I just got the same KeyLab you have! I'm really glad to see that you can control Session View clips via the pads but I'm wondering how do you get to that display on the KeyLab? I'd love to start launching clips for my performances but can't find anywhere on the internet that says how.
You should be able to see your clips as yellow and green pads anytime that the KeyLab is in DAW mode. Green means that clip is playing, yellow is not playing, and no color means the slot is empty.
@@peabodyscientific2082 Well damn it just ain't working for me which sucks as I am a big Session View user. It's always grey so I'm just midi mapping manually which is annoying.
This is not a review, even less a deep dive review, but simply your thoughts while you don't own the device... While interesting to watch, you're missing a bunch of features that make the Push 3 utterly amazing and your views are limited to your experience and specific needs. It's perfectly ok, but please don't call that a review, it's misleading. Push 3 does things no other machine has ever made. It's expensive, granted, even more for the standalone version, but which other "grovebox" gives you 8 more ins and 8 more outs through ADAT ? Which other DAW controller gives a hardware upgrade kit to go standalone ? That's a first in the music world ! I do own it of course, but it's my first time ever using a DAW (since the Amiga/Atari ST days) as I come from the hardware world. I sold my entire eurorack (more than 1500HPs) and my Elektron groveboxes/synths/samplers to get it and I don't regret it one bit. But also I can't make any statements as to wether it's interesiting for you or not, for your first Live controller or as an upgrade from P1 & P2, as it depends so much on one's specific needs. I know that I wouldn't be satisfied with a Push 2 or a Maschine, as the P3(S) have loads of big features that weren't implemented before.
Thank you for your comment. You don't need the product to review its sales pitch. The video is a deep dive analyzing the value proposition of the Push 3 compared to the Push 2 and other similar midi controllers, and I say that right at the beginning of the video and in the description. I essentially concede that the Push 3 is probably an amazing device to use, just based on the fact that it does everything the Push 2 does. I'm just more skeptical (as a Push 2 owner) of the value proposition overall of the standalone, not just vs other standalones but of other setups.
Thank you for your review. Definitely saved me from getting stand alone push 3. Saying that , I literally have to wheel around a suitcase with my push2, laptop, novation launch control, soundcard, headphones and all the wires. Had hope it would ve lessened the load
Honest review, thanks mate. After endless hours watching reviews of midi controllers I pulled the trigger on this one. Mainly because of the build quality. It's nice overall and the keybed not the worst but I don't think it's good as Arturia advertises it. The keys are uneven throughout the whole keybed. I'm amazed no one touches that point on the reviews. At least the ones I watched so far.
Push 3 lost me when I couldn’t bring my whole sample library to the system. Push 3 only allows the 256 ssd that’s native. Once I added my ableton live and library, that native ssd was cooked. I have at least a gig of sounds. Also, It’s not that easy to upgrade the hardware like advertised. 2 bad signs in my book. But it was cool to play on, but it’s underpowered for the price. AND it shuts down and most times restarts if you push it to hard
Yet, what are the alternatives that match the build quality of this keyboard? I narrowed my search down to this one and the Novation 61SL MKIII. The new Komplete Kontrol mk3 was also an option, but it only interacts well with the native instruments ecosystem - it’s biggest strength is also its biggest weakeness, and I need something more versatile that as deep DAW integration and as well as DAWless control for other gear. And I am leaning towards the Arturia keylab over the Novation SL Mk3, because it’s cheaper, it’s made of metal instead of plastic, and it offers a pack of good quality VST instruments that can be easily controled by from the keyboard. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
I use Kontakt 7 and Komplete Kontrol software instruments. I'd get an NI S88 but it doesnt fit in the keyboard tray of my desk. So I've been looking at Arturia. Will this midi controller work to trigger Kontakt and Komplete libraries or is it only useable with its Analog Lab software?
The Keylab won't automatically control Komplete Kontrol out of the box. You can create templates and map the keylab's controls to any plug-in you want, and it works pretty well. But it won't be totally seamless like a NI keyboard would be. You won't be able to browse and select presets using the keylab. Ironically, Arturia's virtual instruments are fully supported in Komplete Kontrol/Kontact.
Seems a bit inane to complain about it being hard to recommend to non-Ableton users, like obviously. Everything isn't for everyone, and anyone who should get a Push doesn't need to be recommended it because it's obviously the right controller for them. I bought the original Push and didn't bother upgrading to Push 2 as it didn't offer me enough extra. Push 3 is intriguing to me because I've been looking for a mobile device to sequence ideas I've made on my Polyend Tracker.
