Ableton
Push 3 €949/€1899
Ableton’s new Push is a game-changer for music production but does it really mean the end of computer music making as we know it?
> Ableton’s new Push is the version of the beloved controller that Ableton Live and existing Push users have been dreaming of. And that’s because it’s not just a controller anymore – it’s a full-on composing tool for music production and performance. It’s one that you can use standalone, because it can run your Live projects completely independently of your computer as it has a version of Ableton Live built in. Yes, you read that right. It comes with Ableton Live built in. No need for your computer anymore, right? It also comes with many other new enhancements and upgrades, but before we dive into the detail, let’s address the elephant in the room.
It’s not (really) Push 3
It is the third Push but, Ableton says, it’s officially just called ‘Push’. That’s probably because this Push is such a leap in concept over Push 2 that
Ableton would rather you see it as the all-new and only Push. Which is fine, and it’s obviously their call, although we suspect that Ableton forums across the world are right now talking about ‘Push 3’. Indeed Live itself calls the unit ‘Push 3’ in its devices menu, so forgive us if we stick to the number for the time being.
Now let’s explain the new unit’s two configurations, probably the most important thing you need to know and understand about the all-new Push right now. It’s available in two different configurations: as a standalone (€1899) unit with an on-board processor that negates the need of using a computer (but can connect if you wish) because the unit has a version of Ableton Live built in; or you can get exactly the same unit, sans processor and Live (€949) which requires an additional computer to partner with Live. You can update the latter unit to a full standalone unit at any time using Ableton’s Upgrade Kit (price TBA); and indeed the standalone unit’s processor can be upgraded as new processing power becomes available, guaranteeing a certain level of future proofing.