Ableton Push Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

Ableton's Push is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Ableton Push with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Push.

Article Contents

Does the Ableton Push work with Ableton Live?
Does the Ableton Push come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Push to ableton
How to midi map the Ableton Push in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Push
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Ableton Push work with Ableton Live?

To put it briefly, the Ableton Push is compatible with Ableton Live.

Ableton live provides a default midi remote script for the Push, meaning it will work with Ableton Live as soon as you connect it (see the section below on how to connect to ableton).

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 is a MIDI enabled device, it will work with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live's components with your Push.

Does the Ableton Push come with ableton Live included?

Yes the Push comes with a free copy of Ableton Live intro. Although it has unlimited usage, the available features are a lot less than what is available in the full versions of Ableton Live Standard or Suite.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison to Standard's 10GB.

If you're looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Push to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Ableton Push 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 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Push 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 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Push are checked.
4. Ensure that the ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are all checked.
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 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Push will now be setup and ready to use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After successfully connecting the Ableton Push to Ableton live following the steps above, you can now MIDI map the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to functionality within Ableton Live by doing the following:

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, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Push.
5. Moving the physical control on your Push 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

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Push, there are however, some limitations to be aware of...

Saving your Push Midi Mappings is cumbersome

It is important to note that your mappings are stored with the Ableton session when saving. Consequently, when you create a new session, you will have to remap your controls again.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

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

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available 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, 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's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Push,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Push, 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 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Push is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Push 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.
4. Make sure that the Push is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.