Ableton Push 3 - standalone MPE controller

[elxsound]

While I don’t have the RMEs I’ve created aggregate devices before with multiple interfaces (and other things for routing Logic into Live).

I haven’t done it in a while, but it used to be easy, so I’m hoping it still is?

Here’s an updated link for directions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202000

[DrGonzo]

Since you have two RME interfaces I would like to ask, it is true you can use them at the same time in a computer and total mix will treat them as a single unit? kind of like aggregate devices on Mac.

I’ve heard they can do that, but aim not sure? I keep the 800 hooked up to an old Mac Pro with firewire, and use adat to use it standalone as 8 in/outs.

Personally the reason for this is you don’t have to change anything when you use the laptop with just the Babyface.

So basically you are using the Babyface as your main interface and the 800 as an extension of inputs via ADAT? How does it work? Been thinking of doing exactly the same thing.

[3lu5iv3]

instead of using Live Intro provided with Push 3 standalone, is it possible to login with Live Suite and use all the features?

Yes, that is exactly how it is designed to work and it is seamless.

thanks.

[machinesworking]

Since you have two RME interfaces I would like to ask, it is true you can use them at the same time in a computer and total mix will treat them as a single unit? kind of like aggregate devices on Mac.

I’ve heard they can do that, but aim not sure? I keep the 800 hooked up to an old Mac Pro with firewire, and use adat to use it standalone as 8 in/outs.

Personally the reason for this is you don’t have to change anything when you use the laptop with just the Babyface.

So basically you are using the Babyface as your main interface and the 800 as an extension of inputs via ADAT? How does it work? Been thinking of doing exactly the same thing.

Because I don't want to trip you up, I'll probably sound pedantic, apologies.

First off the Fireface 800 can operate in stand alone as in/outs and Preamps etc. so that along with ADAT is what is needed. On the Fireface you assign in/outs etc. to the various ADAT in outs on the unit, then you save that configuration in RME's Totalmix application (in my case it's attached to an old Mac Pro so I do it there, but I could easily do it on the laptop), You also need to make sure in that saved configuration to have the clock source on the FF800 or whatever audio interface you're using set to external or optical etc. not internal.
After that it should just work, I've got my hardware synths plugged in to the FF800 along with a record player and other things, and I'm able to just use the Babyface Pro on the laptop with RME TotalMix to access the four preamps on the front of the unit, and the 8 line in/outs on the back, as well as the optical in/out if I needed to. It's kind of a headache to set up, but not too bad. The cool part is being able to just grab the Babyface and laptop and go without tearing up my studio, it's just 2 ADAT cords and stereo out.

[WasteLand]

MPE Playing question

i think it mostly muscle memory that i must build up, and find the best sensitivity settings (and maybe use curves; MPE control)

not always, but sometimes, or more... well...

you want fist velocity and not almost the same pressure amount, at first strike.

i can achieve it, but not in a stable way yet...

so i can achieve different values of velocity, with almost none pressure amount, but than i must play very carefully.

i was hoping on some feedback. can it be mine MPE surface of the PUSH 3, or is it indeed something that over time you will learn with the PUSH 3.

on my Roli 'surface' (2 x seabord block + 2 Lightpad M Block), i can play velocity, first strike and pressure, quite stable, that there is almost no pressure althought velocity, is say, at 100... sometimes you get more pressure at first strike. but mostly it is stable, and good enough.

i hope my question is clear.

[rod_zero]

While I don’t have the RMEs I’ve created aggregate devices before with multiple interfaces (and other things for routing Logic into Live).

I haven’t done it in a while, but it used to be easy, so I’m hoping it still is?

Here’s an updated link for directions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202000

aggregated devices introduce more latency IME.

ALso, this is the only way for windows users to use more than one interface and asio drivers, but I have never had two RME interfaces at hand to test it, so I was curious.

[DrGonzo]

First off the Fireface 800 can operate in stand alone as in/outs and Preamps etc. so that along with ADAT is what is needed. On the Fireface you assign in/outs etc. to the various ADAT in outs on the unit, then you save that configuration in RME's Totalmix application (in my case it's attached to an old Mac Pro so I do it there, but I could easily do it on the laptop), You also need to make sure in that saved configuration to have the clock source on the FF800 or whatever audio interface you're using set to external or optical etc. not internal.
After that it should just work, I've got my hardware synths plugged in to the FF800 along with a record player and other things, and I'm able to just use the Babyface Pro on the laptop with RME TotalMix to access the four preamps on the front of the unit, and the 8 line in/outs on the back, as well as the optical in/out if I needed to. It's kind of a headache to set up, but not too bad. The cool part is being able to just grab the Babyface and laptop and go without tearing up my studio, it's just 2 ADAT cords and stereo out.

This sounds like where I want to go with my setup. The only thing that is holding me back from going there is ADAT. I never had anything else but problems with ADAT loosing connection sync or whatever and always needs a reboot to get its act together. That was mainly with a MOTU interface and maybe RME has better ADAT?

