Ableton user looking for a new controller: Push or Maschine?
I own Ableton Live 9 Suite and I love it. if you already owned a full version of the software which controller would you buy?
I understand that this question has been asked to death across the web, but it’s primarily asked by those who are first looking to get into production, and don’t own a DAW.
I’m on the fence, and know that I’d be happy with either, but am always looking to take the opinion of others into account!
Thanks guys!
EDIT: also, is it possible to use the samples supplied with Ableton within the Maschine?
Maschine is pretty awesome and the way it integrates in live is indispensable in my opinion. Push looks cool but it’s too expensive and as a controller too much still can only be down with the mouse and keyboard. I’d recommend an mpc1000 as an ableton controller before I’d recommend push
My vote is Push, completely changes the way I use Live and nothing will integrate as cleanly with Live as something created specifically for it.
Using the samples from Live Packs in other apps will be hit or miss. Some of them are stored all in one large file, not all are separated out into individual samples. Doable, but it might take more time to sort out than it’s worth.
Controllerwise, there’s nothing Maschine can do that Push can’t.
Let’s look at different things:
Beats programming: As long as you don’t need the big pads for excessive finger drumming, Push is at least as good, maybe better than Maschine, since it offers the step-sequencer side by side with the drum pads, which gives you easier access compared to Maschine, where you have to switch between both modes.
Playing melodies and chords: clear point for Push, there’s nothing Maschine has to offer to compete with the isomorphic keyboard. It’s not just the layout, but when it comes to playing chords and melodies, 64 pads (-> 5.3 octaves) is just better than 16 pads (1.3 octaves).
Controlling Live: If you’re working largely with Live’s own devices, Push is your tool of choice, since it’s so well integrated with Live. Same goes for controlling everything else in live.
Sampling: This may be my subjective view, but I think when it comes to sampling and chopping up samples Maschine is still the better option.
Additional content: where Push doesn’t add anything to your library, Maschine comes with a huge bag of samples, especially drums, in excellent quality, and some other great tools inkl. Massive, Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Solid Bus Compressor and, last but not least, a drum synth.
All in all I’d say the points for 1 to 3 go to Push, whereas Maschine wins in the last two categories. It’s a slight advantage for Push, but not that big that I would say that Push is clearly superior to Maschine for everybody.
I think it’s looking in favour of Maschine - I’m a techno(ish) producer, and love working with percussion opposed to melodies and multiple octave-spanning basslines - therefore the 16 pads would be more than enough.
Plus, with Maschine I get the full Maschine software, and Massive, and now, another bit of NI software (I believe?), very nice bundle.
And push is just an extension of Live I guess, so if I were to buy a rotary controller, I don’t see a whole much of an advantage with push, where I could just import Maschine’s loops and individual tracks..
I’m very excited to get something just not too sure which one it will be as of yet.
I’m thinking Maschine for the drum programming and a BCR2000 to record automation and give those loops some movement in Ableton - the days of recording automation parameters using a mouse are very limited, thank god!
I bought maschine the other year, and I have to say it is a fantastic bit of kit.
I produce deep house / house and I have to say working on drums with maschine is amazing, but then again working with instruments is just as fulfilling. And it intergrates amazingly well with ableton, it changed my work flow for the better and made it a lot quicker to get ideas down.
I also run an APC 20 in ableton and use an NI X1 for automation control etc
The bundled software with maschine now also is a great bonus. but i have to say I would like to try out Push to see if it could bring something new, but tbh I like my workflow at the moment and don’t think I’m missing out on anything by not having Push.
Depends on the track Im working on but yeah I do just jam away and record into the arrangement view, then just go into arrangement and adjust if needs be.
If you need more controls for Live, you might check out QuNeo, which will give you tons of control for a lower cost and in a smaller package - we’ve got great MIDI remote scripts for Ableton, including a Launchpad emulator and a more original solution. The BCR and BCF are great but require a power outlet, and aren’t nearly as rugged.
almost definitely settled for the Maschine, unless someone can change my opinion!
To go slightly off topic, I am also looking for a rotary controller to record in automation, I was looking at the BCR2000, but are there any others that are worth looking at?
No offense, but what - besides that fact that the QuNeo is your own product - makes you think that it’s a good option for someone who’s trying to chose between Push or Maschine?
Yeah, I really wish I’d bought the uc33e years ago looks like a great bit of kit, saw one for 20 quid the other week on gumtree, msg’d the seller but the guy didnt have time to post it apparently.
Also the new novation launch control looks alright, if extremely plasticky.
Livid instruments Alias 8 looks pretty interesting, looks like it is built pretty tough with a nice amount of faders rotories and buttons, if a bit pricier.
.. although for total control you can spend 250k on a big ass mixer haha