The Ableton Push 2 physical footprint and measurements determine whether it fits your desk, case, or gig bag; here are the clear numbers and practical checks you need to decide fast.
Exact physical measurements and spec checklist for Ableton Push 2
Overall dimensions: 455 mm × 325 mm × 58 mm (W × D × H). That converts to roughly 17.9 in × 12.8 in × 2.28 in.
Shipping and weight: Unit weight is approximately 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs). For shipping, allow for packing: packed weight ~4.3–5.0 kg (9.5–11.0 lbs) depending on case and padding.
Pad grid: 8×8 RGB pad grid. Individual pad active size is about 16 mm square with a center-to-center pitch of ~18 mm, giving a usable pad field of ~144 mm × 144 mm (5.7 in × 5.7 in).
Display: Integrated color display at ~4.3 inches diagonal (approximately 95–110 mm across visible area), providing compact but readable visual real estate for clip and device control.
Thickness and bezel overhang: Chassis height at the tallest point (including knobs and encoders) ~58 mm; rubber feet add ~6 mm to the stack height. Edge-to-first-pad (bezel) distance front and sides averages 12–16 mm, which matters for keyboard trays and cases.
How to measure Push 2 yourself: quick measuring tips and units
Use a steel tape for width and depth and a caliper for small gaps if you have one; measure with pads facing up and rubber feet attached to reflect actual use height.
Measure three values: maximum width (leftmost external point to rightmost), maximum depth (front edge to rear-most point including rear connectors), and maximum height (top of knobs to surface including feet). Record in millimeters and inches—mm for case builders, inches for airline/desk checks.
For rounded corners and port cutouts, measure diagonal distances from a fixed reference point (for example, left-front corner) and note the distance to each port center; that helps with accurate case cutouts and cable routing.
How Push 2’s footprint fits common studio desks and home setups
Typical home desk depths: 600 mm (24 in) is shallow, 700–800 mm (28–32 in) is standard, and 900+ mm (35+ in) is deep. Push 2 at 325 mm depth fits comfortably on a 600 mm desk but leaves limited forward space for a mouse or laptop in front.
Compact bedroom studio: place Push 2 centered on the desk with your laptop offset to one side or slightly elevated on a riser to free space for a mouse and notes.
Full production desk: use a two-tier setup—Push 2 on the lower tier at a slight angle and your monitor on the upper tier to keep screen sightlines clear and hands on pads.
DJ booth: Push 2 fits a standard booth cutout if you allow a 50–80 mm clearance behind for cables and vents; mount slightly off-center if your mixer or turntables occupy the right side.
Optimizing desk layout: live performance vs studio production
For finger drumming and sequencing, center placement gives symmetrical reach to the 8×8 grid. Short view to the display is key; put the screen at eye level using a small riser when seated.
If you pair Push 2 with a keyboard, place Push 2 to the left of your keys to use your right hand on the keys and left for pads, or vice versa depending on dominant hand; allow ~200–300 mm of overlap space for comfortable reach.
Workspace-saving hacks: use an angled riser (30–40 mm) so the pads point toward you without raising your monitor too high, or install a sliding tray that stores Push 2 under the desk when not in use.
Ergonomics and playability: how size affects comfort and workflow
Pad spacing and pitch affect finger comfort; the ~18 mm pitch on Push 2 lets most users play fast patterns without excessive hand stretch, but tall users may prefer a small tilt to reduce wrist extension.
Pad travel sits slightly above typical desk height due to rubber feet; add a thin wrist-rest or a 6–10 mm foam strip at the front edge to reduce wrist dorsiflexion during long sessions.
Knob and encoder placement is around the top edge; ensure the unit’s height plus desk thickness won’t force your wrists into an awkward angle when reaching back to tweak controls while playing pads.
Comparing Push 2 size to other MIDI controllers and alternatives
Compared with Push 1: Push 2 is slightly slimmer and lighter with improved display and tighter pad spacing; expect a few millimeters difference in depth and a small weight drop.
Launchpad Pro: much smaller footprint (roughly half the area) and lighter—better for travel but less comfortable for prolonged finger drumming and fewer encoders.
Akai APC/MPD-style controllers: generally more compact, lower profile, and lighter, but lack Push 2’s integrated display and workflow; choose compact units for portability, Push 2 for studio-centered control.
Native Instruments Maschine: similar in footprint for some models but often thicker; choose Maschine if you prefer hardware/software integration in a different workflow.
