When it comes to music production, the choice of gear and software can make all the difference in creating high-quality sounds and taking your creativity to the next level. Two of the most popular and powerful tools in the music production world are the Push controller from Ableton and the Maschine from Native Instruments. Both of these instruments have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and in this article, we’ll dive deep into a comparison of the two to help you decide which one is right for you.
History and Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of features and benefits, let’s take a brief look at the history and overview of both Push and Maschine.
The Push controller was first released in 2013 by Ableton, the makers of the popular digital audio workstation (DAW) Live. Push was designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live, providing a hands-on, tactile way to control and manipulate sounds, beats, and melodies. Since its release, Push has undergone several significant updates, including the release of Push 2 in 2015, which introduced a slew of new features and improvements.
Maschine, on the other hand, was first released in 2009 by Native Instruments, a renowned manufacturer of music production gear and software. Maschine was designed as a standalone groove production system, allowing users to create and perform beats, melodies, and harmonies using a combination of sampling, MIDI sequencing, and effects processing. Over the years, Maschine has undergone several updates, including the release of Maschine Studio, Maschine Mikro, and Maschine Jam, each catering to different needs and workflows.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both Push and Maschine are built to last, with durable construction and premium materials. However, there are some notable differences between the two.
The Push controller features a compact, rectangular design with a sturdy metal chassis and a high-resolution touchscreen display. The controller is divided into several key sections, including a 64-pad grid, a navigation section, and a control section. The pads are velocity-sensitive, allowing for expressive playing and dynamic control over sounds.
Maschine, on the other hand, features a more ergonomic design, with a sloping, wedge-shaped body that fits comfortably on a desk or table. The controller is also divided into several key sections, including a 16-pad grid, a navigation section, and a control section. The pads on Maschine are also velocity-sensitive, but they are arranged in a 4×4 grid, making it easier to play and manipulate sounds.
One key difference between the two controllers is the build quality of the pads. Push’s pads are made of a softer, more rubberized material, which provides a tactile, responsive feel. Maschine’s pads, on the other hand, are made of a harder, more plastic-like material, which some users may find less responsive.
Integration and Compatibility
When it comes to integration and compatibility, both Push and Maschine are designed to work seamlessly with their respective DAWs. However, there are some key differences in terms of compatibility and integration.
Push is designed specifically for use with Ableton Live, and it integrates seamlessly with the software. The controller provides direct access to many of Live’s key features, including the arrangement view, session view, and effects and processing chain. Push also provides a significant amount of control over Live’s instruments and effects, making it easy to manipulate and shape sounds in real-time.
Maschine, on the other hand, is designed as a standalone groove production system, and it can work with a variety of DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. Maschine provides a significant amount of control over its own internal sounds and effects, as well as external instruments and plugins. However, the level of integration and compatibility with other DAWs can vary, depending on the specific software and workflow.
Sequencing and Arrangement
When it comes to sequencing and arrangement, both Push and Maschine provide powerful tools and features for creating and arranging beats, melodies, and harmonies. However, there are some key differences in terms of workflow and functionality.
Push provides a unique, clip-based workflow, which allows users to create and arrange patterns and scenes in a non-linear fashion. This approach is ideal for creating complex, layered sounds and textures, and for experimenting with different arrangement ideas. Push also provides a powerful “warp” function, which allows users to adjust the timing and pitch of clips in real-time.
Maschine, on the other hand, provides a more traditional, linear workflow, which is ideal for creating and arranging beats, melodies, and harmonies in a more traditional, song-based structure. Maschine’s workflow is centered around the concept of “scenes,” which are essentially individual patterns or sections of a song. Users can create and arrange scenes using the 16-pad grid, and then sequence them together to create a complete song.
Effects and Processing
When it comes to effects and processing, both Push and Maschine provide a wide range of options and features for shaping and manipulating sounds. However, there are some key differences in terms of the types of effects and processing available.
Push provides a vast array of effects and processing options, including reverb, delay, distortion, and EQ. These effects can be applied to individual tracks or clips, or to the master output. Push also provides a powerful “max for live” feature, which allows users to create complex, custom effects chains using Max/MSP.
Maschine, on the other hand, provides a more limited range of effects and processing options, including reverb, delay, and filter. However, Maschine’s effects are highly customizable, and users can create complex, layered effects chains using the controller’s internal effects processor. Maschine also provides a powerful “fx routing” feature, which allows users to route effects to individual sounds or groups of sounds.
Price and Value
When it comes to price and value, both Push and Maschine are premium products that offer a high level of quality and functionality. However, there are some key differences in terms of price point and overall value.
The Push 2 controller typically retails for around $999, making it a significant investment for any music producer or DJ. However, Push is a highly versatile and powerful tool that can be used in a variety of different ways, making it a worthwhile investment for many users.
Maschine, on the other hand, is available in several different configurations, including the Maschine Mikro ($499), Maschine Jam ($699), and Maschine Studio ($1,299). While Maschine is generally more affordable than Push, it is also a more specialized tool that is designed specifically for groove production and sampling.
