Ableton Push basics

What is Ableton Push?

Ableton Push is a hardware instrument and controller for Ableton Live. It gives you pads, encoders, clip launching and device control so you can write music with your hands instead of reaching for the mouse every few seconds.

Open the full Push tutorial Is Push worth it?
Updated 7 July 2026

The simple answer

Push is the physical front end for Ableton Live. The pad grid is used for drums, melodies, clips and step sequencing. The encoders control devices, racks, mixer levels and macros. The display keeps key information in front of you so you can make decisions without staring at the laptop all the time.

Push does not replace Ableton Live. It changes how you interact with Live. The best way to think about it is this: Live is still the studio, but Push becomes the instrument you play to move ideas through that studio.

What Push is used for

Drums

Finger drumming

Load Drum Rack, play pads with velocity and record grooves without drawing every note.

Notes

Scale mode

Choose a key and scale, then play basslines, hooks and chords on a pad layout.

Clips

Session View

Launch clips and scenes so arrangements can be performed before they are edited.

Macros

Sound control

Use encoders for filters, sends, rack macros, device parameters and live automation.

Push 3, Push 2 and Push 1

Push 3 is the current generation. The standalone version can run without a computer, while Control Mode connects to Live on your computer. Push 2 is still a strong computer-connected controller and is common on the used market. Push 1 is older, but the core idea is the same: hands-on control of Live.

For most producers, the question is not which model is most impressive. The useful question is whether Push will help you start tracks faster, play ideas more naturally and perform scenes into arrangements.

Compare Push 2 vs Push 3