Apple Logic Express - 8 Control Surfaces Support
Logic Express 8
Control Surfaces
Support
Apple Inc.
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Contents
Preface 7 Introduction
7 What Are Control Surfaces?
Using Control Surfaces With Logic Express
Control Surfaces Supported by Logic Express
Control Surface Plug-ins
About Software and Firmware
About This Guide
Chapter 1 15 Basic Control Surface Setup
15 Getting Started
Connecting Control Surfaces
Adding Control Surfaces to Logic Express
Creating Control Surface Groups
Configuring Your Control Surface Setup
Setting Control Surface Preferences
Modal Dialog Display
Usage Tips
Chapter 2 37 Customizing Controller Assignments
37 Assigning Controllers to Logic Express Parameters
Working in Easy View
Working in Expert View
Assigning Buttons to Key Commands
Controller Assignments Storage
Chapter 3 61 Mackie Control
61 Setting Up Your Mackie Control
Using the Mackie Control With Logic Express
Display Zone
Channel Strip Controls
68
Master Fader
68
Assignment Zone
82
Fader Bank Zone
84
Function Key Zone
3
4
85
86
86
88
89
97
Global View Zone
Modifier Buttons
Automation Buttons
Utilities Buttons
Transport Zone
Cursor Key Zone
Jog/Scrub Wheel Zone
Programmable User Modes
Connecting Foot Switches
10 0 Assignment Overview
Chapter 4 111 M-Audio iControl
111 Setting Up Your iControl
111 Editing Plug-in Parameters
112 Assignment Buttons
11 4 Arrow Up and Arrow Down Buttons
11 4 Channel Strip Controls
11 6 Mixer View and Channel View
11 6 The Jog Wheel
11 6 Transport Controls
117 Master Fader
11 8 Assignment Overview
98
99
99
Chapter 5 121 CM Labs Motormix
121 Setting Up Your CM Labs Motormix
12 2 Assignment Overview
Chapter 6 129 Frontier Design TranzPort
12 9 Setting Up Your Frontier Design TranzPort
LCD
12 9
13 0
Assignment Overview
Chapter 7 133 JLCooper CS-32 MiniDesk
13 3
Setting Up Your JL Cooper CS-32 MiniDesk
13 4
Assignment Overview
Chapter 8 139 JLCooper FaderMaster 4/100
13 9
What You Will Need
13 9
Setting Up Your JLCooper FaderMaster 4/100
14 0
Assignment Overview
Chapter 9 141 Korg microKONTROL and KONTROL49
141
Setting Up Your Korg microKONTROL and KONTROL49
14 2
Assignment Overview
Contents
Chapter 10 147 Mackie Baby HUI
14 7 Setting Up Your Mackie Baby HUI
14 8 Assignment Overview
Chapter 11 151 Mackie C4
151 Setting Up Your Mackie C4
151 V-Pots, V-Selects
15 8 Buttons at Bottom
161 Marker Overlay
161 Track Overlay
162 Channel Strip Overlay
162 Function Overlay
Chapter 12 165 Mackie HUI
165 Setting Up Your Mackie HUI
166 Assignment Overview
Chapter 13 177 Radikal Technologies SAC-2K
17 7 Setting Up Your Radikal Technologies SAC-2K
17 8 Assignment Overview
18 2 Troubleshooting
Chapter 14 183 Roland SI-24
183 Setting Up Your Roland SI-24
18 4 Assignment Overview
Chapter 15 189 Tascam FW-1884
18 9 Introduction
18 9 Setting Up Your Tascam FW-1884
19 0 Assignment Overview
Chapter 16 199 Tascam US-2400
19 9 Setting Up Your Tascam US-2400
200 Assignment Overview
Chapter 17 207 Tascam US-428 and US-224
207
Setting Up Your Tascam US-428 and US-224
207
Assignment Overview
Contents
5
Chapter 18 211 Yamaha 01V96
211 Setting Up Your Yamaha 01V96
212 Assignment Overview
215 SELECTED CHANNEL Section
215 Data Entry Section
216 Channel Strips
216 Stereo Channel Strip Section
216 User Defined Keys Section
Chapter 19 219 Yamaha 02R96
219 Setting Up Your Yamaha 02R96
220 Assignment Overview
Chapter 20 225 Yamaha DM1000
225 Setting Up Your Yamaha DM1000
226 Assignment Overview
Chapter 21 233 Yamaha DM2000
233 Setting Up Your Yamaha DM2000
234 Assignment Overview
6
Contents
Introduction
You can use hardware control surfaces to control and
automate transport, mixing, recording, and other tasks in
Logic Express.