Appreciate the comment. There were lots of people who didn't use Live that were interested in the Push 2 because it seemed like a cool device to use and because Live is well like by the people that use it. That's at least part of the strategy behind the Push for Ableton: create another way to introduce Live to people that might not be using it but would like a device like the Push. It's just taking a big chance for the buyer, though.
@@peabodyscientific2082 well I'm not really commenting as such on Ableton's strategy. More from a user perspective, if I was a non-Ableton user I honestly wouldn't care about Push at all given there are so many other options. I think Push is only special for people already locked in Ableton workflow/headspace. Obviously I get making a video for youtube you're speaking to more folks outside that group.
Just a nickel's worth of free advice for future videos you make... you should turn up the music just a little more. It doesn't *quite* drown out your voice completely.
I have an M Audio Axiom 61 (1st gen), I'm thinking of buying a new one, but I see that the keys on the keyboards haven't gotten any better. My keyboard is almost 18 years old, it's not very integrated with Logic, but the keys are good. What do you recommend for working with Logic, external synths and with good keys? Thanks and take care.
I agree with your closing statement. The Push 3 does exactly what the Push 2 does with the exception of MPE pads, but it doesnt seem like that much of an upgrade as the Push 2 was to the Push. I can wait for MPE, especially since i just bought a Push 2 last Summer.
The keys aren't bad, they're normal synth-action keys. I guess I was just hoping for either full-size or semi-weighted. A lot of people will be fine with the Keylab's keys, it was just a bit of a disappointment from what I was hoping for.
They are semi weighted keys. It says it on the box and you can see the metal weights if you look underneath them. Still nice to hear constructive feedback. Good video👍@@peabodyscientific2082
Honestly after owning the Arturia key lab 49 mk2. I share all of the same disappointments. The fact it doesn't have device control is just mind boggling. Such a missed opportunity for Arturia. I bought it thinking it would do this by default. Good thing for Arturia I bought mine used for half the price because if I had payed full price I would have sent it back on day one. To have a controller with pads and knobs and faders and not be able to make any use of them is infuriating. Using ableton I could care less about mixing or clip launching. I wanted to be able to control my various plug ins easily and have a do all wonder synth, with drum pads like my mpc live 2. All in 1 device. It's such a let down by Arturia. I'll be moving to a Native Instruments keyboard soon. They understand what knobs and faders are going to be used for in a midi controller. Arturia puts out the v collection and then gives you a controller that can't even use it. Unless you go menu diving and create your own user scripts that have to be loaded every time you switch tracks. It's idiotic in the year 2023. My recommendation is to buy something that does device control and stay away from the key lab series.
@@divya.k.m Honestly I don't know. There aren't many midi controllers with the features of the key lab. 16 pads, 9 knobs and faders. Daw control. It just needs that little bit more control over vst's native and it would be the only controller worth buying. I guess native instruments is similar but I haven't tried that yet. It's not easy to find a midi controller to do it all.
How many pins are in the Expression Pedal hole? Nearly all expression pedals have 3 pins (power +, power - and signal) but Arturia told me this keyboard had only 2 pins... Ughhhh...
@peabodyscientific2082 Great video! I am also an ableton user and had a quick question for you: Would you say the new Essential Mk3 addresses/solves the issues of the "full" mk2 ? Would greatly appreciate you elaboration on this. And also if it makes sense to go for the essential mk3 as an over better value over waiting for the full mk3? Also does the essential mk3 have device control that is lacking in mk2? Thanks in advance
Thank you for watching! Sorry the response is so late. I haven't seen any evidence that the Essentials now have more device control. On the question of waiting for the Keylab mk3, I think the Essentials will always have a strong value given their lower price. That's kind of the idea with the Essential. I think the main difference is the full Keylabs are more capable with hardware synths (if im not mistaken) and so if you mainly use virtual instruments there may not be much difference. That's said, we don't know what Arturia will bring with the mk3, and the full Keylabs do feel great to use and play with the slightly more premium materials.