Conclusion
So, is Push better than Maschine? Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your specific needs and workflow as a music producer or DJ. Both Push and Maschine are powerful, versatile tools that offer a high level of quality and functionality.
If you’re an Ableton user looking for a highly expressive, tactile way to control and manipulate sounds, Push may be the better choice. If you’re looking for a more traditional, groove-based workflow, with a focus on sampling and effects processing, Maschine may be the better choice.
Regardless of which tool you choose, one thing is clear: both Push and Maschine are industry-leading products that can help take your music production skills to the next level.
| Feature | Push | Maschine |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | Compact, metal chassis with high-resolution touchscreen display | Ergonomic, wedge-shaped design with 16-pad grid |
| Integration and Compatibility | Designed specifically for use with Ableton Live | Works with multiple DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro |
| Sequencing and Arrangement | Clip-based workflow with non-linear arrangement capabilities | Linear workflow with scene-based arrangement capabilities |
| Effects and Processing | Vast array of effects and processing options, including reverb, delay, distortion, and EQ | More limited range of effects and processing options, including reverb, delay, and filter |
| Price and Value | $999 | $499 (Maschine Mikro), $699 (Maschine Jam), $1,299 (Maschine Studio) |
Note: The prices mentioned in the table are subject to change and may vary depending on the region and retailer.
What is Push and Maschine?
Push and Maschine are two popular digital audio workstation (DAW) controllers designed for music production. Push is made by Ableton, a well-known company in the music production industry, while Maschine is made by Native Instruments. Both controllers aim to provide a hands-on approach to music production, allowing users to focus on creating music rather than navigating complex software interfaces.
Both Push and Maschine offer a range of features, including drum pads, knobs, and screens, that enable users to control various aspects of their music production process. They are designed to work seamlessly with their respective DAWs, Ableton Live and Maschine Software, to provide a comprehensive music production experience.
What are the key differences between Push and Maschine?
The key differences between Push and Maschine lie in their design, functionality, and integration with their respective DAWs. Push is designed to be a more intuitive and flexible controller, with a focus on live performance and improvisation. It features a grid of 64 pads that can be used to trigger sounds, effects, and other parameters, as well as a touch-sensitive display that provides real-time feedback.
Maschine, on the other hand, is designed more as a production-centric controller, with a focus on beat-making and sampling. It features a 4×4 grid of pads, as well as a larger screen that provides more detailed information about the user’s project. Maschine also has a more comprehensive sampling engine and a larger library of built-in sounds and effects.
Is Push better suited for live performance?
Yes, Push is generally better suited for live performance due to its design and feature set. The controller’s grid of 64 pads provides a high degree of flexibility and expressiveness, allowing users to trigger sounds, effects, and other parameters in real-time. The touch-sensitive display also provides a high degree of tactile feedback, making it easier for users to focus on their performance.
Additionally, Push’s integration with Ableton Live makes it an ideal choice for live performances. The controller’s layout is based on the Ableton Live workflow, making it easy for users to access and control the software’s features and parameters during a performance.
Is Maschine better suited for hip-hop and beat-making?
Yes, Maschine is generally considered better suited for hip-hop and beat-making due to its design and feature set. The controller’s 4×4 grid of pads provides a more traditional drum machine-style workflow, making it easier for users to create and arrange drum patterns and beats. The controller’s sampling engine and library of built-in sounds and effects are also more geared towards hip-hop and beat-making.
Maschine’s workflow is also more geared towards pattern-based production, which is common in hip-hop and electronic music. The controller’s layout and feature set make it easy for users to create and arrange patterns, as well as experiment with different sounds and effects.
Can I use Push with other DAWs?
While Push is designed to work seamlessly with Ableton Live, it is possible to use the controller with other DAWs. However, the level of integration and functionality may vary depending on the DAW. Push can be used in MIDI mode, which allows it to send MIDI data to other DAWs, but this may require more manual mapping and configuration.
Some users have reported success using Push with other DAWs such as Logic Pro and FL Studio, but the experience may not be as seamless as it is with Ableton Live. It’s also worth noting that some features, such as Push’s touch-sensitive display, may not be fully functional with other DAWs.
Can I use Maschine with other DAWs?
Like Push, Maschine is designed to work seamlessly with its own DAW, Maschine Software. However, it is also possible to use the controller with other DAWs, albeit with some limitations. Maschine can be used in MIDI mode, which allows it to send MIDI data to other DAWs, but this may require more manual mapping and configuration.
Some users have reported success using Maschine with other DAWs such as Ableton Live and FL Studio, but the experience may not be as seamless as it is with Maschine Software. It’s also worth noting that some features, such as Maschine’s sampling engine, may not be fully functional with other DAWs.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both Push and Maschine can be daunting for beginners, especially those new to music production. However, Push is generally considered more accessible and easier to learn due to its more intuitive design and workflow. The controller’s grid of 64 pads provides a more visual and tactile way of working with sounds and parameters, making it easier for beginners to understand and navigate.
Additionally, Ableton Live, the DAW that Push is designed to work with, is generally considered more user-friendly and accessible than Maschine Software. Ableton’s workflow is more linear and easy to follow, making it easier for beginners to get started with music production.