Ableton Push 3 - User Manual

1 Introduction
Ableton Push is an expressive instrument for music-making that lets
you create and edit melodies, harmonies, beats, and samples, as well
as entire songs. As a standalone instrument, Push lets you stay focused
on song creation in or out of the studio. You can seamlessly send your
Live Sets to Push and vice versa.
Push also functions as a hub where you can control and record a wide
range of acoustic and electronic instruments simultaneously. On stage,
Push serves as a powerful instrument for real-time playing, step
sequencing, and clip launching, with or without a computer.
You can use this manual to get familiar with Push’s fundamental
workflows, or as a general reference for Push’s features and controls.
There are also a number of videos that can help you get started with
Push available here: https://www.ableton.com/learn-push/
1.1 What’s in the Box?
Push comes with a power supply, USB-C cable, getting started guide,
safety and warranty information booklet, and decorative poster.
To view the complete Tech Specs for Push, feel free to refer to this
page: https://www.ableton.com/push/tech-specs/
1.2 Hardware Overview
1.2.1 Controls
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Summary

Setting Up and Configuring Push

Connecting Push to a Computer

Guides on establishing a connection between Push and your computer.

Status Tab Details

Expression Tab Settings

Details expression modes and pitch bend behavior customization.

Sensitivity Tab Adjustments

Audio Tab Configuration

Covers settings for Push's built-in audio interface.

MIDI Tab Settings

Software Tab Functions

Authorizing Live License

Guides on authorizing Ableton Live licenses for standalone Push use.

Updating Push Software

Building and Managing Live Sets

Using the Push Browser

Working with Devices and Tracks

Covers adding, managing, muting, and deleting devices on tracks.

Hot-Swap Mode for Devices

Working with Instrument and Drum Racks

Explains the functionality and usage of Racks in Push.

Tempo and Meter Settings

Managing Sets, Projects, and Packs

Saving Your Live Set

Installing and Managing Packs

Continuity Between Push and Live

Explains how Push and Ableton Live work together seamlessly.

Pairing Push with Live

Guides on connecting Push and Live via Wi-Fi for integration.

Opening Sets from Push in Live

Transferring Files Between Live and Push

Playing and Programming Beats

Loop Selector Layout for Beats

16 Velocities Layout

Explains the 16 Velocities layout for drum pad velocity control.

64 Pads Layout for Drumming

Loading Individual Drums

Guides on loading or replacing individual drum pads in Hot-Swap Mode.

Step Sequencing Beats

Explains how to sequence notes using the step sequencer.

Playing Expressive Beats with MPE

Introduces MPE Drum Kits for expressive beat performance.

Playing and Programming Melodies and Harmonies

Playing in Different Keys and Scales

Expressive Melodies with MPE

Details expressive playing options like MPE, Poly/Mono Aftertouch.

Step Sequencing Melodies

Guides on step sequencing melodies and harmonies.

Melodic Sequencer + 32 Notes Layout

Introduces a layout combining step sequencing and real-time playing.

32 Notes Layout Details

Melodic Sequencer Functionality

Explains how to add, edit, and manage notes in the step sequencer.

Recording and Editing MIDI

Real-time MIDI Recording

Guides on recording notes in real-time using Push.

Fixed Length MIDI Recording

Explains setting fixed lengths for new MIDI clips.

Recording MIDI with Repeat

Details using the Repeat button for note retriggering.

Capturing MIDI Clips

Quantizing MIDI Notes

Explains how to snap notes to the grid using the Quantize button.

Arrangement Recording

Clip View Operations

Real-Time Playing Layouts in Clip View

Sequencing Layouts in Clip View

Editing MIDI Clips

Covers editing MIDI clips and individual notes directly on Push.

Note Edit Mode

Details how to enter and use Note Edit mode for individual notes.

Editing Notes in a Step Sequencer

Recording and Warping Audio

Setting Up an Audio Track for Recording

Guides on preparing an audio track for recording instruments.

Arming Audio Tracks for Recording

Explains how to arm audio tracks to enable recording.

Choosing the Correct Audio Input

Setting Up Track Monitoring

Adjusting Input Gain

Recording Audio Clips

Guides on recording audio signals into clips.

Warping Audio Clips

Converting Audio to MIDI

Details the process of converting audio clips into MIDI tracks.

Controlling External Instruments

Using the External Instrument Device

Explains the External Instrument device for routing MIDI and audio.

Controlling Modular Synthesizers with CV

Parameter Automation Recording

Recording Automation on Push

Guides on recording parameter changes as automation directly on Push.

Automating in Step Sequencers

Track Control and Mixing

Locking Track Controls

Track Mixing Operations

Details controlling track volumes, pans, and sends.

Global Mix Mode

Track Mix Mode Details

Rack and Group Track Mixing

Session View Navigation

Session Screen Mode

Session Pad Mode

Push Control Reference Guide

Ableton Push 3 Specifications