Ableton Push 2 Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Ableton’s Push 2 is an incredibly multi-faceted midi controller and is a powerful addition to any Ableton Live setup. This midi controller has a wealth of features that make it ideal for use with Ableton Live.

This guide will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to utilize the Ableton Push 2 with Ableton Live, which includes how to connect, configure and midi map the Push 2.

Article Contents

  1. Does the Ableton Push 2 work with Ableton Live?
  2. Does the Ableton Push 2 come with ableton Live included?
  3. How to connect the Push 2 to ableton
  4. How to midi map the Ableton Push 2 in Ableton Live
  5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Push 2
    1. Saving your Push 2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
    2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
    3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
    4. A great solution to these problems
  6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Ableton Push 2 work with Ableton Live?

To sum it up, the Ableton Push 2 is fully compatible with Ableton Live.

The Push 2 is equipped with a standard midi remote script in Ableton Live, so you just need to connect it (see instructions below) to get it working.

Any edition of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, will be compatible with any device that transmits MIDI data. This works for all editions of Live, for instance 9, 10, and 11. As the Push 2 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

Making your own midi mappings is a breeze with Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to control a lot of components of the software with your Push 2.

Does the Ableton Push 2 come with ableton Live included?

The Push 2 offers a complimentary copy of Ableton Live intro, but its features are limited in comparison to Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you prefer to have all the Audio and MIDI effects, we recommend getting Ableton Live Suite, because it comes with much more of them than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Push 2 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Ableton Push 2 with Ableton Live is a relatively simple process, once you have the 2 linked together you will be able to control parameters of the software from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Push 2 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Push 2 and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Push 2 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Push 2 are checked.
4. Ensure that the proper ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are checked for both input and output.

  • Track: When checked, this allows MIDI notes and CC messages to be sent/received.
  • Sync: This option enables MIDI clock syncing between Ableton live and the external device.
  • Remote: Allows external MIDI controllers to remotely control parameters within Ableton Live.

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In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Push 2 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Push 2 with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Ableton Push 2 to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Push 2, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Push 2.
5. Moving the physical control on your Push 2 will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 – 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Push 2

With Ableton’s midi mapping system, you can swiftly map your Push 2, however, you must be aware of a few restrictions…

Saving your Push 2 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

When saving an Ableton session, your mappings will be saved as part of that session. Therefore, if you create a new session, you will need to remap your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Push 2 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Push 2, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool ‘Control Surface Studio‘ is exactly what you need!
With it, you’ll be able to:
– save and re-use your Push 2’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Push 2,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Push 2, than Live’s internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can’t I hear my Push 2 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Push 2 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Push 2 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Push 2.
4. Make sure that the Push 2 is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.