[Goony]

Had an behringer ada8200 ADAT connected to focusrite 18i20 2nd gen for several years without any problems at all

[JamminFool]

I've never had a problem with RME and ADAT.

[machinesworking]

This sounds like where I want to go with my setup. The only thing that is holding me back from going there is ADAT. I never had anything else but problems with ADAT loosing connection sync or whatever and always needs a reboot to get its act together. That was mainly with a MOTU interface and maybe RME has better ADAT?

I hear you, but to be fair the first thing I tried with ADAT years ago was to use a PC as a slave to a Mac, recall it having issues, but this is RME to RME without a computer involved between them and works just great. To the point that I never tried an aggregate device, because there's hardly a reason that would be better, slightly more in/outs, that's about it, and I would have to change my interface when I used the Babyface alone.

I should try computer to computer again and see if it works all these years later.

[DrGonzo]

This sounds like where I want to go with my setup. The only thing that is holding me back from going there is ADAT. I never had anything else but problems with ADAT loosing connection sync or whatever and always needs a reboot to get its act together. That was mainly with a MOTU interface and maybe RME has better ADAT?

I hear you, but to be fair the first thing I tried with ADAT years ago was to use a PC as a slave to a Mac, recall it having issues, but this is RME to RME without a computer involved between them and works just great. To the point that I never tried an aggregate device, because there's hardly a reason that would be better, slightly more in/outs, that's about it, and I would have to change my interface when I used the Babyface alone.

I should try computer to computer again and see if it works all these years later.

Yeah you are right. RME to RME should be rock solid. I really like having the Babyface as my main interface. I love the big knob and that it always goes on when I turn on the computer. Thanks for taking the time explaining your setup.

[DrGonzo]

Is it just me or does the waiting time change? I feel it's been stuck on 4-6 weeks forever now.

[machinesworking]

Is it just me or does the waiting time change? I feel it's been stuck on 4-6 weeks forever now.

They just had a tiny run of them go out, then back to 2-4 weeks for the controller version.
(in the USA anyway)

[DrGonzo]

2-4 weeks in the USA? Here in Europe it says 4-6.

[sacer]

Got my Push 3 yesterday and was horrified to discover that it doesn't work with Push 2 and disables Push2 when switched on. Previously I had used Push1 with Push2.
My benefits of Push 1 with Push 2 were:
1. Extend sequencer from 8 to 16 steps
2. Extending the 64 pads similar to the Linnstrument - 128 to a full keyboard, especially if you don't want to fade out of scale notes -> guitar fretboard
3. Expanding the 8 macros to 16 macros to better serve a synthesizer. Very often 8 macros are not enough and, as with hardware, you often want to operate many parameters at the same time, which exclude each other when switching. Ableton is already going in the right direction with more than 8 macros in an instrument rack.
For example Arp, Envelopes, Effects and Filters. I even expanded the whole thing with 2 APC40 Mk2 to be able to sometimes exceed 16 parameters, or to simply be able to operate 2 or 3 synthesizers live and record at the same time without switching. The advantage here was that I could bind Push1 and Push2 as well as the APC40 MK2 to an instrument track. So Push1 was for the first softsynth, e.g. Diva and Push2 for the 2nd. Softynth, e.g. Hive.
I was able to play live on both push controllers, or run sequences, as well as modulate both silent tracks when playing with the 8 macros each. This created a very good hardware feeling.
Recording sessions also benefit if you coordinate 2 instruments at the same time during the recording and don't have to record everything one after the other, where you already have no idea what you recorded before.
I found it particularly great to set the scale on both push controllers and you can then see on the other controller which button you press, and you can play two instruments at the same time in the same pattern of the 64 pads, or add an instrument very well. Especially if you find the combination of push and a keyboard very difficult. It was easy to follow the red or green lighted pads on the second device.

So I was really looking forward to being able to combine Push2 with Push3, as Push1 was too outdated for me. The menu navigation for the sequencer and macros was too fiddly, whereas Push2 with the Oled display and simplified access was a huge step straight forward.
I wouldn't mind combining Push3 with Push1 as a workaround, if that's even possible.
In addition, many Push 2 controllers have now become worthless because you can no longer use them with Push3, which is very annoying for me, for example. With the APC40 and APC40 MK2, up to 4 devices could be used simultaneously. I am sure that some would buy two Push3 controllers, but most of us could use Push2 to add many functions to our Push3, or to work around the limitations of compactness and size.
I find the Push Controller to be a bit limited with only one touch strip for pitch or mod, as well as only 8 macro knobs and only 64 pads (if you don't want to fade out any off-scale pads).
In terms of space, the combo of 2 push controllers does not even correspond to the size of a master keyboard

Unfortunately, I have already sold my Push1 and cannot test it at the moment. If you already have experience as to whether push1 works with Push3, I would be grateful for an answer. The advantage of two controllers is that it can be tied to a respective track and thus 2 instruments can be operated at the same time or 1 instrument can be operated very extensively.

Although I like the Push3 very much, I am considering returning the Push3 and getting an old Push. Are two Push2 controllers actually possible?????