Questions to ask the AI

There are no problems with the real-time performance functions, but when using it for step input or launching, the sensitivity is about half that of real-time performance, and it won't respond unless you press slowly and firmly.
Specifically, the sensitivity of the 16 pads on the bottom left, which are used for real-time playing when using the Drum Rack, is good, but the sensitivity of the upper area, which is the step input area, is poor. I have adjusted the sensitivity in the user settings screen. When using Session mode, the sensitivity of all 64 pads seems to have worsened since I first purchased it.

There were no such symptoms when I first purchased it, but since it has been about seven years since I bought it, I think it is due to deterioration over time.

My hypothesis is that the original specifications were tuned to make the real-time performance a little too sensitive, while the clip launch and step input were slightly less sensitive to prevent incorrect input, but I interpret this as having become too noticeable due to deterioration over time.

AI answers

The answer was that the difference in the original settings had become more noticeable due to deterioration over time.
I now have Push3 and the same problem has not occurred.
We believe the AI's answer was correct.

Below are the details of the AI's response.

A technical investigation of the mode-dependent asymmetry of pad sensitivity in Ableton Push 2: Analysis of the combined effects of design specifications and aging

I. Introduction: Problem definition and technical validation framework

A. Structuring user-reported symptoms

A pad sensitivity issue reported by a long-time Ableton Push 2 user has a unique mode-dependent symptom structure. The device in question, which had been used for approximately seven years, showed extreme differences in sensitivity depending on the functional area, even though the pad sensitivity settings had been completed. Specifically, the 16 pads on the bottom left, which are intended for real-time performance when using a drum rack, maintained high sensitivity, while the upper pads, which are used for step input and clip launch, became extremely insensitive and only responded when pressed slowly and with strong pressure. ¹.

Regarding this symptom, the user did not notice such extreme asymmetry when he first purchased the device, and so he has proposed a hypothesis based on multiple factors: that the original design specifications of "high sensitivity setting for real-time performance" and "low sensitivity setting for controls to prevent erroneous input" may have become too pronounced beyond the acceptable range due to deterioration over the course of seven years.

The goal of this report is not merely to diagnose the problem, but to conduct a detailed analysis from a hardware engineering perspective to determine how the design specifications for Push 2's pad sensitivity control and the physical aging caused by seven years of use interacted to cause this asymmetric malfunction, thereby verifying the validity of the user's hypothesis.

B. Basic analysis of pressure sensor technology (FSR: Force Sensing Resistor)

Ableton Push 2's pads operate based on FSR (Force Sensing Resistor) technology. Pressure applied to the pads (Force, $F$) is detected as a change in contact resistance (Resistance, $R$) between the conductive layer underneath the pad and the sensor substrate. This resistance change is then converted by an electronic circuit into a voltage, which is then sent to Ableton Live as a MIDI Velocity value (0 to 127).

One of the most important concepts in this operating principle is the "threshold," or minimum actuation force ($F_{min}$). For the FSR sensor to generate a MIDI signal (Velocity > 0), the pad and sensor board must make contact with a minimum amount of force, completing the circuit. When a user experiences "poor sensitivity," it means that this minimum physical actuation force ($F_{min}$) has somehow increased, requiring a stronger initial pressure. Push 2's designed sensitivity refers to the entire dynamic range between this minimum force ($F_{min}$) and the maximum force ($F_{max}$). The Pad Sensitivity setting adjusts the pressure-to-velocity mapping curve within this range, but has limited effect on lowering the physical force ($F_{min}$) itself [2]. Therefore, when users experience problems that cannot be resolved by adjusting software settings alone, it suggests that the problem lies in an increase in the physical force ($F_{min}$).

II. Ableton Push 2 Sensitivity Control: The Interaction of Hardware and Firmware

The Push 2 pad sensitivity control is a two-layered system: a hardware layer that handles physical contact, and a firmware layer that interprets the input signal depending on the mode. Understanding this two-layered system is key to identifying the cause of sensitivity asymmetry.