All of the Logic Express functions which correspond to mixer controls, such as setting
volume level and pan position, can be performed on screen—using your mouse and
computer keyboard. This is not ideal for precise real time control, as only one
parameter can be adjusted at a time. You can expand your creative experience, and
gain flexibility and speed, by connecting a hardware control surface to your computer,
and using it with Logic Express.
Preface
When you move a fader on the control surface, the corresponding fader in
Logic Express moves with it. Similarly, when you adjust a control on screen, the
corresponding control on the control surface is updated. You can adjust EQ or other
parameters by turning the rotary knobs on the control surface, and have the
corresponding parameters update instantly in Logic Express.
What Are Control Surfaces?
Control surfaces are hardware devices that feature a variety of controls, which can
include faders, rotary knobs, switches, and displays. These controls can be mapped to
functions in Logic Express, allowing you to change parameters—such as volume or
panning—with more precision than is possible with your mouse and computer
keyboard. You can also control multiple parameters at the same time, dependent on
the facilities of the control surface.
Control surfaces also typically provide buttons that allow you to select parameters for
editing, or to select particular tracks/channels, or banks of channels. Many also offer a
jog wheel, which allows you to precisely move the playhead, Transport buttons (Play,
Rewind, and so on), and other controls. When you use a supported control surface with
Logic Express, some controls are pre-mapped to common functions. You can map nonassigned controls to other Logic Express commands and functions (see “Assigning
Controllers to Logic Express Parameters” on page 37).
7
Some simple control surfaces only provide (non-motorized) faders and knobs. More
sophisticated units include motorized faders, rotary encoders, LED rings, and
programmable displays. The additional feedback these control surfaces provide make
them easier to use, as you don’t need to constantly refer to the computer screen to
know what mode the device is in, or what current parameter values are.
Using Control Surfaces With Logic Express
To use a control surface with Logic Express, you connect it to your computer via MIDI,
USB, a Network port, or FireWire. You then add it to Logic Express (this is automatic for
many supported devices), map the controls you want to use to Logic Express
commands (again, much of this is done for you, if using a supported device), then use
the control surface as you play and record.
Recorded control surface automation appears in (the Arrange, when enabled, and in
the Piano Roll Editor). Detailed information on connecting and adding control surfaces
is covered in Chapter 1, “Basic Control Surface Setup,” on page 15. Please read this
chapter before moving on to the chapter for your particular control surface.
The following outlines some of the things you can accomplish when using control
surfaces with Logic Express:
 Control transport functions, including setting locators, and activating Cycle or Punch
Recording modes.
 Adjust instrument, aux, master, and audio channel volume and pan levels.
 Select, and control, all effect and instrument parameters.
 Select, solo, mute, and record-enable tracks/channels.
 Set and adjust send parameters.
 Remotely switch between screensets.
 Scrub MIDI and audio (in the Arrange window).
 Zoom in on individual tracks, or the window with key focus.
 Create, delete, and move the playhead between markers.
Control surfaces facilitate dynamic live performances—when used in conjunction with
a portable Macintosh, a music keyboard, and audio and MIDI interfaces. Some devices
incorporate a music keyboard, audio and MIDI interfaces, and a control surface into a
single integrated unit.
The track automation facilities of Logic Express can be active even when the
application is not in record mode, allowing you to capture your live real time changes
for later playback. This ensures that you’ll never again lose that “once-in-a-lifetime”
performance—on stage or in the studio.
8 Preface Introduction
Logic Express directly supports a variety of control surfaces, as mentioned, but also
allows you to remap existing assignments for supported control surfaces, or to program
new assignments for unsupported control surfaces. This allows you to extend the use of
faders, knobs, and switches—either directly, or through the use of modifier commands.
You can use any combination of control surfaces with Logic Express. You will get the
most out of them when used in a control surface group. A detailed overview of group,
installation, and other control surface setup parameters is found in “Creating Control
Surface Groups” on page 20.
