How to Mute Drum Pads on the Ableton Push - With Push Mute

One of my favourite things about the Elektron Analog Rytm has always been its mute mode.

You just tap a pad and it drops out instantly. No holding, no latching.

Perfect for live performance.

When I moved over to Push 3, I really missed that.

Muting on Push 3 is clunky.

You’ve got to hold the Mute button, then tap a pad... rubbish!

So I thought...

Why not bring that Rytm-style workflow to Push?

So I built something in collaboration with Isotonik Studios 

It’s called Push Mute

Push Mute is a Max for Live device that gives you proper one-tap pad muting on Push and Push 3 standalone. It’s faster, clearer, and more flexible than the built-in mute option, especially if you’re performing with Live with the Ableton Push 3.

Key Points

• Mute pads with one tap – no holding or latching.

• Momentary and latch modes stay consistent.

• Mute multiple pads at once for clean drops.

• Save and recall your favourite mute setups.

• Better visibility, feedback, and MIDI control.

How do I mute a single drum pad more efficiently?

With Push Mute, just tap the pad. You can also use Shift + Pad for fast access.

On Ableton Push 3, you must hold Mute and tap the pad – or Lock Mute mode first.

Why it matters: One-tap mute is faster and less error-prone when you're performing live.

Can I mute pads without holding a button?

Yes – Push Mute offers a dedicated latch mode that stays active until you change it.

Ableton Push 3 requires using Lock with Mute, which is clunky in fast sets.

Why it matters: Consistent behaviour builds muscle memory. Set it once, use it everywhere.

How do I mute multiple pads at once for breakdowns?

Push Mute lets you hold Select, tap multiple pads, then release to mute them all at once.

Ableton Push 3 only mutes pads individually, even in mute mode.

Why it matters: For a clean breakdown or drop, speed and precision are everything.

How do I solo one sound (mute everything else)?

Push Mute supports macro presets that mimic soloing – tap once to recall a "solo" scene.

Ableton Push 3 requires holding Solo or manually muting other pads.

Why it matters: Save time and avoid toggling during complex sections.

Can I save and recall mute patterns?

Yes – Push Mute lets you save Macros like "hats only", "kick + clap", or "kill switch".

Ableton Push 3 has no native way to save mute states.

Why it matters: Presets reduce setup time and unlock creative performance moves.

Will this work with large Drum Racks?

Yes – Push Mute manages the entire Drum Rack and provides clear colour feedback, even across grid pages.

Ableton Push 3 only mutes pads on the active page.

Why it matters: Keep full control over complex sets without scrolling blindly.

How do I see what's muted during a live set?

Push Mute shows clear colours for muted, active, and queued pads.

Ableton Push 3 uses dimmed pads with no queued indicator.

Why it matters: Confidence on stage comes from visual clarity.

Do I need to map or configure anything?

No – Push Mute works out of the box. One workflow, no extra mapping or clicks in Live.

Ableton Push 3 needs workarounds for advanced mute workflows.

Why it matters: Spend time playing, not configuring.

Does muting a pad stop external MIDI too?

Push Mute includes options to stop both audio and MIDI for full control.

Ableton Push 3 mutes audio but may still send MIDI to external gear.

Why it matters: Avoid surprise notes on external synths or samplers.

Can I quickly switch between momentary and latch?

Yes – Push Mute has explicit toggle modes. Set it per project or song.

Ableton Push 3 only switches using Lock, which is awkward mid-set.

Why it matters: Predictable mute behaviour improves your live flow.

Grab a copy here -https://isotonikstudios.com/product/push-mute-mode-by-isotonik-studios/?ISO=pushpatterns

See Push Mute in action here 👇

FAQs 

1. How do I mute a pad on Ableton Push 3 without holding a button?
Push Mute offers latch mode. One tap enables mute mode until you turn it off.

2. Can I mute more than one pad at once on Ableton Push 3?
Yes – Select pads, then release to mute them all simultaneously.

3. Can I save mute setups like hats only or kick + snare on Ableton Push 3?
Yes – Use Mute Macros to save and recall your favourite pad combinations.

4. Will Push Mute work with big Drum Racks on Ableton Push 3?
Yes – It manages the entire rack and shows clear colours, even when paging.

5. How do I see what is muted on Ableton Push 3 during a show?
Colour-coded feedback shows active, muted, and queued states clearly on all pads.

If you want speed, visibility, and flexible mute control – Push Mute is the upgrade Ableton Push 3 users need for live performance.