Getting Started with MPE on Push 3

Push 3’s responsive pads offer the ability to interact dynamically with Live’s instruments and devices using MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), whether you’re using Push in Standalone Mode or with Live on your computer in Control Mode. Learn more about MPE in Live 11 and later.

Live’s Core Library, Packs included with Push, and installable Packs include a wide range of MPE-enabled sound content. You can also select instruments in Live or on Push based on this list of MPE-enabled presets. 

Note: To enable MPE functionality on Push, make sure Expression Mode is set to MPE in Push's Setup → Expression tab. 

Screenshot of Push display with Expression Mode set to MPE

To get started with MPE on Push, navigate to Sounds → MPE Sounds for a selection of content that uses MPE.

Screenshot of Push display with MPE Sounds highlighted

MPE-enabled devices in Live's Core Library 

  • Drift is a synthesizer instrument with many built-in presets designed for use with MPE. You can browse presets under Instruments → Drift.
  • Many Instrument Racks in the Core Library are also MPE enabled, found in Packs → Core Library → Racks → Instrument Racks. The categories Bass, Pad, and Synth Keys have the most MPE-enabled sounds.
  • MPE Analog Kit and MPE Synth Lab Kit are MPE-enabled Drum Racks, found in Packs → Core Library → Racks → Drum Racks.

MPEKits.png

MPE-enabled presets bundled with Push

  • Brass Quartet and String Quartet contain dedicated MPE presets.
  • Session Drums Club contains MPE-enabled versions of each kit.

Additional MPE-enabled devices

  • Expressive Choir is designed specifically to be used with Push’s expressive pads. To install on Push (standalone), first authorize Push, then install Expressive Choir via Packs → Available Packs. Learn more about Packs on Push (standalone).

Layouts and features using Push 3's MPE-Pads capabilities 

Certain layouts and features, adjustable on Push 3 using the Layout button, only work if Expression Mode is set to MPE in Push's Setup → Expression tab. These include:

  • XYZ Control
  • Rhythm Generator
  • Touch Sensitive Step Editing

Learn more about these features in the release notes for Push with Live 12.3.

 

Ableton offers these in-depth help and learning resources:

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