The best way to learn about using control surfaces is to adopt a hands-on approach—
moving faders, turning knobs, and using the other controls on your device as you read
through the manual. This will help you to get a feel for how your control surface works,
and how the various parts of the control surface interact with Logic Express.
Control Surfaces Supported by Logic Express
Following is an alphabetical listing of control surfaces directly supported by
Logic Express. The list contains cross references to the relevant device-specific sections.
Note: It is possible that your device may be directly supported in Logic Express via one
or more downloadable support files. This is often a driver or plug-in (see “Control
Surface Plug-ins” on page 12) supplied by the manufacturer. Please check the
documentation/discs that came with the device, and the manufacturer’s website.
Follow any written instructions supplied with the files, if available.
Supported Devices Manufacturer Notes
01V96 Yamaha The Yamaha 01V96 emulates two HUI units, using
two virtual MIDI in and out connections over a
USB cable.
See “Yamaha 01V96” on page 211.
01X Yamaha The Yamaha 01X emulates a Mackie Control. It
does not feature all controls available to the
Mackie units, however. Please refer to the 01X
documentation for details.
Logic Express recognizes the 01X as an 01X, and
displays a custom icon, but communication is as
with a Mackie Control unit.
See “Mackie Control” on page 61.
02R96 Yamaha The Yamaha 02R96 emulates three HUI units,
using three virtual MIDI in and out connections
over a USB cable.
See “Yamaha 02R96” on page 219.
Baby HUI Mackie The Baby HUI is a stripped-down version of the
HUI. See “Mackie Baby HUI” on page 147.
Preface Introduction 9
Supported Devices Manufacturer Notes
C4 Mackie The Mackie C4 is directly supported.
See “Mackie C4” on page 151.
CS-32 MiniDesk JLCooper See “JLCooper CS-32 MiniDesk” on page 133.
DM1000 Yamaha The Yamaha DM1000 emulates two HUI units,
using two virtual MIDI in and out connections
over a USB cable.
See “Yamaha DM1000” on page 225.
DM2000 Yamaha The Yamaha DM2000 emulates three HUI units,
using three virtual MIDI in and out connections
over a USB cable.
See “Yamaha DM2000” on page 233.
FaderMaster 4/100 JLCooper See “JLCooper FaderMaster 4/100” on page 139.
FE-8 Tascam Extension unit for FW-1884. See “Tascam FW-
18 84 ” on page 189.
FW-1082 Tascam A stripped-down version of the FW-1884.
See “Tascam FW-1884” on page 189.
FW-1884 Tascam See “Tascam FW-1884” on page 189.
HUI Mackie Important: HUI support has been tested with the
original Mackie HUI. There are a number of
control surfaces—not mentioned here—which
can emulate the HUI. Not all devices capable of
HUI emulation have been tested. These are not
supported by Apple, nor are they guaranteed to
work with Logic Express in HUI emulation mode.
See “Mackie HUI” on page 165.
iControl M-Audio See “M-Audio iControl” on page 111.
KONTROL49 Korg A larger version of the microKONTROL. See “Korg
microKONTROL and KONTROL49” on page 141.
Logic Control XT Mackie/Emagic This is the extension unit for the Logic Control. It
only offers the channel strip section, making it
less useful without a Logic (or Mackie) Control.
See “Mackie Control” on page 61.
Also see the Appendix for more details.
Logic/Mackie Control Mackie/Emagic See “Mackie Control” on page 61.
Also see the Appendix for more details.
Mackie Control Mackie The original Mackie Control hardware is similar to
the Logic Control. The front panel legend is
different, however. You should request a Logic
Control Lexan Overlay from Mackie. As
Logic Express also recognizes the Mackie Control
protocol, you may use any firmware version. If
your unit has firmware version 1.02 or higher, you
can freely use either the Logic Control or Mackie
Control mode. See “Mackie Control” on page 61.
10 Preface Introduction
Supported Devices Manufacturer Notes
Mackie Control Extender Mackie Mackie-badged version of the Logic Control XT.
As Logic Express also recognizes the Mackie
Control protocol, you may use any firmware
version. If you have firmware version 1.02 or
higher, you can freely use either the Logic Control
or Mackie Control mode. See “Mackie Control” on
page 61.
