Max for Live Devices on Push 3 (standalone)

Most Max for Live devices built into the Ableton Live Core Library or available in Ableton Packs work normally on Push in Standalone Mode.

  • For some devices, the ability to control certain parameters may be limited, as detailed below.
  • Max for Live devices from third-party developers are not guaranteed to work on Push (standalone).

Error: Missing or incompatible Max objects
Limited functionality of devices on Push (standalone)
Affected device categories
List of affected Max for Live devices 

Error: Missing or incompatible Max objects

Some Ableton devices contain Max objects that are incompatible with Push. Loading these on Push (standalone) displays the error message:

“This device contains missing or incompatible Max objects. Please contact the device developer for more information.”

We are working to resolve compatibility issues for Ableton devices. Please check the Packs Release Notes page for updates.

Note: Up-to-date Max for Live devices, even if incompatible with Push in Standalone Mode, are expected to work in Ableton Live when using Push in Control Mode. 

Limited functionality of devices on Push (standalone)

Certain Max for Live devices are subject to the 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.
  • New mappings are not possible.
  • Live Sets with existing parameter mappings should load and play back correctly. 

Sample import is disabled

  • It is not possible to load new samples while using 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

Note: Built-in devices included on Push 3 (standalone) not listed below are fully compatible. 

Affected device categories

The limitations listed above affect certain devices as follows:

Modulation devices

Since only automatable parameters can be controlled, all modulation devices have limited control, including: 

  • Envelope Follower
  • LFO
  • Shaper
  • Shaper MIDI
  • All CV Tools devices (see table below.)

For modulators, it is not possible to map the device to a modulation source.

Sequencers and note-editors

  • Some devices (e.g. Melodic Steps) with sequencers or note-editors are playback only.

  • Note entry for most devices with a built-in sequencer is not available.
  • Previously created sequences will play back normally.

Sampling devices

  • It is not possible to load new samples.
  • Device presets that reference existing samples are not affected.
  • Example: Granulator III

List of affected Max for Live devices on Push (standalone)

Pack Device Limitation
Core Library DS-Sampler Sample import is disabled
Envelope Follower Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
Envelope MIDI Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
Expression Control Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
LFO Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
MIDI Monitor Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
Shaper Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
Shaper MIDI Limited Control, not possible to map to new targets
Convolution Reverb Convolution Reverb Limited Control, “Size” and “Decay” cannot be automated
Convolution Reverb Pro  Limited Control, “Size” and “Decay” cannot be automated
Gated Delay Limited Control, No control over “Delay” parameter and / reverse step sequencer
Melodic Steps Limited Control, No control over the step sequencer
CV Tools CV Clock In Limited Control 
CV Clock Out Limited Control
CV Envelope Follower Limited Control
CV In Limited Control
CV Instrument Limited Control
CV LFO Limited Control
CV Shaper Limited Control
CV Triggers Limited Control
CV Utility Limited Control
Rotating Rhythm Limited Control, “Offset”, “Swing”,” Vel” and “Length” are not controllable
Microtuner Microtuner Limited Control
Surround Panner Surround Panner Outputs cannot be configured
Connection Kit
 
Arduino Does not work
 
Camera Does not work
OSC Leap Motion Does not work
Lego Mindstorms EV3 Does not work
OSC Send Does not work
littleBits Does not work
Inspired by Nature All Does not work

 

Ableton offers these in-depth help and learning resources:

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