The Ableton Push 2 is a full-featured clip-launch and production controller; here are the exact size and fit details you need to plan a desk, case or travel setup.
Exact Ableton Push 2 physical specs to list (official measurements, footprint and weight)
Official dimensions: 395 mm × 295 mm × 52 mm (15.55 in × 11.61 in × 2.05 in) — this is the standard chassis footprint to use for templates and case cutouts.
Unit weight: 2.6 kg (5.73 lb) — use this for hand-carry and bag load calculations.
Typical shipping weight: ~3.6 kg (7.94 lb) with basic retail packaging — use this for shipping quotes and airline baggage estimates.
Display size: 6.2-inch color display (diagonal) centered above the pad grid; include screen clearance when measuring for lids or flight-case foam.
Pad grid footprint: 8×8 pads occupying roughly 190 mm × 190 mm of the surface; account for button and encoder rows around that square when planning space.
Chassis thickness and material: overall height 52 mm with a hard plastic top shell and reinforced internal plate; plan for ~60 mm total if adding soft padding or foam insert.
Always verify the manufacturer spec sheet on Ableton.com or the Push 2 product manual before buying used; measurements can differ with custom mods or aftermarket cases.
Push 2 play surface geometry: pad size, spacing, encoder layout and screen ergonomics
Pad size and spacing: individual pad surface diameter ~22 mm with a pad-to-pad pitch of about 27 mm center-to-center; tighter or wider spacing directly affects finger drumming precision and two-finger chords.
Pad feel and travel: low-travel, velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with fast rebound; test pads for even response across the grid before purchase to avoid uneven sensitivity later.
Encoder and button layout: eight rotary encoders in a row above the screen, with transport and mode buttons along the sides of the display; measure ~27–30 mm c-c for encoder spacing to check reach for your thumb and index finger.
Screen placement and sightlines: the display sits slightly angled toward the player; allow ~40–50 mm clearance above the screen to read menus without neck strain when seated.
Tactile landmarks: knob rows, touch strips and the jog-style encoder offer consistent hand-rest points; use these landmarks to set your primary hand position and to reduce reach during performance.
Connector and cable clearance: where ports sit and how much space they need
Primary cable exits run along the rear edge: USB and auxiliary/footswitch connectors exit from the rear-center or rear-right area; plan rear clearance for cable bends.
Allow a minimum of 50 mm clearance behind the unit for plug-in and removal; 80–100 mm is safer if using right-angle connectors or thicker cables.
Cable placement affects desk layout: position USB hubs and audio interfaces so cables don’t cross the pad area; route audio/MIDI cables separately from USB runs to reduce data clutter and accidental pulls.
Measure cable bend radius: keep USB and 1/4″ cable bends above ~30 mm radius to avoid premature wear; use right-angle plugs where side clearance is tight.
Real-world desk and studio fit: fitting Push 2 on small desks, studio racks and laptop trays
Minimum desk depth recommendation: 320 mm (12.6 in) from the front edge to monitor stand base to allow for comfortable pad reach plus a laptop or compact keyboard in front.
Side clearance: keep at least 70 mm each side for mixing consoles, controllers, or monitor stands to prevent bumping encoders while performing.
Relative placement tips: place Push 2 centered in front of your main monitor, with a computer keyboard slightly to the side or slid under the unit for quick DAW control without blocking pads.
Quick fit check: cut a cardboard template to the 395 × 295 mm footprint and place it on your desk to confirm reach, sightlines and cable routing before purchase or case build.
Carrying, cases and flight-case planning: protective case inner dimensions and foam templates
Internal foam dimensions: specify an inner cavity of at least 405 mm × 305 mm × 70 mm to allow 5–10 mm foam buffer on all sides and 10–15 mm extra for the display and knobs.
Cutout depth: foam bottom-to-top clearance should be ~70 mm to protect knobs and the screen; add removable top foam of 10–15 mm to prevent pressure during stacking.
Checklist items for case buys: cable pockets, accessory compartment for USB adapters and footswitches, velcro straps to keep the unit from shifting inside the case, and recessed handles to avoid added bulk.
Flight-case choices: use foam-insert hard cases for repeated airline travel; padded soft cases work for local gigs but choose one with an internal stiffener and lockable zipper closures.
Touring and travel considerations: portability, airline carry-on and weight limits
Carry-on sizing: the Push 2 body alone fits most international carry-on limits by dimension, but airlines vary by bag construction — plan for a bag with internal dimensions ≥ 410 mm × 310 mm × 80 mm.