Mackie Control Universal Mackie A Mackie Control with Logic Control silk
screening (legend) and firmware version 2.0 or
higher (including HUI emulation). As
Logic Express also recognizes the Mackie Control
protocol, you can freely use either the Logic
Control or Mackie Control mode. See “Mackie
Control” on page 61.
microKONTROL Korg See “Korg microKONTROL and KONTROL49” on
page 141.
Motormix CM Labs See “CM Labs Motormix” on page 121.
Radikal Technologies SAC-2.2 The SAC-2.2/2k’s native mode is directly
supported, but it can also emulate a Mackie
Control. You should use the native mode.
See “Radikal Technologies SAC-2K” on page 177.
Radikal Technologies SAC-2k See “Radikal Technologies SAC-2K” on page 177.
SI-24 Roland See “Roland SI-24” on page 183.
TranzPort Frontier Design Group See “Frontier Design TranzPort” on page 129.
US-224 Tascam A stripped-down version of the US-428.
See “Tascam US-428 and US-224” on page 207.
US-2400 Tascam Logic Express supports the US-2400’s native
mode. In contrast to its Mackie Control mode, all
controls, including the joystick, are supported.
See section “Tascam US-2400” on page 199.
US-428 Tascam See “Tascam US-428 and US-224” on page 207.
Preface Introduction 11
Control Surface Plug-ins
Supported control surfaces communicate with Logic Express via special plug-in files
that are installed along with Logic Express. The plug-in files are located in the /
Contents/MIDI Device Plug-ins sub-folder of the Logic Express application bundle. To
view the bundle contents, Control-click the Logic Express application icon, and choose
Show Package Contents from the menu. Logic Express also checks for (optional) control
surface plug-ins installed in the /Library/Application Support/Logic/MIDI Device Plugins and ~/Library/Application Support/Logic/MIDI Device Plug-ins (the “~” denotes your
user home directory) folders.
When new control surface plug-ins are released independently from a Logic Express
update (or supplied directly by the device manufacturer), please place them in the
folders mentioned above (or as advised in the documentation supplied with the plug-in).
About Software and Firmware
Most control surfaces depend on Logic Express for their functionality, and cannot be
operated if Logic Express is not running. They do not provide any additional
functionality that is not available in Logic Express itself. One advantage of this
approach is that as new functions are added to Logic Express, or as you create new
assignments, your control surface will be able to access and control them.
Most control surface units do include a form of software called firmware. Firmware is
similar to the low-level boot software found in your computer, cellular phone, iPod, and
so on.
New behaviors, such as improved control of motorized faders and changes to the
display, can be provided by firmware updates. You should periodically check the
manufacturer’s website for your device, to check for updates that may enhance use or
performance.
The firmware is usually stored on an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory) chip. It can often be updated via a simple MIDI dump procedure,
in the form of a MIDI file. Should new firmware become available, you can simply
download the appropriate MIDI file and play it (from Logic Express) to your control
surfaces, which will be updated accordingly. The steps required to perform a firmware
update will be outlined in the documentation that accompanies the MIDI file. Please
read this before attempting any update.
Note: Some control surfaces may require that you physically replace the chip for
firmware updates. Please contact the manufacturer of your device for details.
12 Preface Introduction
About This Guide
This document assumes that you are familiar with the basic use and terminology of
Logic Express. The functionality and uses of individual Logic Express parameters are not
covered. Please consult the Logic Express 8 User Manual if you require further information.
The next chapter, “Basic Control Surface Setup,” describes general setup procedures
that are common to all control surfaces. The following chapters provide information
about setting up and using specific devices. Please note that these chapters are limited
to describing Logic-specific functions, and are not intended to replace the
manufacturer supplied documentation for the device.
Preface Introduction 13
1 Basic Control Surface Setup
1
Regardless of the device, you first need to connect, add, and
configure your control surface for use with Logic Express.
This chapter describes aspects of the setup procedure, and preferences, that are
common to all control surfaces. Setup information for specific devices is covered in the
following chapters.
Important: Please read this chapter first, then read through the chapter that pertains
to your specific device.
Getting Started
To use one or more control surfaces with Logic Express, you will need:
 An installed, authorized copy of Logic Express.
 For USB or FireWire-equipped devices (such as a Yamaha 01X), a free USB or FireWire
port. Ideally, this should be a direct USB/FireWire connection with the computer,
rather than via a USB/FireWire hub. Please refer to the documentation provided by
the manufacturer of your control surface.
