Photo of Ableton Push and more gear in a studio

Photo of Ableton Push and more gear in a studio and synths

Ableton Push

^# 2

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$404.69 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (294)

3 Critic Reviews

59 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Ableton Push 2

$101.50 - $799.00

5.0 (296)

Find out who is using Ableton Push

11 community setups

124 wishlisted

581 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (35)

$404.69 1 available New

$72.42 10 available Used

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Average Price: $239

Standard/Professional

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Ableton Push is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Revel in the art of making music with the Ableton Push, a game-changing tool designed for the modern electronic music maestro. This innovative device boasts 64 velocity-sensitive pads, each one finely tuned for both aftertouch and assigning to samples in Ableton Live. The Ableton Push is not just a controller, it's your personal orchestra conductor, capable of arranging and editing songs and beats in real-time. The onboard encoders and touchstrip give you full control over various sound parameters, while its strategically placed buttons ensure seamless navigation and composition. All you need is a laptop, Ableton Live, and a dash of creativity, and the Ableton Push will help you shatter the barriers of music creation.

Key Features:

64 velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive pads assignable to samples in Ableton Live
Capable of real-time arranging and editing of songs and beats
On-board encoders and touchstrip for controlling different sound parameters
Buttons for easy navigation and composition
Pairs with Ableton Live software for a complete music creation experience

Product specs

Brand	Ableton
Model	Push Controller
Finish	Black
Year	2013 - 2014
Categories	Pad MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI
Number of Pads	64 Pads

FAQs

Is Ableton Push compatible with other DAWs besides Ableton Live?: While Ableton Push is designed specifically for seamless integration with Ableton Live, it can be used as a generic MIDI controller with other DAWs. However, users will not have access to its full functionality and intuitive workflow outside of Ableton Live.
How does the Ableton Push enhance music production workflow?: Ableton Push allows for hands-on control over melody, harmony, beats, and samples, making it easier to create and edit music without constantly switching back to a computer screen. Its 64-pad grid and intuitive layout streamline the music-making process, especially for live performance and studio production.
Can Ableton Push be used for live performances?: Yes, Ableton Push is highly suitable for live performances. Its robust build, responsive pads, and integrated control over Ableton Live make it an excellent tool for dynamic, real-time music creation and manipulation on stage.
What kind of connectivity does Ableton Push offer?: Ableton Push connects via USB MIDI, making it compatible with most computers and setups that support USB devices. This ensures a straightforward setup process and reliable communication with your DAW.
Does Ableton Push require a computer to function?: Yes, Ableton Push requires a computer running Ableton Live to fully utilize its features. It acts as a powerful extension of the software, providing tactile control over your music production environment.

Videos

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DJ TechTools

Ableton Push: Review and First Look with Mad Zach

DJ TechTools

Reviews

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PROS

Deep integration with Ableton Live enhances workflow
Intuitive layout facilitates creativity and live performance
Enables composition without looking at a computer screen
Features like scale locking simplify music theory for producers
Versatile control over Live's clip view, effects, and more
Portable with bus power, great for mobile setups
Expands creative possibilities with session view control
Supports a hands-on approach to music production and performance
Pads offer excellent responsiveness for finger drumming and playing chords
High-quality, robust build designed for durability

CONS

Limited functionality with third-party VSTs and samples
Heavier and bulkier compared to some MIDI controllers, challenging portability
Screen and visual feedback might be lacking compared to newer models
Requires significant setup for optimal use with third-party plugins
Not as useful for linear track arrangement or traditional DAW tasks
May not fit all production styles, particularly for those not using Ableton Live
Attention from TSA when traveling, due to its unique appearance and build
Some users report hardware issues like sticky pads or unresponsive buttons
Learning curve can be steep for new users
Lag/delay issues reported, possibly related to computer performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ableton Push.

