Push 3 MIDI FAQ
Learn how to use MIDI messages to control Ableton Push 3 (standalone), and to control external devices from Push 3. This FAQ covers the MIDI mapping feature and Control Surface settings. To use the latest features on Push 3, make sure to update Push to the latest software version.
Learn Push 3: MIDI
Push 3 MIDI Ports
Custom MIDI mapping
Setting up Control Surfaces
Editing MIDI control properties
Learn Push 3: MIDI
Push 3 MIDI Ports
| Ableton Push 3 (Live Port) | Used for controlling Ableton Live. Learn more about Setting Up Push 3 to control Live |
| Ableton Push 3 (User Port) | Used for Push User Mode |
| Ableton Push 3 (External Port) | Used to send and receive MIDI to external devices using Push's USB-A and MIDI In and Out ports |
Learn more about using and setting up Push's and Live's MIDI ports in Live's MIDI Settings.
Custom MIDI mapping on Push 3
Can I create custom MIDI mappings directly on Push 3 (standalone)?
As of Push 2.4, you can create custom MIDI mappings with external MIDI controllers directly on Push 3 in standalone mode to control automatable parameters and transport functions.
To create a MIDI mapping on Push:
- Open the Push Setup Menu → MIDI Tab
- Open the Mapping page and press Add Mapping, using the upper display buttons, to enter MIDI Mapping mode.
- Touch the encoder or press the button you want to map on Push.
- Move the control you want to assign it to on your external MIDI controller.
- Press the Save button to save the assignment and exit mapping mode.
The mapping will then be active and saved with your Live Set. When you exit MIDI Mapping mode, the display returns to whichever view was in focus before mapping, e.g., Device View, Clip View, or the mixer.
Note: Ensure Remote on the external MIDI controllers' MIDI input port is enabled.
How can I delete a custom MIDI mapping on Push 3?
To delete a custom MIDI mapping:
- Open the Mapping page, as explained above. This shows all existing mappings along with their MIDI CC numbers and their minimum and maximum values.
- Use the Delete Map display button to remove a selected mapping.
Which controls and parameters can be mapped from Push?
You can use Push 3’s MIDI Mapping feature to map automatable parameters and transport functions to external MIDI controllers.
How do I view MIDI mappings on Push?
The Mapping page shows all existing MIDI mappings. The selected mapping shows:
- The mapped control name
- The MIDI channel 1-16
- MIDI CC numbers
- Minimum and maximum values for each mapping
Setting up Control Surfaces
Does Push recognize external MIDI controllers with Control Surface Scripts?
Natively supported control surfaces for Live are recognized automatically by Push 3 in Standalone Mode. As of Push 2.4, the Control Scripts menu from Live's MIDI Settings is accessible directly on Push.
To enable or disable control surfaces and configure their MIDI inputs and outputs, open the Control Scripts page in Push 3’s MIDI Tab.
Editing MIDI control properties on Push
How can I adjust program change properties of a MIDI clip on Push?
Program change properties of a MIDI clip can be adjusted via the Program Change tab in the Clip view.