Weight considerations: with a basic soft case expect ~3.4–3.8 kg total; check airline weight limits for cabin bags (commonly 7–10 kg) if you’re packing other gear.
Packing methods: place the Push 2 between two thin slabs of foam or in a clamshell case to protect the screen and knobs; secure loose cables in a separate compartment to avoid pressure points on the pads.
How Push 2 dimensions compare to competitors: Push 1, Maschine, Launchpad, and APC footprints
Compared to Push 1: Push 2 uses roughly the same footprint but is slightly thinner and lighter due to updated internals; use the same cardboard template if switching between the two models.
Compared to Maschine and Launchpad: Push 2 is larger than a Launchpad grid and comparable or slightly larger than many Maschine models; the extra surface area and larger pad spacing favor finger drumming and step sequencing over ultra-portability.
Practical impact: wider pad pitch on Push 2 improves multisurface finger patterns; if you need ultra-compact portability, choose a smaller grid controller but expect reduced hand comfort for longer sessions.
Practical ergonomics: how size influences playing comfort, stance and extended sessions
Wrist angle: at desktop height Push 2 leaves a slight upward wrist angle; add a 10–20 mm riser at the back edge to level the pads and reduce wrist extension during long sessions.
Seated vs. standing: seated use is most comfortable with the unit centered and at elbow height; for standing, raise Push 2 to waist level to keep shoulders relaxed and hands close to the pads.
Riser and tilt recommendations: small tilt stands that add 10–25 degrees improve screen visibility and reduce neck strain; test a 10-minute play trial to confirm comfort before permanent mounting.
Modifications, stands and mounting kits that change the effective dimensions
Common mods: rubber riser feet, metal angle brackets and custom top plates can add 10–40 mm to height or increase the footprint for flank-mounted controls.
19″ rack compatibility: Push 2 is not a standard rack device; any rack-mount solution will require a custom shelf with internal clearances for cables and ventilation — measure for at least 60 mm of rear cable space.
Warranty and ventilation warning: adding additional brackets or routing cables through custom holes can interfere with ventilation and may void warranties; confirm with the case maker or seller before modifying the unit.
Impact of Push 2 size on studio routing and cable management
Footprint dictates routing: place the USB hub and audio interface within 300–500 mm of the Push 2 rear to avoid long exposed cables across the desk.
Cable recommendations: use 0.5–1 m USB cables for tidy routing; use right-angle USB connectors if you have less than 60 mm rear clearance to protect the port from stress.
Organizational tips: keep power and audio cables on one side and USB/data on the other to reduce tangling and make troubleshooting easier during sessions.
Buying checklist focused on dimensions for new and used Push 2 purchases
Measurement checklist: confirm 395 × 295 × 52 mm footprint, net weight ~2.6 kg, display condition, pad wear, knob alignment and shipping box dimensions with the seller.
Seller-verification prompts: ask for photos with a visible tape measure across width and depth, and for a side profile shot showing exact height with any aftermarket feet attached.
Red flags: mismatched footprints, missing bezel or non-original top plates, and photos without measurement references; these can indicate mods that change fit or function.
Visual assets and measurement tools to include in listings or reviews (templates, CAD, printable cutouts)
Provide or request a printable cardboard cutout sized 395 mm × 295 mm so buyers can test desk and case fit quickly at home.
Offer side-view silhouettes and simple 3D files (STEP or SketchUp) with key nodes labelled: pad area, encoder row, cable exit zone, and screen top edge for precise placement planning.
Best-practice listing photos: top-down with a ruler aligned to the front edge, rear close-up showing ports, and a side profile with a tape measure next to the unit.
Dimension-related FAQs buyers search for about Ableton Push 2
Will Push 2 fit on a compact desk?
Measure available surface for at least 395 × 295 mm and allow 70–100 mm on the rear for cables; if that fits, Push 2 will fit your desk.
Is Push 2 portable enough for gigs?
Yes—Push 2 at ~2.6 kg fits most gig bags and many airline carry-on bags if the case interior is ≥ 410 × 310 × 80 mm; use a hard case for heavy travel.
Can it be rack-mounted or flight-cased?
Push 2 is best in a foam-insert flight case or on a custom shelf; for rack use, build a shelf with at least 60 mm rear cable clearance and 70 mm top foam space to protect the screen and knobs.
One-line measurement checks to run now:
Measure desk depth, cut a 395×295 mm cardboard template, confirm 50–100 mm rear clearance for cables and a case interior of 405×305×70 mm for a safe fit.