Visual comparison tips: measuring against a laptop or MIDI keyboard
Print a scaled rectangle using the W×D dimensions (455 mm × 325 mm) and place it on your desk to preview real-world fit; tape works fine for quick mockups.
Use cardboard mockups cut to the exact pad area (~144 mm × 144 mm) to determine how much active pad surface you’ll have relative to your keyboard or mouse space.
Cases, gig bags, and hard-case interior dimensions that fit Push 2
Target internal case dimensions: at least 480 mm × 350 mm × 90 mm (W × D × H) to allow padding around the unit and room for cables and a small power adapter.
Soft gig bag: add 10–20 mm foam on each side; choose bags rated for padded gear and with an internal pocket for cables and adapters.
Hard case / flight case: choose a depth of 100 mm or more to accommodate foam and the encoder knobs; pick modular foam so you can protect the display and pad grid separately.
DIY and cost-effective protection: building your own case or foam inserts
Measure the Push 2 with a tape and add 10–15 mm clearance on all sides for foam. Cut plywood base to the outer dimensions and glue 25–40 mm thick closed-cell foam to the base for shock absorption.
Use pick-and-pluck foam or order custom-cut foam: mark the pad grid, display, knob locations and remove foam only from areas that need clearance, leaving foam borders to prevent pressure on pads and screen.
Traveling, shipping, and airline rules for Ableton Push 2
Major airlines’ carry-on maximums vary, but most use ~560 mm × 360 mm × 230 mm; Push 2 in a slim gig bag usually meets carry-on limits but check your carrier’s exact policy before flying.
For checked baggage, use a hard case with at least 80–100 mm internal foam depth and label the case with its declared item value for insurance claims; add a shock-absorbing layer at top and bottom.
Shipping: measure packed box dimensions and total packed weight. Use a double-box method: inner box with foam, outer corrugated box with 50 mm void fill, then weigh and measure cubic dimensions for carrier pricing.
Mounting, stands, racks, and studio integration options
Desktop risers: choose a riser width slightly narrower than Push 2 (430–450 mm) to avoid overhang; riser height of 30–60 mm reduces neck strain and keeps pads reachable.
X-stands and dedicated controller stands: confirm the top platform accepts the footprint area and provides non-slip pads; secure Push 2 with rubber strips or velcro for live rigs.
Rack integration: Push 2 does not fit a 19″ rack natively; custom shallow rack shelves or pull-out tray with at least 480 mm depth are required for safe mounting.
Cable routing, power, and port access: size-related setup nuances
Ports sit at the rear edge; allow ~35–45 mm behind Push 2 for cable bends, power adapters, and clearance for right-angle USB connectors without stressing ports.
Use short (15–30 cm) USB cables and right-angle adapters if desk backspace is tight; secure cables with under-desk clips or straps to avoid accidental tugs during performance.
If you use a footswitch or external power, route those connectors with gentle curves; avoid sharp bends at the connector neck to preserve cable life and port integrity.
Size-focused buying guide: pick the right Push 2 setup for your needs
Studio setup: prioritize desk footprint and ergonomics—get a robust riser, a roomy desk (700+ mm depth), and a protective hard case for occasional transport.
Mobile/gig setup: prioritize a slim soft case or compact hard case and keep total packed weight under 8–10 kg for manageable carry-on or flight-check fees.
Live robustness: choose a flight case with 25–40 mm convoluted foam plus a hard outer shell; add a dedicated cable pouch and door access for quick stage setup.
Troubleshooting fit problems and common size-related pitfalls
Desk too shallow: use an elevated monitor arm and slide Push 2 forward or mount it on a small external shelf; avoid placing the unit at the very edge where it can tip during play.
Monitor collision: lower the monitor or raise the Push 2 on a thin riser so the screen doesn’t block the display; check sightlines while seated before final mounting.
Case too tight: don’t force the unit into a tight shell; instead add custom-cut foam or find a slightly larger case—compressing chassis edges can crack pads or stress encoders.
Quick pre-purchase and pre-travel size checklist
Measure twice, buy once: record desk W×D and clear depth behind the desk for cables; compare to Push 2’s 455 × 325 × 58 mm footprint.
Case check: confirm internal case dims ≥480 × 350 × 90 mm and at least 25–40 mm foam depth above the unit.
Travel check: verify your airline’s carry-on max dimensions and choose a case that fits those limits; if uncertain, plan for checked baggage and a sturdy hard case.
Final tip: print a 455 × 325 mm rectangle and place it where you plan to use Push 2—if the mockup fits with room for mouse and laptop, you’re set.
