Push 2 : Excellent controller for Ableton

The Push 2 is an excellent controller for the Ableton user. Since it was purpose built for Ableton, integration with the software is practically flawless. I use it for breakcore, acid, and trance production and it adapts exceptionally well to each production context. It is quick and easy to get up and running, but the device has many advanced features if you are willing to put in the time. You can expect to make your first beats within minutes of plugging the device in! Sample slicing, mangling, and sequencing with the controller is a game-changer for me and the high-res display is excellent. Menu navigation is a breeze and very intuitively organised. The pads are touch sensitive and a joy to play. The encoders are smooth and much more accurate than I expected, and they feel good to work with. VST integration is surprisingly straightforward too, requiring minimal setup. Practically everything just works, right out of the box and the community around Ableton and the Push 2 is exceptional!

Note that there are a few caveats. If you are using the Push 2 with another DAW, you will lose quite a bit of functionality. I have used the Push 2 with Renoise, and a useful subset of the basic feature set is preserved, provided you are willing to do some work to configure it. But there are better choices of controller if you are working primarily with another DAW. It is a class-compliant MIDI device, but it's MIDI over USB, so there are some limitations if you want to work directly with other hardware devices. But if you are looking for a hardware interface to Ableton Live it is unmatched!

In summary, it is a very broad and very deep controller, thoughtfully designed to make arrangement and performance intuitive and pleasurable. It is sturdy, well designed, aesthetically pleasing, and a lot of fun to play and if you are accustomed to working without controllers, or with other comparable controllers at this price point, you are in for a treat! The Push 2 has transformed my production workflow entirely and it is now at the center of my home studio. I would recommend it to beginner and advanced Ableton users alike. But if you are looking for a general purpose MIDI controller or your primary DAW is not Ableton, there are better choices at this price point.