A press comprises a press frame, at least one upper punch plate with at least one upper press punch held on it and/or at least one lower punch plate with at least one lower press punch held on it. A die plate has at least one receiver for powdered material to be pressed by the press punches. At least two upper drives are mechanically coupled in the operation of the press, engaging at the upper punch plate for moving the upper press punch in the vertical direction and/or at least two lower drives mechanically coupled in the operation of the press, engaging on the lower punch plate and/or the die plate for moving the lower press punch and/or the die plate in the vertical direction. A method for setting up and operating the press for producing a pellet made of the powdered material, in particular metal powder, is described.