanks for this video! It encourages me to pick ableton up again. Can you do a video on some of your push workflows?

[@colemorrison9132]

"As far as I know [Ableton] doesn't know I exist." Subbed.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤣

[@krazywabbit]

I hope Venus Theory does not copyright strike this video. That opening ❤🔥🤣

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤣🤣 😜

[@Drrolfski]

The Push 2 is an amazing controller as long as you accept that it is designed to be used with mouse and keyboard. However, the Push 3 now being fully standalone and capable of going head-to-head with the MPC, at least as sketching out ideas go, would you be interested in buying one? Because I actually bought the MPC Live 2 and had to learn a whole new, far-from-intuitive workflow because there wasn't a Push 3 at the time.

[@Dahitmaniam]

This was exactly what i was looking for

[@carolinetakamhere]

Great video ❤️

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you for watching fam❤️

[@johanberube3490]

How would you compare it with the Akai force for live performances and toolkit offered in both devices?

[@treyhudson73]

Bruh. That intro had me spitting coffee! 🤣

[@neopunkmusic]

omg I laughed so hard at that intro. I was tripping like why is he.....omg LOL!!! subbed. liked.

[@ToyKeeper]

I think perhaps the big question is: Push or Force? However, the answer to that is pretty simple: If using a computer with Ableton, then Push. Otherwise, Force.

[@channelite]

I had the APC40 when it first came out and back then I decided I don’t like the mega button grid controllers. Also to get the most out of Live, you need Live Suite which really expensive. I’ve only had Standard. I’ve embraced the keyboard and a mouse when it comes to using a daw. For using a daw, try using your opposite mouse hand or using a different operating system then what you use for your work.

[@synthseeker]

80's dance classic! Push it *real good*. (dance moves, pelvic thrusts...uh uh uh)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤣🤣 couldn’t help yourself could you?

[@synthseeker]

@@MidlifeSynthesist kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHTElZZ4h55opbc

[@jakedooom]

i sold my push2 a few years ago. i have no regrets at all about that. a DJ bought it, and i think the device will be happier with them

[@GeorgeLocke]

The Push "works" with bitwig through driven by moss but the screen doesn't do nearly as much.

[@simoondewit2020]

So good!

[@tonybeatbutcher]

The adaptor is there to make the lights bright, the screen and LEds it is to much energy consuming, that's why. But yet I use it sometimes with a laptop to Finger Drumming on my couch.

[@montespitz8558]

Great video, still considering buying one... Seems like a good uniter between the digital and analouge World

[@davidsanfeliumarco9664]

Nice one!!!

[@MarcoPolux]

Man!! for a moment I thought you where Cameron! Comment about this video: Get any controller you like and: Get Cubase 12, and then, ANY midi controller will work exactly as you'd like... it is really amazing, all my controllers I have now functioning as I always wanted in my w dreams hehehe, controlling everything in Cubase, having to use the computer keyboard less and less, for all my shortcuts are already in a controller. If I want to scratch my head or a beer, I have a midi controller key assigned to it (also, I controll all my studio's lights with the same midi controllers hehehe, it's amazing)

[@lazymandoplayer]

Interesting view, thanks. Hopefully 3 months on you're feeling much healthier.

[@J-Stuy]

New to ableton want it to be my main daw should I get push 3 or two ? I honestly don’t need it I have maschine mk3 and an atom sq but I want the push 😂 my issue is I’m not really a click in the notes producer I like playing on the maschine but using maschine as a midi I can’t do note repeat iv figured out work around that help but it’s not the work flow im use to or are their any other midi controllers that work smooth with ableton 12 I can use where things like note repeat will Work ?

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I’m shortly going to get my hands on a push 3 👍🏼 keep an eye out for my next couple of videos so I can make a recommendation. Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnolivermusic]

Thanks. I have been on a eurorack and synth journey this past year, and, although buttons and knobs on those devices are great for jamming and live performance, I keep trying to replace all the possibilities of LIVE and VSTs. It has become extremely expensive. I'm seriously reconsidering the direction I've taken and thinking of scaling back the modules and synths and replacing some of them with LIVE and Push, using Link to sync to an external sequencer that might do things differently and more hands-on, with Push/LIVE as the drum machine. Push has been mostly sitting unused (as has LIVE) for the past year as I try to get this more performative synth/modular setup going. But drum machine is missing. I'm looking at DIGITAKT and SP404-MKII as potential purchase, and then I thought "what about Push in 2023 instead." Thanks for getting me to reconsider the presence of Push and a computer in the setup.

[@nickthompson5437]

Great vid. I've bought and sold the push 2 or 3 times. I love it and hate it. Sometimes in the same day.

[@aseomg]

Is it me or has Midlife been under the weather for like, the last 9 videos? Someone get this man some ginger tea with lemons & honey, already!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

You’re absolutely right🤣 been dealing with lots of health issues lately, getting lots of colds etc. Seems the culprit was severe vitamin D deficiency!! Seems to be pretty common especially after the pandemic. Hopefully with some supplements and sunlight I’ll get better😅 thanks for noticing!!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Tuariq1]

I love my push and use it in every production. Anything that gets me away from a mouse

[@saber5401]

You suppose that a paintor is unispired by a brush? Tools allow to create from inspiration not the other way around..

