The moment we’ve all been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived—the grand unveiling of Ableton Push 3! Now, before we dive into the details, let me give you the lowdown without overwhelming you, as you can find plenty of resources like Ableton’s website and video reviews if you want to explore further.

Exploring the new Basic Features of Push 3:

So, what’s new on Push 3? Well, let’s start with those 64 buttons. They’ve undergone a transformation, appearing sleeker yet bursting with more expressive potential. It’s like they’re beckoning you, saying, “Hey, let’s create something extraordinary!”

Ableton has also added a sizable knob to Push 3 for seamless parameter scrolling. No more endless clicking and searching. Just one twist, and you’re off.

Push 3  also now comes equipped with its very own built-in soundcard as well as an ADAT out.  [Who still uses ADAT?]

The real game-changer, in the upgraded version, is the inclusion of Ableton directly within the controller itself. Yup, you read that right—no need for a computer. You can let your creativity flow wherever inspiration strikes. It also packs a 2.5 hours of battery life.

Now the moment of truth, let’s talk about the price. Brace yourselves because the Standard version will set you back $999, and for the upgraded Standalone edition, you’ll need to dig deeper into your pockets at $1999.

Now, let me be clear—I haven’t had the chance to get my hands on Push 3 just yet. So, take my opinion with a pinch of salt—or maybe a dash, depending on your taste.

So, is it worth the hype? 

If you’re willing to invest and consider yourself a seasoned professional who’s consistently churning out killer tracks, Push 3 can undoubtedly become your ultimate music-making companion. With its plethora of features, it has the potential to revolutionize your studio experience and unleash your creative prowess.

However, let’s address the elephant in the room—if you’re currently struggling to complete songs with your existing setup, Push 3 might not be the magical solution you’re seeking. In fact, it could become another shiny distraction, diverting your attention from actually making music. Trust me, I’ve fallen into that trap before.

Ableton tends to spoil us with an abundance of fancy features that, let’s face it, most of us never fully utilize in our music productions. We get excited about the possibilities, but oftentimes these tools end up gathering digital dust, lost in the vast expanse of unused plugins. How many untouched plugins do you have lurking in your collection? The last thing you need is another captivating piece of gear that merely becomes a stylish addition to your setup, rather than a practical tool.

Now, let me confess— I love my Push 2. It’s a versatile powerhouse that streamlines my workflow in several ways. But, truth be told, I only tap into around 15% of its features. That’s just what works for me. Music-making is a personal journey, and everyone has their own unique approach.

Some artists thrive in an all-hardware and controllers setup, immersing themselves in the tactile experience. Others, like the legendary Deadmau5, find his creative flow with a trusty QWERTY keyboard and a mouse, bypassing controllers altogether. The beauty of music production lies in its versatility and the freedom to find what resonates with you.

Now, let’s circle back to Push 3. Undoubtedly, it may be the most impressive controller ever crafted for Ableton. Its sleek design and advanced features are undeniably enticing. I can envision many music enthusiasts rushing to get their hands on this dazzling piece of gear, fueled by the desire for bragging rights and the sheer coolness factor. Trust me, the thing looks absolutely phenomenal!

However, let’s take a step back and consider the reality. How useful will Push 3 truly be for YOUR music? Amidst the sea of potential buyers, I predict that only a handful will fully explore and harness the enhanced capabilities offered by Push 3. And here’s the kicker—many of these advanced features are already available in the more affordable Push 2.

In the end, it all boils down to self-awareness. Understanding your own music production workflow, preferences, and needs is paramount. Don’t let the allure of shiny new gear blind you to the fact that the key to finishing songs lies not in the equipment you possess, but in your dedication, creativity, and the time you invest in honing your craft.

So, my fellow music makers, before you take the plunge and splurge on Ableton Push 3, pause for a moment of reflection. Consider whether this controller aligns with your musical goals, whether it will genuinely enhance your creative process, or if it’s just another mesmerizing gadget that will gather dust in the corner of your studio.

Remember, the pursuit of musical excellence lies not in the tools we acquire, but in the melodies we craft, the emotions we evoke, and the sheer joy of creating something that resonates with our souls.

With that said, if you are benefiting from these posts, you will absolutely love my 2 bestselling books:

The Mental Game of Music Production
The Process for Electronic Music Producers

You can also Check out the: Ableton Courses & Instruments

If you are looking for personal guidance with your music production or Ableton, you can set up a free chat with me to go over exactly what your best next steps are to create the best music of your life. If it seems like a good fit, we can move forward from there.  https://musicsoftwaretraining.com/private-coaching

Happy music making!
Jason