Late to the party. I was so stoked for the push 3 and was finally going to get into the ableton hardware from madchine and deluge and all the problems i keep hearing about is ridiculous now its on sale for $300 cheaper. Also intel was going to discontinue the cpu which i still cant figure out how they went with an i3 and not at least an i5 was shocking to me. I have held on strong waiting and going to wait until they make serious improvements to this device as well as price. Very irritated ableton threw out a product that wasnt even finished. The cpu has me very worried for future. They assure the cpus will still continue to get produced but what if they get discontinued indefinitely? Then your push is going to be worthless and good by support. Ableton get your shit together.
You don't need the product to review its sales pitch. The video is a deep dive analyzing the value proposition of the Push 3 compared to the Push 2 and other similar midi controllers, not a product demo, and I say that right at the beginning of the video and in the description. I have many links to product demo reviews in the description also if that is what you were looking for. I hope this video was helpful though, if you watched it.
@@peabodyscientific2082 I disagree. You need the product to do a product review, and your video is clearly labeled as a review. Your so-called deep dive lacks credibility without any hands-on experience with the product itself. If you called this video "My opinion of the Push 3 based on what others have said, the marketing literature, and my experience with the Push 2" then I would have much, much less of a problem with it. Truth in advertising helps, and applies just as much to you as it does to Ableton. We're done.
@@CrazyAboutVinylRecords I reviewed the value proposition, not the device. I explained that at the beginning of video, so hard to say it was misleading. 🤷🏽♂️ Cheers.
The missing MPE capability was what bothered me most with the Push 2. Hence I switched to the Push 3 recently. And I’m glad I went for the Standalone instead of the Controller. It opened up possibilities that I didn’t think of when buying it. E.g. I love using it as a multi-track recorder for a few hardware synths and a small Eurorack case without needing to start up the computer as usual, and being able to simply drag those files via WiFi from the Push into Ableton Live onto the computer later on as needed. It also works brilliant as a sampler and looper, again without the need to start up the computer. Regarding the “on the go” scenario I wouldn’t use it on the bus or train anyway; but I already used it in another room, at my friends home or in my favorite café while on battery … and I really enjoyed it.
Very helpful video. My dreams of an Ableton style clip/scene workflow in a single device that I can take out of the studio into the living room (my 2nd favorite place to make music) seemed have been met by the Push 3, but I'm starting to be skeptical about the prospects of standalone devices. Thanks for your perspective!
In terms of the standalone version I can’t really comment too much on that as I don’t own it. But on face value I would say the Intel platform is not a great choice, you do not get the full Live experience in this box and the 2hr battery life is a joke. However, in terms of the controller version I think you should get your hands on one and spend some time with it beforehand. Then you will understand this particular version of Push 3 is not a step backwards but a leap forwards. I owned a Push 2 & regretfully sold it many years ago. I now own the Push 3 controller. Initially I was (& still am) a little disappointed with the screen as I feel they could have improved this. Regardless, as I spend more time with this machine I realise how incredible it is. The build quality is Supremely Excellent & the improvements they made over Push 2 really do help to speed up your workflow. It’s early days but so far I’m very impressed with this little device. I strongly suggest you get a Push 3 controller if you can and ignore the standalone.
Hi, dug the video and definitely respect the perspective. I went to Ableton's push popup in LA last weekend and traded in my Push 2 for credit towards an already reasonably discounted standalone. The demo units they had on display for guests to trial were freezing/ bugging out on me left right and centre, and running discomfortingly hot. I, being an optimistic drinker of the Push punch, bought one anyways. Realizing that the default sample rate was 96k, I went into the settings and turned the sample rate down to 48k, and fiddled with buffer size til Push and I were both happy, and a week into it i have yet to get it to chug out like i saw at the event, it's humming along very nicely. The MPE is great, big fan, but one feature that deserves its flowers is the fact that you can now launch scenes in session mode from the screen while you're in note mode on the pads. I was about to add an APC to my setup (prob still will eventually) but the main reason i wanted it was so i didn't have to jump back and forth from note to session and back to note while writing/performing. Maybe not super important to everybody but super valuable to me. I have been bringing it with me to work to cook while on standby (lots of standing by in corporate AV) and the fact that i don't have to get further mired in laptops, interfaces, and cables at a job site is immensely appealing. The clients just see blinking lights and headphones and don't suspect a thing, they just think "ooh