 For devices that are only equipped with MIDI ports (such as a Mackie Control), a MIDI
interface with free MIDI input and output ports for each device. As an example; if
using a MIDI interface with 8 MIDI input and 8 MIDI output ports—with one Mackie
Control and one Mackie Control XT unit—you will need to use two of the interface’s
MIDI in, and two of its MIDI out ports.
 An installed driver (if required by your control surface) that is supported by the
operating system version you are using.
Important: Your MIDI interface must feature driver software that supports SysEx
communication. Please consult the documentation that shipped with your MIDI
interface (or MIDI interface drivers).
15
The number of devices that can be used simultaneously depends on the number of
free ports of the appropriate type (USB, FireWire, or other) available on your system. In
a standard setup, you can use a single control surface—or one accompanied by one or
more expansion devices. You can also create control surface groups, as discussed in
“Creating Control Surface Groups” on page 20.
Using multiple control surfaces allows you to control more tracks/channels, effects, and
other parameters simultaneously. As an example, the Mackie Control XT devices are
basically identical to the channel strip section (fader, V-Pot, and LCD) of the main
Mackie Control unit. The Mackie C4 features a number of V-Pots, but no faders. You can
add as many XT, C4, or other control surface devices as you wish to your system,
provided that enough free MIDI in and out (or USB or other suitable) ports are
available.
Connecting Control Surfaces
Logic Express supports a variety of control surfaces that connect to your computer
using FireWire, USB, and other connection protocols. Be sure to check the type of
connection that your device features, and that it is supported by your computer. Before
connecting the device, read the installation instructions included with it, and install the
latest version of any appropriate firmware or driver software, if needed. For more
information, refer to the documentation that came with the device.
Connecting FireWire and USB Control Surfaces
If your control surface has a FireWire or USB port, you can connect it directly to your
computer, using a cable with the appropriate connectors. FireWire and USB devices
transmit and receive data through a single cable, if the device supports bi-directional
communication. The following diagram illustrates a typical setup using a FireWire or
USB cable:
FireWire/USB
Computer
It is recommended that you connect FireWire and USB devices directly to your
computer, rather than through a hub. Daisy-chaining devices can result in errors and
other problems, due to the amount of data being transmitted in real time.
cable
Control surface
16 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
Connecting Control Surfaces via Networking Ports
A handful of devices are connected via the network (LAN) ports of your Macintosh,
using a single, standard (CAT5) networking cable. Most devices connected in this way
also incorporate audio I/O, and digital audio converters, plus built-in MIDI ports—
making the addition of these peripherals a simple, single cable (and driver) installation.
As with FireWire and USB, it is recommended that such devices are directly connected
to the computer, rather than through a network hub or switch.
Connecting MIDI Control Surfaces
If your control surface has MIDI input and output ports, you can connect it to a MIDI
interface, and connect the MIDI interface to your computer. MIDI interfaces are typically
connected to your computer via the USB or FireWire connection protocols. MIDI uses
separate ports for input and output, and you must connect both the MIDI input and
output to use a MIDI control surface with Logic Express. The following diagram
illustrates a typical setup using MIDI input and output:
MIDI
interface
Computer
Out port In port
Out portIn port
Control surface
It is recommended that you do not “daisy-chain” other MIDI devices via MIDI thru to the
MIDI in or out ports used by control surfaces. Daisy-chaining can result in errors and
other problems, due to the amount of data being transmitted in real time.
Optional Footswitches and Pedals
Some control surfaces allow you to connect footswitches or pedals as additional
controllers. If your control surface features suitable connectors, you may connect
optional foot switches to remotely control playback and other functions. This frees your
hands for other controls, and can also be helpful when using guitars or other
instruments that require two-handed playing.
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 17
Powering Up
Once everything is connected, press the power switch on your control surface. Once
powered, the displays (such as an LCD, if your device has one) or LEDs are lit. Some
LCDs display a welcome message, which includes the firmware version number, during
power-up. On most control surfaces with motorized faders, each fader will slide to its
top position, then back to its bottom or center position. This self-diagnostic power-on
procedure indicates that your units are functioning correctly.