A. Hardware Layer: Pad Module and Physical Contact

The Push 2 pad module is composed of a laminated structure consisting of a silicone pad that the user strikes, a conductive carbon layer applied to its backside, and an FSR sensing substrate (sensor grid). Pad reactivity, particularly $F_{min}$, is directly affected by the initial pressure applied when the conductive carbon layer and substrate come into contact.

The "Pad Sensitivity" function, which can be adjusted by the user at the firmware level, changes the curve (velocity curve) that maps the input pressure signal (resistance change) to a MIDI velocity value. ²Higher sensitivity settings assign higher velocity values for the same physical pressure, and also have an earlier threshold for the onset of Aftertouch. ²However, this does not directly lower the minimum actuation force $F_{min}$ required to initiate physical contact with the pad (i.e., the minimum pressure required to generate a velocity of 1).

Therefore, if $F_{min}$ is high due to poor physical contact of the pad or contamination of the conductive layer (dust, oil, etc.), no MIDI signal will be generated unless the physical threshold is exceeded, even if the software setting is set to maximum. If the user feels that "I have to press hard for it to respond," this indicates that the physical $F_{min}$ has increased to a level that exceeds the software tuning, in other words, that there is a problem at the hardware layer.

B. Firmware layer: Mode-dependent sensitivity tuning (verification of design specifications)

Regarding a key user hypothesis, whether the sensitivity differences between modes are intentional by design, widespread community reports confirm their existence.

Several users have reported that, out of the box or relatively quickly, when using Push 2 in Drum Rack mode, they need more pressure to activate the pads in the Step Sequencer section compared to the bottom-left 16-pad playing section. ¹One user reported that when they first noticed this sensitivity difference, they suspected it was a pad issue, but when used as an instrument (as a performance pad), the sensitivity was perfect. ¹This shows that the sensitivity difference is strictly dependent on the mode and pad position.

It is highly likely that this asymmetry is a deliberate design change in Push 2's functionality.

1. Real-time performance area (16 pads at the bottom left): This area is primarily used for playing MIDI notes, and requires extremely low $F_{min}$ and a wide dynamic range to maximize the user's expressiveness (dynamics).
2. Step Sequencing/Control Area (Upper Pads): This area is used for clip launch, step on/off, or mixing control. Here, reliable input (digital on/off) is important, and preventing unintentional triggers (false input) is a priority. For this reason, it is thought that the designers intentionally set $F_{min}$ high, tuning it so that it does not react to light touches.

As long as the pads are physically capable of reaching their maximum capability (Velocity 127), the difference in $F_{min}$ between modes is itself considered a design feature.

C. Aftertouch and Pad Sensitivity Interaction

The Pad Sensitivity setting is closely related to not only MIDI Velocity but also Aftertouch (pressure) behavior. According to Ableton's technical documentation, a higher Pad Sensitivity setting means that Aftertouch will begin sooner and reach its maximum value more quickly. ².

Because of this interrelationship, if the physical $F_{min}$ of a pad increases with age, not only will the force required for normal playing increase, but it will also require more force to activate Aftertouch. Adjusting Pad Sensitivity also changes the Aftertouch curve, but if there is an underlying physical problem, the effect of this software adjustment will be offset.

III. Mechanistic analysis of how aging accelerates sensitivity asymmetry

The extreme symptoms experienced by users are not simply due to the design specifications, but rather are the result of physical changes over seven years of use that accelerated the original specifications to the point of malfunction. This demonstrates that the user's interpretation that "the symptoms have become too pronounced due to deterioration over time" is technically valid.

A. Physical Aging Mechanism of FSR Sensors

Seven years of use will inevitably cause changes to the materials that make up the FSR sensor.