[@pthelo]

@6:26 Ableton doesn't have much in terms of sample mangling and time stretching? My friend, I think you might be missing a few features in Live!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol, I had to rewatch that part to understand the comment😅 I didn’t say “not much” (though it sounds close) I say it’s “Top Notch”! As in it’s on of the best sample mangling experiences available🤟🏻👍🏼 I hope that clears it up😁🙌🏻

[@pthelo]

​@@MidlifeSynthesist That makes much more sense. I was really confused as Live IS top notch!! Thanks for the clarification, friend. Cheers!

[@pthelo]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Of course, going back and listening now all I can hear is top notch! I'm going to blame it on a recent tooth extraction messing with my hearing. 🤣

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

I love your push stand. What's the pitch angle degree on that thing?

[@thomasfokas]

What is that Logitech keyboard with the yellow encoder in the upper left and what is that yellow long section on top of it? Is it discontinued? I can’t find it on the logitech site.

[@richardturpin3665]

is it worth me getting a push 2 a live suite11?

[@bensanto2896]

Which stand are you using for the Push?

[@Firstinversion899]

Very useful-Thx!

[@giacomorml]

I believe you also tried Akai Force... Which I believe to be in the middle of MPC and Push2... What do you think about that?

[@onefm1]

Anyone know how to run the Push 2 and an M-Audio Oxygen midi keyboard at the same time?

[@goodlook]

You must have been reading my mind. Been thinking about selling my push 2 for a bit.

[@Sadsoft]

Yea you push it!

[@notadoctorsound]

Really GOOD!

[@jupitor919]

I’m still rocking my push 1.. and I know as soon as I get the 2. The 3 will come out, so I wait..

[@keither_1976]

Good stuff

[@samprock]

4sure! Push it mate!🙂

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🤟🏻🤩

[@singechamberlain2967]

Get well soon!

[@ckjjclan]

I think it’s Doug Johnson who does great Push2 live looping. For me, I found the combo is great in this way.

[@NothingNowhereNoOne]

Thanks for this video. I am an Ableton fan ( mostly use modular ) but hate laptops. If only there was a way to play Push with lid all the way closed. And by the way, your star quality makes me forget you are doing your “own thing”… feels more like you work for a big production company. The gravity you bring to your videos is hardly rivaled.

[@rge3d]

I love the 64 pads for writing and performance. My #1 request would be midi out so I can control my hardware without turning my computer on and launching Ableton.

[@landonh3535]

I have owned the Push 2 twice and just couldn't jive with it. Way too large of a footprint and I don't spend a ton of time in ableton anymore. That is a downfall of the push since it is not really great for controlling hardware unless ableton is involved. What I prefer by far is the Oxi One sequencer. It is small, very creative in what it can do and runs off a battery. It also can control Ableton or just be in an all hardware setup. Pretty genius little sequencer that does a lot. For sampling I still prefer the Octatrack or Blackbox.

[@fattyboombatty7736]

You can't beat the OctaTrack, for live perfs it is the dogs bollocks... Once I turn on a DAW I feel deflated. Still use Ableton, but only if I really have to.

[@colesslaws]

Oxi + one

[@ScreamieBirds]

Haven’t been able to throw myself into Push2 or Ableton, for that matter (I love Logic’s sequencer), but you’re making it seem rather intriguing and think I’ll give it a revisit.

[@WolfxxBite]

Ok but, Push 2 or Akai FORCE? I have a force and I'm thinking about switching to Push 2 + Ableton, as the sample warping is really good there. But is it worth such an expensive change?

[@avianmystic]

NIce content keep posting it :)

[@joegrant413]

Is Push comparable to using an MPC?

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

It feels oddly similar and completely different. They share lots of traits and I really like the worklfow on both. For live playing melodies and chords Push. For drumming I like the MPC a bit better. Sampling and chopping on both is awesome. Correcting midi sequencing is a mixed bag, cause if only using the controller, I like the MPC touch screen, but if you “cheat” and use the mouse, the push (ableton) is faster to edit. I think it’s one of those things you just have to try out and see which is best for you😜❤️

[@joegrant413]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Thanks! For me, staying off the laptop as much as possible is important. The Push sounds cool. I got so burnt out on Ableton in trying to push my own learning curve too hard. But someday maybe.

[@MreenalMams]

I wonder if you have Novation's Launchpad.. i wonder how much it will stack up to the Push, and whether or not it's a good alternative..

[@bradfordmay]

Nice one thanks

[@pickledego]

Is there a good equivalent to the Push but for Bitwig?

[@daguito81]

The Push

[@mrgum6y]

I have a lot of gear, and I am deep in the NI universe, but I have always had a that nagging feeling that if you could start over all you would ever need is a decent laptop and a Push 2.

[@AmitJohnMF]

Love from India 👑