ABLETON PUSH OVERVIEW
When Ableton Push Review introduced a 64-pad USB hardware controller, departing from the conventional MIDI control surface typically used for session view launching and music creation, many were skeptical about this departure from the norm. After all, traditional MIDI control surfaces had already gained substantial popularity and success. However, the Ableton Push managed to defy expectations and brought something truly remarkable to the music production industry.
It surprised us all by showcasing the incredible potential of live production software when paired with an exceptional controller like the Ableton Push Review. While there had been numerous live controllers before, none had quite delivered the level of performance that the Push brought to the table. It brought about a transformative shift in the realm of live music production.
The Ableton Push Review stands out as a unique innovation that seamlessly integrates software and hardware into a single, multifunctional controller unit, making it an essential tool for every musician. This controller has redefined the landscape of music production, showing us the heights that can be achieved when technology and creativity come together in perfect harmony.
Ableton Push Review takes a bold step by highlighting the independent functionality of the Ableton Push, asserting that it can cater to all your music control requirements autonomously. They go as far as suggesting that you can confidently close your laptop, relying solely on this instrument to craft your music. No more appearing distracted by social media while in the midst of music production!
What sets the Ableton Push Review apart is that both its software and hardware are meticulously crafted by the same manufacturer. When a company takes charge of both aspects, you often encounter a level of excellence that is truly exceptional. This is because the integration between the two components is seamlessly executed, allowing you to navigate through its myriad functions effortlessly.
But the critical question remains: is the Ableton Push Review the right choice for you, justifying its price tag of over $600? How does it stack up against other MIDI controllers available on the market? To answer these questions, let’s delve into its various features and examine how it distinguishes itself from the competition.
HARDWARE
Upon laying eyes on and interacting with the Ableton Push Review, it becomes abundantly clear that very few live music controllers can match the craftsmanship of this exceptional device. Drawing inspiration from the Akai APC40 and Novation’s Launchpad, the hardware design of this controller reflects careful consideration. Measuring 14.5 by 11.5 inches and weighing 6.6 pounds, it carries a substantial weight, especially when compared to lighter computing devices like the Launchpad. If you’re accustomed to more lightweight controllers, the Ableton Push Review may initially feel somewhat cumbersome.
The majority of the controller’s functions are conveniently accessible from its top surface, ensuring easy access to essential buttons and features. Only a handful of less frequently used connectivity options can be found at the back. At the heart of the controller lies an 8 by 8 grid of white rubber pads. Adjacent to these pads on the right and left sides are sturdier black buttons with a plastic-like feel. Positioned above the white rubber pads are nine rotary controllers, flanked by a pair of small button rows and an LCD screen. On the left side, you’ll find a touch strip nestled between the black controls and the central pads. In summary, the overall layout and finish of the controller are exceptional. Its tactile quality is inviting, evoking the sensation of navigating a tablet or smartphone.
What may not be immediately apparent about the white pads is their pressure sensitivity. The intensity with which you press them directly influences the sound they produce, opening up a realm of versatility in music production. These pads are firm and responsive, offering a tactile experience with minimal travel.
The black buttons, on the other hand, possess a more “click” button-like feel and are slightly more relaxed in operation. The rotary controllers glide smoothly, capable of endless twists without losing functionality. One of these rotaries features a notched action, simplifying the process of setting fixed values. Additionally, they are touch-sensitive at the top, enhancing their functionality. Turning our attention to the rear ports, we find a USB port, two 1/4-inch pedal jacks, a power button, and a 6 DC input with an adapter.
For those familiar with mass-produced controllers, using the Ableton Push Review Controller immediately highlights its departure from the typical live music controller. It stands as a thoughtfully designed piece of art, combining simplicity with extensive functionality. This harmonious blend positions it as a brilliant contender in a niche shared with controllers like Monome and Livid devices. It’s worth noting that the hardware production was undertaken in collaboration with Akai, a renowned manufacturer of musical instruments known for its uncompromising commitment to quality.
Ableton Push Review
- 64 pressure-sensitive pads
- Touch strip for scrolling and pitch blending
- Includes Ableton Live 10 Intro software
- Two ¼-inch pedal inputs for functions like record start, loop control, and sustain
- Minimum of 4GB RAM for both PC and Mac
- Operating System Requirements: Windows 7 or later, or OS 10.7 or later
- Dimensions: 11.96 inches x 14.88 inches x 1.65 inches
- Weight: 6.0 lbs
Cons
Like any device, the Ableton Push Review does have its trade-offs, with the most prominent one being the limited number of audio controls. The Push primarily emphasizes MIDI controls, which means tasks like recording audio on the fly and creating tracks may not be as straightforward as desired. However, it is still achievable through the User mode, although you may find it to be less intuitive.
HOW THE ABLETON PUSH WORKS
The Ableton Push Review presents users with two primary views: Session and Arrange. While it offers both perspectives, it leans more towards enhancing the Session view, unleashing the instrument’s full potential. Within the Session view, you can create musical clips and subsequently play or trigger them in an intuitive manner.
Using the Ableton Push Review is a breeze—all you need to do is connect it to your PC via a USB connection (no special drivers required) and then launch Ableton Live. Instantly, the pads will burst into vibrant colors, and the LCD screen will prompt you to create a new song. Upon selecting “yes,” the Push transforms into a drum machine mode. In this mode, the lower-left 4 by 4 pads serve as drum triggers, the ones on the right act as clip-length controllers, while the remaining pads above them become your step sequencers.
The outer black buttons offer various functions, including delete, quantize, and, most notably, the invaluable undo option. The top right black buttons add dynamism to your melodies, allowing you to shift focus between tracks, clips, devices, and more, infusing your production with liveliness. A noteworthy feature is how these useful buttons illuminate to indicate their availability, facilitating a better understanding of their functions. Conversely, any buttons that are not currently in use remain dimmed.
The Ableton Push Review can seamlessly transition from a step sequencer to a rotational input. In this mode, the pads transform into piano keys, and the beauty lies in the ability to customize the keys according to your preferences. The scale button further enhances your musical experience, enabling you to switch between minor, major, or various exotic scales. You can also configure the grid to represent selected notes or deliver all available notes chromatically, a flexible option catering to both seasoned musicians and newcomers.
Another captivating mode offered by this controller is the clip launcher, reminiscent of Novation’s Launchpad. Here, each pad corresponds to an audio clip or MIDI, triggered upon pressing. You can efficiently organize different scenes using the black buttons on the left side. For those dealing with extensive projects, this controller proves to be a valuable asset. How? By holding down the shift button, you can zoom out, with each pad representing an 8 by 8 grid of projects. In this mode, you can seamlessly navigate through various segments of each session. This feature enables you to work with a multitude of clips effortlessly—a task that once required multiple devices but has now been streamlined into a single instrument without overwhelming complexity.
THE VERDICT ON THE ABLETON PUSH
In conclusion, the Ableton Push Review remains an incredibly enjoyable device that adds a layer of excitement to your workflow. It elevates the expressiveness of playing melodies and rhythms while leaving room for experimentation and delightful surprises. This controller empowers you to effortlessly create remarkable clips and music, even when you didn’t initially plan to do so. If your aim is to transform Ableton Push Review Live into the equivalent of dedicated hardware, your search ends here. For those who wish to capture their musical ideas as quickly as they arise during the creative process, the Ableton Push Review is the ideal tool. It’s the device that will propel your creativity to previously unimaginable heights—a must-have for every musician.