Generally, you can turn on your computer (and MIDI interface, if applicable) either
before or after you turn on the control surface, and open Logic Express either before or
after the control surface is powered up. Some devices, however, may require the
computer to be turned on before/after the device has initialized. Check the device
documentation, and manufacturer web site.
Adding Control Surfaces to Logic Express
Some control surfaces (such as the Mackie Control) are detected automatically when
you open Logic Express. You can add other devices that are not detected
automatically—in the Setup window. There are two ways to add a device: by scanning,
or by adding the device manually.
Installation is easy (and is covered in the Setup section of the chapter for your
particular device). Some devices may require different or additional steps, but generally,
all you need to do is select the devices that you want to use with Logic Express, using
one of the following procedures:
To add a control surface by scanning:
1 Open the Control Surfaces Setup window by choosing Logic Express > Preferences >
Control Surfaces > Setup.
2 In the Setup window, choose New > Install, and then select the device from the list.
Note: You may select more than one model by Command-clicking on multiple entries
in the list. If you select more than one model, Logic Express performs the desired
operation for each model, in turn.
3 Click the Scan button. You can also press Enter, or double-click on the device name to
initiate the scan.
Logic Express scans your system for connected devices, and automatically installs (and
connects to) those it finds.
4 When you are finished, close the window.
If you don’t want to select the models to be scanned, you can simply choose New >
Scan All in the Setup window: Logic Express searches for all supported control surface
units on all MIDI ports. Please be aware that this may take a while.
18 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
Some control surfaces don’t support automatic scanning. Such devices must be added
manually to your setup. When you add a device manually, you also need to assign the
appropriate MIDI In and Out port parameters.
Note: It is preferable to install devices by scanning, whenever possible. Logic Express is
able to gather more information about devices through scanning, than via manual
installation.
To add a control surface manually:
1 Open the Control Surfaces Setup window by choosing Logic Express > Preferences >
Control Surfaces > Setup.
2 In the Setup window, choose New > Install, and select the desired device from the list.
3 Click the Add button.
4 Close the Install window when you’ve finished.
If another control surface of the selected type already exists in your setup, a warning
dialog will ask you to confirm the addition of the new device.
You need to manually alter the MIDI In and Out port values—in the Device Parameter
box of the Setup window—to match those of the connected unit.
Rebuilding Defaults
You can re-initialize the support of all connected control surfaces by choosing
Logic Express > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Rebuild Defaults.
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 19
Creating Control Surface Groups
If you have multiple control surface units in your system, you can define how they
relate to each other, and create control surface groups. A control surface group consists
of multiple devices that you combine to create a single, unified virtual control surface.
You can create up to 20 control surface groups. Each group can consist of any number
of physical devices. The only limiting factor is the number of available MIDI in and out
ports (or USB/FireWire “MIDI” ports, if you are using a USB or FireWire control surface).
You can independently determine the default behavior of each device in a group. For
more information, see the Device Parameters (p. 23) section.
To create a control surface group:
1 Open the Control Surfaces Setup window by choosing Logic Express > Preferences >
Control Surfaces > Setup.
2 In the Setup window, drag the icons of the control surfaces you want to group, so that
they form a single horizontal row.
The order of the icons from left to right defines the order in which tracks and
parameters are arranged on the devices.
20 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
To use two control surfaces independently:
1 Open the Control Surfaces Setup window by choosing Logic Express > Preferences >
Control Surfaces > Setup.
2 In the Setup window, arrange the icons for the control surfaces in separate rows—that
is, one above the other.
Pictured below is an example with two Mackie Controls, three Mackie Control XTs, and
one HUI:
The top row, consisting of the Mackie Control #1, Mackie Control XT #1, and Mackie
Control XT #2 forms a single control surface group with 24 channels. Mackie Control #1
controls channels 1 to 8, XT #1 controls channels 9 to 16, and XT #2 handles channels
17 to 24.
In the second row, the Mackie Control #2 and Mackie Control XT #3 form a second
control surface group—controlling instruments (on channels 1 to 8) and auxes (on
channels 9 to 16).
In the third row, the HUI forms a single unit control surface group.
Each group has individual settings, such as Flip Mode, Display Mode, Plug-in Parameter
Bank Offset and others. This allows you to access, edit, and automate different sections
of the Logic Express Mixer.
