Push 3 Standalone is the center of my live setup. A Launchkey handles note input, a Launchpad Pro launches scenes, and Push runs the set, the sounds and the audio. No laptop on stage. That’s the pitch for Push 3: Ableton Live in an instrument you can play without a computer. It mostly delivers. It’s also expensive, heavy, and has a few limits you should know about before you spend this kind of money. ...
The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 and the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 are the two 49-key controllers most people end up choosing between. They cost about the same, they’re the same size, and both promise to “integrate” with your DAW. They are not the same keyboard. One is built to drive Ableton Live from the keys. The other is built to make finding and playing sounds easy in whatever software you use. ...
The Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 is the controller I’ve DJed on at home for five years. It’s a two-deck controller from Native Instruments, built to run Traktor Pro, with a mixer, jog wheels, pads and an audio interface in one bus-powered box. It’s a good controller. It’s also getting hard to buy new: Native Instruments lists it as sold out, and some major retailers no longer carry it. So this review covers two questions: is it good, and should you hunt one down? ...
If you’re just getting into home recording, picking your first audio interface can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of options across a huge price range, and half the reviews online are written by people who’ve never touched the gear. I’ve been recording music at home for years. I’ve tried most of these interfaces personally, and this guide reflects what I’d actually buy if I were starting over today. Quick answer: For most beginners, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is the best starting point. It’s simple, sounds great, and has the best driver support of any interface in its price range. ...
I host a podcast. I’ve recorded on a lot of microphones, from $50 USB mics to $400 studio condensers. And I can tell you with confidence: you don’t need to spend a lot of money to sound professional. The difference between a $70 mic and a $400 mic is real, but it’s smaller than most people think — especially when you factor in room treatment, gain staging, and editing. Good technique beats expensive gear every time. ...
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo and 2i2 are the best-selling audio interfaces in the world. They show up on every beginner recommendation list, and for good reason — they’re reliable, they sound great, and Focusrite’s driver support is unmatched. But if you’re deciding between them, the choice isn’t always obvious. The specs look nearly identical and the price difference is only about $60. So what do you actually get for that extra money? ...