Ableton today introduced Push 3, which features expressive MPE pads, new connectivity and the ability to run Live standalone.
Here are answers to 5 top Push 3 questions:
Can you move Live projects back and forth between Push 3 and your computer?
Anything you create using Push in Standalone Mode can be transferred to your computer over WiFi, and opened in Live. Alternately, you can create music in Live, using Push as your controller. Finally, you can take projects created on your computer and transfer them to Push 3 and perform with them in Standalone mode.
Details on transferring Live projects with Push 3 are available on the Ableton site.
Can I work in Arrangement View when my Push is in Standalone Mode?
Push is designed around Session View. Arrangement View isn’t currently supported on Push in Standalone Mode.
Live Sets can be loaded and played back, but the Arrangement timeline can’t be edited on Push in Standalone Mode.
Do Max for Live devices work on Push 3 in Standalone Mode?
Most Ableton-built Max for Live devices will work on your Push in Standalone Mode, as will many third-party devices. But there are some exceptions.
S0me Max for Live devices may have following types of limitations when used on Push Standalone:
- Limited control – Certain parameters or modes of these devices can’t be mapped, automated or controlled.
- Sample import is disabled – It is not possible to load new samples while using certain Max for Live devices. Device presets that reference existing samples are not affected.
- Playback only – The device can only be played back.
- Does not work – The device does not work at all on Push
See the Ableton site for more information.
Will plugins work on Push 3 in Standalone Mode?
In standalone mode, Push 3 will run Ableton plugins, but not third-party plugins:
- Push 3 Standalone comes with all the Ableton Live Intro instruments and effects pre-installed for standalone use.
- If you own a Live 11 Standard or Live 11 Suite license already, or buy one with your Push, you can use the instruments and effects belonging to your license.
- Push doesn’t support VSTs or Audio Unit plug-ins for use in Standalone Mode. To transfer a Live Set containing plug-ins from your computer to your Push, first freeze any tracks containing plug-ins.
What are the key hardware specs for Push 3 Standalone?
- Connectivity:
- A built-in audio interface with two inputs switchable between line (balanced) or instrument (unbalanced), two balanced outputs and a headphone jack. Connect external instruments, synths or effects and record directly into your Push in Standalone Mode, or into Ableton Live in Control Mode.
- Class-compliant USB MIDI interfaces are supported. Connect a standard MIDI keyboard or other controller to Push for more ways to play its internal instruments, and send MIDI to your hardware for an expanded, laptop-free workstation.
- Control and sequence your modular setup and other external synths by sending CV and gate signals from Push’s footswitch jacks.
- WiFi – Anything you make using Push in Standalone Mode can be transferred to your computer over WiFi, and opened in Live.
- Pads – 64 MPE-enabled pads, each featuring an XY sensor that detects your finger’s movement across the surface of the pad. RGB backlighting.
- Processor – Built-in Intel 11th Gen Core i3-1115G4 processor with 8GB of RAM. The Intel NUC Compute Element features a processor, RAM memory and WiFi. This element has been specially adapted for Push, and paves the way for more powerful Intel processors to be made available for your instrument in the future.
- Battery Life – 2-2.5 hours of play time with a high quality, built-in lithium iron phosphate battery.
- Storage – 256GB built-in SSD hard drive