Ableton Push MK1/MK2 as Pure Data Controller?

Reply to Ableton Push MK1/MK2 as Pure Data Controller? on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:07:53 GMT

johannem — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:07:53 GMT

Right now, I am working on a larger patch that is essentially a modification of the Automatism modular synth. At the moment, I am using a Novation Launchpad to control the sequencer, etc., but I would like to use an encoder and have a screen to display graphics, values, and other information. Ideally, I would like to control this display information directly from Pure Data.

I was considering getting an old Push controller from Ableton. I found some information about controlling the display in Max/MSP but haven’t come across anything related to Pure Data.

Short question: Has anyone already tried this and would be willing to share some knowledge?

Reply to Ableton Push MK1/MK2 as Pure Data Controller? on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:14:15 GMT

willblackhurst — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:14:15 GMT

it says its class compliant on the website. so If you plug it into pd , pd will probably show you all of the stuff that it sends out. and then its probably the reverse sent to the device.

Reply to Ableton Push MK1/MK2 as Pure Data Controller? on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:42:41 GMT

oid — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:42:41 GMT

@johannem I assume you are talking about the screen on the Push? Quick look and it looks like that is controlled through sysex messages so it will not be an issue to control that from pd and the messages look to be documented so it will not be too difficult to make it work. For the encoders, they look to use relative CCs so turning to the right sends a value of 65-127 depending on how fast you turn the knob and to the left sends a value of 64-0, so you need add up the value its sends, not difficult and I have an old abstraction in this thread which handles them and allows you to easily use a single encoder for multiple parameters. The abstraction is from when I was learning pd and probably is not the best way to go about things but it does the job. I think I may have reworked them but they are not on this computer, will check later and upload them if I did.

Reply to Ableton Push MK1/MK2 as Pure Data Controller? on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:41:15 GMT

johannem — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:41:15 GMT

Thanks for the info. I saw some online information about the Sysex control too, just wasn't sure how well it's going to work. But anyway, I'm just going to get a second-hand Push Mk1 for around 100€ and will see how to make use of it. It's pretty cheap considering the amount of buttons, encoders, and the screen.

I'll post here as soon as I find out anything useful.