Features and functionality

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The Push 3 Standalone has 64 pads with MPE capability, offering a more instrument-like feel compared to traditional drum machines.
Source
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Push 3 pads are noted for their superior feel and sensitivity compared to Push 2, which can be crucial for users focused on finger drumming.
Source

Comparisons

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Unlike Maschine+, the Push 3 Standalone includes a battery for greater mobility, allowing music creation in diverse environments.
Source
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Some owners prefer the feel of the Akai MPD or older MPC pads over Push 2, citing better pad sensitivity and a more satisfying tactile response.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Isotonik Instruments' Follow Scene XL m4l device can be used to play scenes in order, enhancing song-building capabilities in Push 3 Standalone.
Source

User experience

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Some users report a minor hiccup with an encoder, though this issue appears to be infrequent.
Source
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Owners mention that Push 2 can improve workflow by reducing reliance on mouse and keyboard, though setup placement is crucial to avoid neglect.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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Users typically monitor audio through a mixer to avoid latency issues when controlling multiple MIDI channels.
Source

Value and pricing

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The recent price drop to $1500 is seen as a significant incentive, with some users expressing regret for purchasing at the original price.
Source
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Push 2 is seen as a robust option at $300 due to its integration with Ableton, with prices potentially increasing as demand shifts post-Push 3 release.
Source

Build quality

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The Push 2's plastic can become gummy over time, particularly on the sides, suggesting the need for careful handling and possible investment in a decksaver.
Source

Critic Reviews

Ableton Push 3

soundonsound.com

Ableton Push 3 is a game-changer in the music production realm, bridging the gap between controller and standalone workstation with its elegant design and robust workflow. The standout feature is its MPE pad grid, offering unprecedented expression and control, making traditional keyboards feel outdated. However, it comes with a premium price and lacks direct Arrangement access and clip launch modes in standalone mode. Despite these gaps, the seamless integration with Live and its versatility as an instrument, controller, and audio interface make Push 3 a compelling choice for serious musicians seeking a unified, hands-on experience.

positive

Full Review

Ableton Push 3 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Ableton Push 3 is a triumph, finally realizing the vision of a controller-as-instrument. Its responsive MPE pads make playing intuitive, whether in standalone or controller mode. The seamless integration with Live offers flexibility, but transferring presets and browsing loops could be smoother. While the standalone mode is a standout feature, with its ability to run Live without a computer, the battery life is short. The only bundled Live Intro feels limited, especially given the price. Despite these niggles, Push 3 is a refined DAW-in-a-box that justifies its "instrument" label, making it suitable for serious producers and performers alike.

positive

Full Review

Ableton: Push 3 | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Ableton Push 3 breaks new ground with its standalone functionality, featuring a robust Intel-based processor, built-in audio interface, and MPE-enabled pads that elevate creative expression. Its modular design ensures future-proofing, making it a valuable investment despite the hefty price. While the standalone mode lacks full desktop capabilities, and some editing features could be improved, Push 3's versatility and intuitive control make it a standout tool for music production. Overall, this upgrade is a triumph for those seeking a powerful, portable music-making experience.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 59 Reviews and 294 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

pressurekay

297

almost 10 years ago

More Than A Pad

From someone that has terrible knowledge of music theory, this definitely helped me with productions and simple compositions. Well built unit all around, and keeps me away from using just a keyboard and a mouse.

crtaveras

over 9 years ago

Great controller with tight integration with Ableton Live.

Ableton's Push controller is the best device that completes the software with tight controls and ease of use. Ableton will also continue to add new features with future updates of Ableton Live.

wivariders

261

over 11 years ago

Best Instrument of All-Time. Period.

Life changing instrument, cannot live without it. Nothing more can be said, check ableton.com for plenty of videos and info. Our songs got 1,000x better when we were one of the first in the world to pre-order this from Ableton headquarters. Have had it since 2013 and it has been a champion workhorse for us in the studio and live.

kaitomizushima

almost 11 years ago

Very nice

I don't use Midi Controllers much but when I use this I feel very inspired to make and mix stuff. You'd be surprised to what you can do with this! You can make a track or even DJ with it! It's awesome!

wesley_fischer

over 9 years ago

perfect device. looking forward for the 2

perfect device to take control over Ableton. Producing in the studio or as a live performer. i use it mostly as a drummachine in my live setup

sashaganesha

over 7 years ago

An universal device

I use my Ableton Push to create music in Ableton Live and to play DJ sets in Traktor (needs additional mapping).

iolloyd

196

over 10 years ago

Useful addition to ableton live

A solid investment if you use ableton live, although with the release of ableton push 2, possibly not something I'll be using a lot, if ever. Good in it's day.

franco_banda

almost 11 years ago

Awesome production toolkit, love it!

I start all my productions basically fooling around. The repeat function is sweet, because it adds a percussive element to chords or basslines besides the usual drum sequencing. Automation is a breeze.