👇🏻 Ableton Push 1 + 2 Review 🎧

Having recently upgraded from Push 1 to Push 2, I thought I would make a timely review of Abletons game-changing controller.

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If you're involved in recording music, you've probably heard of Abletons Push controller. It's a combination of a DAW controller and instrument, and the main idea is that you should have to reach for your mouse much less often when recording music.

Those of you who have never seen a Push controller in action might get a better idea of it's potential from this Mad Zach video:

For everyone else though, I want to outline my experience with Ableton Push, and help you decide whether you should but it or not. Indeed, some people have switched software over to Live especially so they can use Push, so that's saying a lot for starters.

So what is Push, and more importantly, what is it not?

Push is a controller for Ableton Live software. It does not feature any DSP or sound hardware, but simply connects to your computer via USB, and once Live detects it, Push can then be used to control the most common paramenters in Lives interface, as well as being used as an instrument.

Grid Controller

Although the idea is to use the mouse less for common functions, this feature is where Push shines. The grid paradigm allows you to play instruments in unusual ways. Combining this with the various scale modes, Push enables you to jam out without hitting any bum notes. You can for example, choose C Minor, or even more complex scales such as Dorian, Mixolydian, Blues, etc, etc.

If you listen to one of my recent tracks, "Kinky" at 1:27 the organ part is all performed with Ableton Push. I'm not much of a keyboard player, but because Push allowed me to set the scale and jam out, I was able to get a reasonably convincing performance.

https://soundcloud.com/zexual/kinky-529

Push 1 v 2

Although not in production anymore, there are plenty of original Push controllers for sale on eBay for around the 250 dollar mark. Push 2 comes with a color screen and some advanced sampling control features, while the original Push still retains copious utility. Ableton are still supporting Push 1, including in software updates.

Push 2 is also slightly bigger as you can see above. The pad sensitivity has also been improved, though Push 1 is still very playable.

Is it still worth buying Push 1?

At current prices, I think Push 1 is the better value of the 2, though if you can afford it, Push 2 is the superior controller. As you can see below, Ableton still support the original push with new software features.

If you're still torn between the two, Youtuber Andri Søren gives an in-depth comparison of Push 1 vs Push 2 here:

Recommended, if not essential.

While you can make great music using Ableton Live without Push, you would be missing out on the opportunity to get the most enjoyment and efficient workflow from Live. This is an awesome product, worth every penny. It's fantastic fun, saves you a lot of mousing around, and most importantly, inspires you to play in a new creative way.