Ableton Push 3 with Live 12.1 - What’s New!?

Ableton Push 3 Live 12.1 Update: The Features You Need to Know

Yes. This Push 3 update is a big one. It finally delivers the workflow, flexibility, and standalone power producers have been waiting for. It’s now a fully matured music-making machine.

Key Points

• Macro Mapping and Variations for custom performance control

• Default Groove system for better clip feel

• Move tracks/scenes and arm tracks faster

• Tag-based browsing and Simpler sample swap

• Save templates, launch hotspots, and tweak new preferences

What is Macro Mapping and how do I use it on Push 3?

• Group devices into a Rack: Hold Shift and press the upper display button

• Map parameters: Touch any encoder > “Map to Macro” appears

• Map mutes or buttons: Hold display button > “Map to Macro”

• Edit macros: Touch macro encoder > “Edit”

You can now create precise, performance-ready macro setups directly on Push.

What’s new with Macro Variations?

• Trigger and Randomize variations from the bottom-left of Macro view

• Edit variations with the jog wheel

• Play variations using the pads (Push 2 & Push 3)

This brings live performance flexibility to sound design and automation.

How do Default Grooves work?

• A default groove loads with every new set

• Press the Timing encoder to access Global Groove Amount

• Change grooves per clip in Clip Mode

Grooves are now part of your creative starting point.

Can I now move tracks and scenes directly?

Yes. Hold a track or scene, then:

• Use jog wheel on Push 3

• Use encoders on Push 2

You can also double-press track select to arm tracks instantly.

What changed in browsing and sample swapping?

• New tag filters and auto-tagging for user samples

• Rename collections and labels via context menu

• Swap samples in Simpler without losing device/macro settings

Browsing is now smarter and more user-friendly.

How do I save templates and default sets?

• Go to Sets menu

• Select your current project

• Choose Set as Default

Start every new session with your ideal workflow.

What is Push 3’s Hotspot feature?

• Go to Setup > Wi-Fi > Hotspot

• Create a wireless network from Push 3

• Use it to transfer files or sync via Link on the go

Perfect for gig setups or offline environments.

What’s inside the new Preferences tab?

New options include:

• Exclusive Solo: Solo one or multiple tracks

• Select on Clip Launch: Choose if launching a clip auto-selects its track

These let you refine how Push behaves by default.

Final Thoughts: Is this the update Push 3 needed?

Absolutely. It adds key features that should’ve been there from day one:

• Custom macros

• Track/scene movement

• Better browsing

• Default set templates

If you’ve been waiting for Push 3 to truly replace your laptop, this update gets you much closer.

FAQs

How do I map device parameters to macros?
Touch any encoder and follow the “Map to Macro” prompt.

Can I randomise Macro Variations live?
Yes. Use the "Random" button in the Macro panel.

What’s the benefit of saving a default Set?
It lets you load your ideal starting template every time.

Can I use Push 3 without Wi-Fi and still transfer files?
Yes. Use Hotspot mode to connect directly to another device.

Does Push 2 get these features too?
Many do. Macro Variations, track arming, and browsing are also available on Push 2.

If you want to see how to implement all these new features, here's a video demonstrating them: