Ableton Announces Major Updates: Push 2 and Live 9.5
Ableton has introduced Push 2 today, featuring a new color display and advanced sampling capabilities integrated with an updated version of Simpler. This announcement comes alongside the release of Live 9.5, bringing significant improvements to the DAW.
Ableton Push 2: Next-Generation Hardware
Ableton Push 2 marks a significant departure from the original, as it's no longer manufactured by Akai. The biggest improvement is the colorful display, which is larger than the original and specifically designed to work with samples and waveforms.
Revolutionary Sampling Workflow
The integration of sampling and chopping capabilities makes Push 2 a game-changer, particularly for sample-based music genres. This positions Push as a serious competitor to:
- Native Instruments Maschine
- Akai MPC series
Enhanced VST Control
Another major addition is the ability to control third-party VSTs directly from Push. Following in the footsteps of Akai (Akai Advance) and Native Instruments (NKS), Ableton has released their own technology for controlling any VST from their hardware.
Ableton Live 9.5: What's New?
Major Features
- New Simpler Device - Completely redesigned user interface with advanced chopping capabilities
- Analog Modeled Filters - Professional-grade filters across synths and effects, developed by Cytomic (creators of The Glue)
- Fresh Content - New sounds, samples, and drum kits
- Max Essentials Update - Enhanced Max for Live devices
- Link Technology - Revolutionary tempo sync between Live instances and iOS apps (supported by KORG, Akai, and others)
With the release of Live 9.5, Ableton hasn't forgotten about existing Push 1 users. The update brings several new features:
New Features Available for Push 1
- VST and AU Plugin Support - Load and control third-party plugins directly from Push
- Plugin Preset Browsing - Hotswap plugins and browse presets (AU only)
- Sample Browser Integration - Browse and load samples directly (instantiated in the new Simpler)
- Sound Preview - Preview sounds directly from the Push browser
Complete Live 9.5 Changelog
Improvements and Feature Changes:
Visual Enhancements
- Improved Waveforms - Smooth appearance during zoom operations and recording
- Enhanced Meters - Track volume meters now display both peak and RMS levels
- Automatic Coloring - Tracks are automatically colored, and new clips inherit their track's color
- The 'Auto assign Clip Color' preference is replaced by 'Auto assign Track Color'
Core Updates
- Simpler Overhaul - Complete redesign with new interface, warping, slicing, and analog-modeled filters (developed with Cytomic)
- New Analog Filters - Classic vintage hardware models with self-resonation, feedback, and distortion capabilities
- Core Library Update - New drum kits and presets for Simpler, Operator, Analog, Auto Filter, and Audio Effect Racks
- Audio Effect Racks now load with devices hidden by default
Workflow Improvements
- Sets created with 9.5 won't open in earlier versions
- Added "Preserve Warped Timing" option in Slice to new MIDI track dialog
- Simpler breakout view for detailed sample editing
- Warped waveform display in Simpler
- Sample normalization via context menu
- Slice to Drum Rack capability from Simpler
Performance Optimizations
- Improved waveform drawing performance for large sets
- CPU optimization for extreme time-stretching
- Enhanced automation smoothing for new filters
- Removed transposition limitations for Complex/Complex Pro warping
Bug Fixes:
- Prevented saving Live Sets to Trash
- Improved 'Warp as x bars' functionality
- Updated light blue colors to avoid confusion with selection
- Fixed artifacts in Complex/Pro transposition
- Resolved plugin parameter configuration issues
Push-Specific Changes:
- Full Push 2 support
- Sound preview from browser (Push 1)
- Sample loading capability (Push 1)
- VST and AU plugin browsing (Push 1)
- Drum Rack pad duplication (Push 1)
- Enhanced clip length adjustment (1/16th resolution with Shift)
- Scale settings storage in Live sets
- Improved fixed length recording behavior
Learn More
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