1. Deterioration and contamination of the conductive carbon layer: The conductive carbon layer on the back of the pad gradually becomes contaminated with wear and tear, oils from the user's fingers, sweat residue, and fine dust particles in the air. 3 These contaminants disrupt the electrical contact between the carbon layer and the sensor substrate, gradually increasing the physical pressure required to achieve stable contact and continuity, i.e., $F_{min}$.
2. Reduced contact area and unstable resistance: The presence of minute particles or wear can prevent uniform contact area, resulting in unstable resistance readings at certain pressure levels. This can manifest as no reaction to light contact (increased $F_{min}$) or unstable velocity readings even if a reaction does occur.
3. Silicone Material Fatigue: The silicone or rubber material used in the pad module loses a small amount of elasticity over time due to repeated compression and release, as well as temperature changes. This reduces the pad's ability to maintain uniform and optimal contact pressure against the substrate, again contributing to an increase in $F_{min}$.

B. Verification of the asymmetric effect of sensitivity degradation due to aging

Even if aging affects all pads uniformly, the effects are manifested asymmetrically due to the original design specifications (mode-dependent $F_{min}$).

As a premise for the analysis, we assume that the accumulated aging degradation over seven years has caused the $F_{min}$ of all pads to increase by a certain amount, $\Delta F$ (e.g., $\Delta F \approx 20\text{g}$).

• For real-time performance pads ($P_{Perf}$): These pads were originally configured with a very low $F_{min, Perf}$ (e.g., $10\text{g}$) for expressive performance. After aging, the required actuation force becomes $F_{min, Perf} + \Delta F$ (e.g., $30\text{g}$). This level may feel slightly heavy to the performer, but is likely within the acceptable functional range and is rated as "no problem" by users.
• Step sequencing pads ($P_{Seq}$): These pads were originally set at a high $F_{min, Seq}$ (e.g., $50\text{g}$) to prevent accidental actuation. After degradation, the required actuation force becomes $F_{min, Seq} + \Delta F$ (e.g., $70\text{g}$). This actuation force of $70\text{g}$ significantly reduces the comfortable operation for step sequencing and clip launching. Users experience this as a "you have to press slowly and hard to get any response," which is close to a malfunction.

In conclusion, aging affects all pads, but the effect is amplified to a level that impairs practicality in the step input area, which was originally tuned with a high threshold. This supports the interpretation that aging is not simply a malfunction, but a trigger that critically accelerates the original design specifications.

C. Hardware structural factors

The pad module is fixed to the sensor board by a specific screw inside the Push 2 housing. The tightening torque (tension) of this internal screw is a key factor in determining the initial contact pressure between the pad and the sensor. ⁴Over the course of seven years, heat changes, vibrations, and handling can cause the tightening torque of these screws to change slightly, potentially resulting in poor or excessive contact (Stuck Pads), especially in the top and edge pad areas.

In fact, there have been reports from the community that adjusting the tightening pressure of the internal screws (e.g., loosening them slightly) has fixed unresponsive pads. ⁴This indicates that sensitivity issues can be due to firmware or sensor degradation, as well as subtle mechanical stresses on the pad assembly.

IV. Technical Diagnosis: Analysis of the Boundary between Specifications and Deterioration

Based on the analysis so far, we can clearly diagnose that the symptoms reported by users are the result of two independent factors, design specifications and aging, interacting in a specific area.

First, Push 2 intentionally sets the minimum actuation force ($F_{min}$) of its pads according to their functional area. The real-time playing area is designed to have a low $F_{min}$, while the step input area has a high $F_{min}$. Second, after seven years of aging, the $F_{min}$ has physically increased ($\Delta F$) for all pads. As a result, the step input area, which already had a high $F_{min}$, has now increased its threshold to a level that significantly reduces its usefulness.

The table below summarizes this complex effect.

Push 2 Pad Functional Area Characteristics and Deterioration Factor Correlation Analysis

This analysis shows that the asymmetry of the $F_{min}$ design is technically correct, but the functional difficulties users are facing are a "state beyond the limits of the specifications" caused by the addition of aging to the specifications.

V. Practical Remediation: Hardware Maintenance and Repair Procedures

Since the root cause of sensitivity asymmetry is primarily due to an increase in $F_{min}$ caused by physical contamination and structural stress, fundamental improvement requires intervention at the hardware level.

