Push 3 vs. Maschine+: Standalone Groovebox Showdown

If you want to produce without a laptop today, you almost inevitably end up with two devices: Ableton Push 3 and Native Instruments Maschine+. Both promise studio work without a computer, but they take technically very different approaches.

At a glance

• Push 3 (Standalone): Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, up to 2.5 hours battery life
• Push 3: 64 pressure-sensitive, MPE-capable pads plus integrated audio interface with two inputs
• Maschine+: two high-resolution color displays, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, quad-core processor
• Maschine+: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB SD card included, expandable up to 1 TB

Two Concepts for the Same Goal

Push 3 builds on the Session View logic of Ableton Live. According to the manufacturer, the device functions as an "expressive instrument, sampler, Ableton Live controller, recording studio, synthesizer, and live performance tool" all in one. The 64 pads respond to the "finest finger movements," according to Ableton, and support MPE—polyphonic aftertouch per pad. Push 3 can also be connected directly to modular synthesizers via CV/Gate.

Maschine+, on the other hand, follows the classic MPC philosophy: 16 large, multi-colored pads take center stage, controlled via two separate color displays for sample editing, sound design, note editing, mixing, and browsing. Native Instruments explicitly markets the device as "Standalone: without computer" with a complete production environment of instruments, effects, and sampling.

Processing Power and Storage Compared

In terms of hardware, Push 3 takes the lead: The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor (11th Gen) with 8 GB RAM and a fixed 256 GB SSD offers noticeably more headroom than Maschine+, which runs on a quad-core processor with 4 GB DDR3L RAM. Maschine+ counters with an included 64 GB SD card containing the 24 GB "Maschine+ Selection" factory library, expandable via SD card up to 1 TB or USB drives.

Push 3 is also available in a tethered variant without its own processor, battery, and storage—anyone wanting to switch later can retrofit the separately available upgrade kit. This makes switching between both operating modes possible without buying a new device.

Inputs/Outputs and Connectivity

In standalone mode, Maschine+ offers a 96 kHz/24-bit audio interface with two 1/4-inch line inputs/outputs, a microphone input, stereo headphone output, MIDI In/Out, and two USB ports. Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless downloading of sounds and expansions, and Ableton Link provides tempo sync with other apps and devices. Push 3 brings its own integrated audio interface with two inputs and balanced outputs, plus the aforementioned CV/Gate ports for modular setups.

"Standalone: without computer"

"An expressive instrument, sampler, Ableton Live controller, recording studio, synthesizer, and live performance tool"

FAQ

Does Push 3 run completely without Ableton Live?

Yes, in the standalone configuration with its own processor, battery, and SSD, Push 3 works completely independently of the computer. The tethered variant can be upgraded later via a separate upgrade kit.

What does Native Instruments include software-wise with Maschine+?

The box includes, according to the manufacturer, 18 instruments, 37 effects, eight expansions (two freely selectable), plus factory selections from REAKTOR and KONTAKT.

For DJs and producers who otherwise build their setup with a mixer like the AlphaTheta DJM-V5 or classic EQ mixing, the choice between Push 3 and Maschine+ remains primarily a question of workflow: Session View integration on one side, classic MPC pad handling on the other.

Source: Ableton, Native Instruments