Should You Buy the Push 3 or Launchpad Mini for Ableton Live?

 If you're trying to choose between the Ableton Push 3 and the Novation Launchpad Mini, the answer comes down to your workflow needs.

Get the Push 3 if you want a full standalone music production hub. Choose the Launchpad Mini if you're looking for an affordable, simple clip launcher.

Key Points

• Push 3 is a standalone music production device

• Launchpad Mini is great for launching clips/scenes on a budget

• Push 3 has MPE pads, velocity sensitivity, and note sequencing

• Launchpad Mini has no velocity sensitivity and limited control

• Push 3 includes full audio interface and modular CV support

What Are the Main Differences Between Push 3 and Launchpad Mini?

The Push 3 is a full-featured music production workstation. It can operate without a computer, with built-in audio I/O, transport controls, and deep Ableton integration.

The Launchpad Mini is a simple clip and scene launcher. It's extremely portable and great for beginners or live performers who only need basic controls.

How Well Do These Controllers Integrate with Ableton Live?

Launchpad Mini:

• Plug-and-play setup

• Launch clips and scenes easily

• Limited track controls (mute/solo/stop)

• Custom Modes allow basic MIDI customisation via Novation’s web app

Push 3:

• Full Ableton browser navigation

• Add tracks, clips, and effects without touching a computer

• The standalone version functions without a computer

• Built-in screen, knobs, and transport controls for complete DAW control

How Do They Compare for Live Performance?

Both have 8x8 clip launching grids.

• Launchpad Mini pads are smaller and not velocity-sensitive

• Push 3 pads are larger, velocity-sensitive, and MPE-enabled

• Both can launch clips and scenes, but only Push 3 can control more complex parameters live

Can You Play Instruments with These Controllers?

Launchpad Mini:

• Drum and key modes are available

• Pads are not velocity-sensitive

• No MPE or expressive input

Push 3:

• MPE-enabled pads

• Velocity-sensitive

• Expressive control over note articulation and timbre

• Intuitive step sequencing for drums

What About Build Quality and Portability?

Launchpad Mini:

• Super light and compact

• Plastic build but feels sturdy

• Fits easily into a backpack

Push 3:

• Heavy, solid metal build

• Not easily portable

• Designed for studio or fixed setups

What Are the Input/Output Differences?

Launchpad Mini:

• Single USB-C connection to computer

Push 3:

• Built-in audio interface (2 inputs, 4 outputs)

• Headphone out with split capability

• ADAT I/O for expanded connectivity

• CV/gate outputs for modular gear

• Pedal inputs, USB, and more

Which Controller Offers Better Workflow?

Launchpad Mini:

• Basic control for session view, drum, and keys

• Limited customization

Push 3:

• Full Ableton integration

• Onboard clip duplication, loop length changes, MIDI capture

• Streamlines workflow for faster music creation

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Launchpad Mini if:

• You just want to launch clips and scenes

• You’re on a tight budget

• You value portability

Choose the Push 3 if:

• You want full control over Ableton Live

• You want a standalone production device

• You need expressive, MPE-enabled pads

• You want built-in audio and modular connectivity

FAQs

1. Can you use Launchpad Mini without a computer? No, it requires a computer to function.

2. Does Push 3 work as a standalone unit? Yes, the standalone version has a built-in processor and battery.

3. Is Push 3 worth the price? Yes, if you need deep DAW integration and standalone capabilities.

4. Are the pads on Launchpad Mini expressive? No, they are not velocity-sensitive or MPE-capable.

5. Can Push 3 control modular synths? Yes, it includes CV outputs for modular gear.

Final Recommendation

Get the Launchpad Mini if you're on a budget and need a simple controller.

Invest in the Push 3 if you want an all-in-one music production solution with deep control and expressive input.