high tech sound guy, he probably knows what he's doing". The few folks who do recognize what it is tend to ask if they can touch it. Considering the price point of the tethered version, yes 999 is a big scary number but when you consider the hyperinflation situation going on right now, the actual value of that price tag is likely not far off the mark from Push 2. The latency is dramatically improved vs. Push 2 as well. Not even noticeable. I definitely lucked out on that Push popup, if they hadn't done it, i would also be holding off on the purchase for quite some time, but i bought my Push 2 in 2018 used for $400, Ableton had a $600 trade in offer for all Push 2's that were in working condition, so all in, i walked out with my standalone for about 1550 USD. Considering taxes, i probably ended up saving close to 1000 bucks on it. I believe that i was highly unlikely to get a better deal on the upgrade anytime in the next 5-10 years. And do not underestimate the power of firmware updates. They retroactively added MPE Pressure to Push 2 with a software update a long ways into the product's life cycle. Line 6 updated Helix software a few months ago and all of a sudden you have full physical modeling, right down to mic capsule, angle, placement, and distance. The software aspect goes a long way. And while the PC hardware in Push 3 is nothing to write home about, remember it's running a more streamlined load than a typical PC/Mac. With Linux you can kind of build out your OS to be whatever you need it to be, and skip whatever you don't need. That being said i do think it's total BS that this thing wasn't shipped on release date with the ability to run external plugins. Sales are probably gonna go up a decent amount when they roll out that update. tl;dr it's good, glad i upgraded, but i wouldn't have (yet) without a massive discount. Standalone is useful to me.
The appeal of the standalone is for me, as someone who spent a lot of time gigging, one less thing to carry. That's one of the things I like about the Push in general - it does a lot. I can replace my regular keyboard. It's also a fun idea that I could just take the thing into another room in my house and play it the way I do a guitar. MPE was the main thing that really interested me, kind of for the same reason. I use an EWI for a lot of expressive synth stuff, and the push 3 could potentially replace that. It's the full realization of the push as an INSTRUMENT, not just a "controller." That being said, when I'm not trying to do something live and I want a synth, I usually end up going with my standard keyboard and my EWI because those are just more familiar experiences, there is less to think about when it comes to playing something.
I really hope on the next Arturia that they move the drum pads to the right side or closer to the middle of the board and improve the feel of the wheel. I would also like a lights option for the keys that can be turned on and off because sometimes I produce in darker lighting.
This was so helpful. I was looking to get the standalone Push 3 to use as a looper and play projects I would make in Ableton while playing live. I’ll just save the money and use my looper pedal instead.
I started with Live 9 and always wanted a Push, but never had the 'extra money' for it as a hobby... then Push 2 appeared and my tongue drooled more - but still too little pocketmoney. But now there was an opportunity to get Push 3 as Controller (as 'I said as a hobby!) - testing it right now. Am I wrong? What do you think? (at least my kids love ist :-D)
I think you'll love it as much as your kids do. 😊 There's a case for getting the Push 2 vs. the non-standalone Push 3, but ultimately if you're fine with the price, I'm sure you won't regret getting the Push 3.
Push 3 is for me the best Groovebox on the market. By other Grooveboxes you are limited with effects on main output and other ways for use effects etc Push 3 you have endless ways to use Thats for me the strongest machine on the market.
Hey this is a great video, and honestly so much more than a "push 3" review. I'm 29 yo and making music since 10 or so years. And frankly I never thought of midi controllers and stand alone devices as of something "coming back". Interesting perspective there for younger generations of music makers I think, well at least to me. Cheers!
No official word yet, but all indications are that it's on the way. The new Essential version has many features the current "full" version Keylabs have, which suggests they are going to upgrade them soon. There was also a recent Sweetwater video where an Arturia rep almost let it slip that the MK3 was on the way. So a very tricky time to buy.
@@peabodyscientific2082 Alright, thanks. These really are the only option for a compact master keyboard/control surface. Really the only other two master keyboards in general that seem worth using are the Doepfer and Studiologic stuff but they aren't a control surface.
@@zap7759 Depending on which DAW you use, there are some other options. For Ableton, Novation's Launckey (esp. the SL) are great at controlling the software and they have a series designed for FL Studio now too. Native Instruments Kontrol keyboards are also an option, though not quite as much DAW control.
@@peabodyscientific2082 Basic transport and faders/pan/mute is all I need honestly. It's more about the metal body and the fatar (?) action while being able to standalone with a 19" rack. Not a fan of desktop gear so a basic control surface being built in is great but I'm definitely not all ITB.
