Push 2 for a beginner?

[alsgrooves]

Hi there,

I am totally new to music production and Ableton and making music generally. I do a bit of DJing at home but that's about it. I've basically allocated the next few months to a learning "phase", - so doing a bunch of Udemy courses on Ableton, music theory etc. I recently got a Launchpad 49 but mostly using it at the moment to do some online piano lessons (on Skoove).

I'm thinking of getting a Push 2 - but I'm wondering if it would "help or hinder" the learning process. Obviously, I anticipate that I would need to spend some time learning the Push as well as Ableton (which I am getting the hang of now I think), - but is likely to eiter:
- impede the learning process, maybe be a distraction? ...or...
- perhaps even help with the learning process?

Any thoughts?
Al

[yur2die4]

Personal opinion, you'll do fine without it for learning.

But for having more fun and finding inspiration it is really nice. Also, it's probably really good for learning about drum sequencing.

Otherwise the main benefits are visual tactile control of synth parameters and clip launching.

Definitely continue your core learning with the piano stuff though. It will be applicable to everything. The Push 2 will always be there for when you transition. Maybe wait for a sale.

[jestermgee]

Always a hard question to answer how another person will get on with something.

If you are new to music production as a whole, i'd be suggesting to get yourself a little more familiar with the software, the devices and the workflow first and focus on doing the basics such as making some simple beats, using EQ and compressors to tune things using the basics, learning how the session/arrangement views work for you etc.

Push will certainly add value, fun and workflow enhancement to the process but initially it could make things a little daunting and even distracting plus you may even decide after some time that your just not that into production.

I spent a good 5 years using DAW software (tracker software) using only the computer keyboard (no mouse) and no external hardware at all. I feel I was lucky to grow up in the 90s when there weren't as many options and flashy hardware devices all asking for your hard earned cash. I learned more about how sound works using the basics which helped me choose the hardware I felt would be worth my time to learn.

Good luck, use Google, read forums, ask questions but most importantly take the time to experiment and play and just have a bit of fun.

[login]

it makes learning more fun. Youget tired of using the mouse only, it is not a musical device as Push is.

[Stromkraft]

Any thoughts?

As the Push mirrors and controls Live more or less completely, I can only see upsides learning both at once. They are basically one and the same.

Next week I'm going to teach Live and the original Push to a newcomer. Both at once of course.

[jestermgee]

Any thoughts?

As the Push mirrors and controls Live more or less completely, I can only see upsides learning both at once. They are basically one and the same.

Next week I'm going to teach Live and the original Push to a newcomer. Both at once of course.

This would certainly be something if the user was sure they wanted to use Live but since they are new to the whole game they may want to test out the software before committing to Live completely. Once you decide on Push you are kind of locked into Live. It is completely possible (always has been) to get into Live without the hardware and it's a mistake I see so often these days where people are sucked in by the fancy hardware but then realise after some time and many thousands of $$$ they are not cut out for it.

For more advanced users who already have the basics of how DAWs and synths work, it's a no brainer. For users who are new to it all it seems like a big commitment up front. Just my thoughts tho.

[Tarekith]

I vote for Push 2 for beginners too, I've seen quite a few people new to Live who bonded better with the hardware concepts than the software initially. Its a pricey investment, but I can only think that learning the hardware early on would get you actually playing your music instead of mousing it.

[login]

Any thoughts?

As the Push mirrors and controls Live more or less completely, I can only see upsides learning both at once. They are basically one and the same.

Next week I'm going to teach Live and the original Push to a newcomer. Both at once of course.

This would certainly be something if the user was sure they wanted to use Live but since they are new to the whole game they may want to test out the software before committing to Live completely. Once you decide on Push you are kind of locked into Live. It is completely possible (always has been) to get into Live without the hardware and it's a mistake I see so often these days where people are sucked in by the fancy hardware but then realise after some time and many thousands of $$$ they are not cut out for it.

For more advanced users who already have the basics of how DAWs and synths work, it's a no brainer. For users who are new to it all it seems like a big commitment up front. Just my thoughts tho.

While this is partially truth nowadays using Push actually can make learning software more eqsy and compelling, it engages people better in to the ITB workflow.

[alsgrooves]

Thanks, lots of thought provoking feedback there. Well, I see Ableton Suite has 25% off just announced, so an upgrade to Suite will be my first investment.

I think a purchase of Push will come very, very soon after, - but, - I am still in a "learning phase" and have a bunch of udemy courses on music theory and production etc and this I want to get through before a new toy diverts my attention perhaps indefinitely. I don't want to risk playing around with little background info and then getting frustrated, So, I am thinking I will hold off on the new Push toy until I have done with my "phase 1" and then get it as a little reward

[login]

if Ihad to start all over again I would get Push first, you wont know how much productive you are with an instrument that is actually useful for writing music over just more content.

at least that was something I struggled with a lot more, actaully writing music, learning the software was easy but without musical output to put all that new knowledge to good use ir became kind of empty.

[yur2die4]

If you're upgrading to Suite, perhaps consider a bundle.

[alsgrooves]

if Ihad to start all over again I would get Push first, you wont know how much productive you are with an instrument that is actually useful for writing music over just more content.

at least that was something I struggled with a lot more, actaully writing music, learning the software was easy but without musical output to put all that new knowledge to good use ir became kind of empty.

I think I am convinced now , - going to take the plunge and get a Suite/Push2 bundle!