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 21
In our example, the three units in the top row could be used to control audio tracks
and MIDI channels. In the second row, Mackie Control #2 could be used for instrument
channels 1 to 8, and XT #3 could be used for aux channels. The HUI could be used to
edit group definitions. The physical placement of units, and the way you use them, is
completely flexible.
Note: In most situations, the placement of your control surface units in relation to each
other should be the same on screen as in the real world. Simply position the icons in
your control surface group accordingly.
Once you have created a control surface group, you can configure it in the Setup
window. For more information, see “Control Surface Group Parameters” on page 24.
Follow Control Surface Group
The View Menu in the Mixer window contains a Follow Control Surface Group option.
When enabled, this will update the Mixer window to reflect the active control surface
group.
Following the example above, pressing the track/channel select 2 button of Mackie
Control #2 (in the second row/control surface group), would update the Logic Express
Mixer to show Instrument channels 1 to 8, and eight Aux channels. Pressing a Select
button on any of the units in the top row/group would update the Mixer to show audio
channels 1 to 24.
22 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
Configuring Your Control Surface Setup
The left side of the Setup window contains two or three parameter boxes: Device
parameters, Special parameters (if your connected device supports them), and Control
Surface Group parameters. You can configure your control surface setup to meet your
needs by editing the parameters in these boxes.
Device Parameters
The Device Parameter box contains the following parameters:
 Out Port: Choose the MIDI output port from the pop-up menu.
 Input: Choose the MIDI input port from the pop-up menu.
 Module: Shows the name of the control surface.
 Model: Shows the model name of the control surface.
 Version: Shows the firmware version for some control surfaces.
 Color: Click to choose the color that indicates which tracks are being controlled by
this control surface. In the Arrange window, the tracks controlled by this device are
colored along the left edge of the track list (if the track control bars are displayed).
Each control surface must be connected to an independent MIDI in and out port (or
corresponding USB/FireWire port, designated as a MIDI port by the device driver).
When the device is added, the automatic setup or scan procedure sets the appropriate
MIDI input and output port settings for the device. If the MIDI port settings are
incorrect, you can manually choose them from the Input and Out port pop-up menus.
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 23
Special Parameters
Some control surfaces (such as the Mackie Control) allow you to define “special”
parameters such as fader touch sensitivity. When a device that offers special
parameters is connected, the Special Parameters box appears on the left side of the
Setup window. For more information about supported special parameters, refer to the
documentation for the specific device.
Control Surface Group Parameters
If you have created one or more control surface groups, you can configure group
parameters in the Control Surface Group Parameter box. These parameters apply to the
group associated with the selected device, and allow you to set up each group to meet
your needs. This is especially helpful when you have multiple control surface groups.
Many (if not all) control surface group parameters can also be changed directly from
the control surface, as well as from the Setup window.
If you have created multiple control surface groups, the Control Surface Group Parameter
box shows the settings for the group that is currently selected in the Setup window.
The Control Surface Group Parameter box contains the following parameters:
Display Parameters
The parameters at the top of the box allow you control over aspects of the device
displays.
 Flip Mode: Choose the functions for the faders and rotary encoders of the channel
strips on the device. For control surfaces that contain a fader and a rotary encoder for
each channel strip, Flip Mode allows you to assign both controls to the same
parameter, or swap their assignments. The choices are:
 Off: Standard mode, with the fader acting as a volume control.
 Duplicate: Assigns both the fader and encoder to the currently selected encoder
parameter.
 Swap: Switches the fader and encoder assignments, making the fader a pan
control and the encoder a channel volume control, for example.
 Mute: Disables the fader. This is useful when recording in the same room as the
control surface, and you wish to avoid the mechanical noise of the faders. Any
existing automation still functions normally.
 Display Mode: Click to limit the device display to only the name, or only the value, of
the current parameter. This is helpful if there is insufficient space for the display of
both the parameter name and value.
 Clock Display: If your control surface features a position display, this parameter allows
you to determine how the playhead position is represented: Click to switch between
Beats (musical values) or SMPTE (absolute time values).
Note: The elements (and positions) displayed depend on the selected SMPTE or bar/
beat display option defined in the Logic Express Preferences.
