How to Send Program Changes from Ableton Push 3 Standalone

Yes, Push 3 standalone can now send MIDI program changes. And trust me, this is massive if you perform live with hardware synths.

Ableton quietly added this feature in a recent Push 3 update. No big fanfare. But it changes everything. If you’ve ever juggled synth patches mid-set, you’ll know exactly why this matters. Let’s dive in.

Key Points:

• Send program changes straight from Push 3 standalone

• Find it in the new Clip tab

• Switch hardware synth patches automatically

• Pair with follow actions for seamless transitions

• Hands-free, stress-free, pro-level performance

What’s the New Update on Push 3 That No One’s Talking About?

Ableton quietly added program change support to Push 3 standalone.

It’s hiding in plain sight in the new Clip View tab. Inside that tab, you’ll now see options for Program Change, Launch Settings, and Follow Actions.

Which means, yes, you can now assign a preset number to any MIDI clip, and it will send that patch to your synth when launched. Wild.

Why Is This a Big Deal for Live Performers?

If you’ve played live with gear like the Tetra, you’ll know the dread of switching sounds manually. One wrong twist and the whole vibe’s toast.

Now?

• Set program numbers directly on your clips

• Use Follow Actions to cue preset changes hands-free

• Stay in flow without touching your synth

Honestly, it makes Push 3 feel like a proper performance brain now.

How Do I Set This Up? It’s Easier Than You Think

Let’s walk through it. You’ll need:

• Your Push 3 standalone

• A hardware synth (I’m using the Tetra)

• A USB MIDI cable

Step by step:

1. Plug in your synth via USB MIDI

2. Head to Settings > MIDI on Push 3

3. In Output, select your synth and enable Track and Remote

4. Optional: If your synth uses arps or sequences, turn on Sync

Done

How Do I Send a Program Change from a Clip?

Here’s where the fun starts:

1. Add an External Instrument device to a MIDI track

2. Set MIDI To: your synth (for example Tetra)

3. MIDI Channel: whatever your synth is listening to (mine’s Channel 4)

4. Audio From: wherever your synth’s audio comes in (for example 1 and 2)

5. Create a MIDI clip

6. Open the Clip View tab at the top

7. Scroll to Program Change and input the preset number

Boom. Now, when that clip launches, your synth changes patches automatically

Can You Automate Program Changes in a Live Set?

Yes, and this is where it gets spicy

Use Follow Actions to auto-launch different clips, each with its own program change

Example:

• Clip 1: Program 39

• Clip 2: Program 40 with a follow action

When Clip 1 ends, Clip 2 auto-launches and fires off its patch change. Hands-free. Flawless

What About Launch Settings?

Launch modes like Toggle can now be changed directly on Push 3

Toggle lets clips act like an on and off switch. Combine that with program changes and follow actions, and you’ve got a bulletproof live system

Top 5 FAQs

Can Push 3 standalone send MIDI program changes?
Yes, it can now send program changes directly from MIDI clips using the new Clip tab

Where do I find the program change option?
In the Clip View tab under Launch settings, look for the Program Change field

Do I need to enable anything in settings?
Yes, enable Track and Remote under MIDI Output settings for your synth

Can I use follow actions with program changes?
Absolutely. Combine them to trigger patch changes automatically between clips

Does this work with any external synth?
Yes, as long as your synth supports MIDI program changes

Final Takeaway 

If you use Push 3 standalone with hardware synths, this update is huge

No more fumbling with patches mid-set. No more mismatched sounds. Just smooth, synced performances with full control from your Push

Ableton didn’t shout about it. But you probably should