A. Double-check your software level

First, you need to make sure your software settings are optimized. By adjusting the Pad Sensitivity setting in Push 2's Setup menu, you can redefine the velocity curve and make it more sensitive to specific pressures. ²You can also temporarily disable velocity sensitivity and use the "Accent" button to input full velocity as needed, which can help you improve your playing accuracy. ⁵However, since users are already trying to adjust their settings, we cannot expect this L1-level measure to completely counteract the physical increase in $F_{min}$.

B. Hardware Disassembly and Cleaning (Intervention at L3/L4 Level)

The most effective way to restore sensitivity is to disassemble the pad module and clean the FSR sensor area, but this is done at your own risk as it may void your warranty.

1. Internal Access and Disassembly Procedures

For disassembly instructions, please refer to the Push 2 teardown video by Markus Fuller. ⁶The disassembly process itself is not too difficult, but you need to be extremely careful, especially with the internal screws and the thin connecting cables (such as ribbon cables) inside. ⁴.

2. Cleaning the conductors and sensor board

It is important to remove microscopic contamination, which is the main cause of reduced sensitivity.

• Cleaning material selection: The conductive carbon layer (black sheet) is delicate and alcohol should be avoided as it may cause deterioration of the carbon. ³.
• Recommended method: Use a dry or slightly dampened (then completely dried) microfiber cloth or soft brush to gently clean the carbon layer on the back of the pad and the grid surface of the FSR sensor board. This cleaning will remove dust, oil, and moisture that have accumulated over the past seven years, reducing the contact resistance between the carbon layer and the sensor board and bringing the $F_{min}$ closer to the design level. ³.

3. Adjusting the torque of the internal pad module fixing screws

The torque on the pad module's fixing screws can cause poor contact in certain pad areas (especially the top where sensitivity is extremely low). Careful fine-tuning (slightly loosening or evenly tightening) the internal screws that secure the pad module can restore optimal contact pressure between the pad and the sensor. ⁴However, overtightening the screws can cause the Stuck Pad (which is always on), so very careful adjustment is required.

The table below summarizes the steps to take to combat desensitization and their effectiveness.

Push 2: Step-by-step technical measures and their effects on sensitivity reduction

VI. Conclusion: Final Assessment and Recommendations

A. Structural Overview

The extreme asymmetry in mode-dependent pad sensitivity in Ableton Push 2 is caused by the combined effects of two independent factors:

First, the firmware and hardware design has been intentionally tuned to a low threshold (high sensitivity) for the real-time performance area, and a high threshold (low sensitivity) for the step input and control area to prevent erroneous input.Design Specificationsexists ¹.

Second, after seven years of use, the conductive carbon layer has become contaminated, worn out, and the silicon material has become fatigued.Deterioration over timeThis physically increased the minimum actuation force ($F_{min}$) for all pads. This increase in $F_{min}$ accelerated failure in areas where the step input was originally set to a high threshold, to a level that significantly impaired practicality.

It is determined that the functional difficulty currently experienced by users, in which the device does not respond unless you press it hard, is the result of this design asymmetry being amplified beyond acceptable limits due to deterioration over time.

B. Recommendations

Since adjusting the software settings (L1) will not solve the physical $F_{min}$ problem, the most reliable way to restore sensitivity is to perform the following hardware maintenance (L3 and L4).

1. Internal cleaning (L3): It is highly recommended to refer to professional teardown information, remove the pad module, and carefully clean the conductive carbon layer and the surface of the FSR sensor substrate without using alcohol. This will remove any contamination that may have accumulated over years of use, and will most likely significantly reduce $F_{min}$, restoring functional sensitivity. ³.
2. Consider torque adjustment of the internal screw (L4): If the problem persists after cleaning, or if a particular pad continues to be unresponsive, it may be worth trying to restore optimal contact by slightly adjusting the torque on the internal screws that secure the pad assembly. ⁴However, this is a very delicate process and must be done carefully.

In the long term, incorporating regular L3 level overhauls (every few years) into your maintenance plan is a preventative measure to keep your Push 2 pads functioning at their best.