24 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
 Channel Strip View Mode:
 Arrange: The channel strips on the device correspond to Logic Express channel
strips as they appear in the Mixer window. The layout of channel strips matches
the way tracks are laid out in the Arrange window. Channel strip 1 in the Mixer
window is equivalent to channel 1 on the control surface, channel strip 2 in the
Mixer is equivalent to channel 2, and so on. Instruments/channels used by multiple
tracks are merged into one channel. This is the default mode of most devices,
including the Mackie Control.
 All: The channel strips on the device correspond to Logic Express channel strips of
certain types, such as MIDI or aux channels, independent of their use in tracks.
Control surfaces that support this view mode generally allow you to define which
channel types you want to display. The Mixer window contents automatically
follow the state of the control surface, provided that the View > Follow Control
Surface option is enabled in the Mixer window).
 Tracks: Similar to Arrange view mode, but individual channel strips are shown
when multiple Arrange tracks address the same channel. Typically, an instrument
channel, with several tracks routed to it.
 Single: This mode shows a single channel (and its routing to auxes and so on). You
can determine which parameters the channel strip controllers (on the control
surface) will edit.
Note: Keep in mind that the view mode is a property of the control surface group,
not a global setting. One group can display busses, while the other shows tracks, for
example.
 Fader Bank for Tracks View: Drag vertically, or enter an integer value to offset which
tracks are controlled by the channel strips of the device in Tracks view. As an
example, if your device has eight channel strips, these might normally be assigned to
audio channel strips 1–8 in Logic Express. If you set this parameter to 2, the device
channel strips would control Logic Express Mixer channel strips 3–10 (1 + 2 = 3).
 Fader Bank for All View: Drag vertically, or enter an integer value to offset which
Logic Express channel strips are controlled by the device in All view. This parameter is
only available when multiple channel strip types are displayed in the Mixer. When
single channel strip types are displayed, there are separate fader bank parameters
(these aren’t displayed in the parameter list).
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 25
 Channel Strip Parameter: Choose which function is controlled by the channel strip
encoders on the device. The choices are:
 Volume: Encoders adjust channel volume.
 Pan: Encoders adjust channel panorama position.
 Format: Encoders adjust/select channel format.
 Input: Encoders adjust/select channel input source.
 Output: Encoders adjust/select channel output (main outs/auxes).
 Automation: Encoders adjust/select channel automation mode.
 Group: Encoders adjust group membership of the track. Editing the parameter
allows you to set either “no group” or a single group. Enabling membership of
multiple groups is not possible (this can only be done directly in the Logic Express
Mixer).
 Displayed Par.: Encoders adjust the automation parameter selected in the Arrange
window. This is especially useful if you set the control surface to Arrange View
mode, and your Arrange window shows multiple sub-tracks with various
parameters.
 EQ Band: Sets the current EQ band, so that you can edit a particular Channel EQ
parameter for all tracks in the EQ Multi Channel view.
 EQ Parameter pop-up menu: Choose which parameter of the selected EQ band is
controlled by the encoders in EQ Multi Channel view. The choices are:
 Frequency: Encoders adjust the frequency of the selected band.
 Gain: Encoders adjust the gain of the selected band. For the Low Cut (band 1) and
High Cut (band 8) bands of the Channel EQ, this parameter controls the slope.
 Q: Encoders adjust the Q factor of the selected band.
 On/Off: Encoders bypass the selected EQ band.
 EQ Parameter Page: Sets the EQ parameter displayed in EQ Channel Strip view.
The Channel EQ features 8 bands per audio channel, with each band offering four
parameters. All of these parameters can be accessed with your control surface.
If your control surface does not display all EQ parameters at once, you can view them
by stepping through the parameter “pages” in sequence. As an example, if your
control surface has eight channel strips, you can directly control parameters 1 to 8
with knobs or sliders 1 to 8 when you switch to EQ Channel Strip Edit view. You then
need to switch by a page to access parameters 9 to 16.
26 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
Send and Plug-in Parameters
The parameters in the middle of the Control Surface Group Parameter box enable you
to control different operational aspects when working with send and plug-in
parameters.
 Send Slot: Sets the currently selected Send slot. The default is 1, which sets the first
(top) Send on each channel as the Send slot. A value of 2 sets the second send as the
Send slot, a value of 3, the third Send slot, and so on.
 Send Parameter pop-up menu: Choose the send parameter controlled by the
encoders when in the Send Multi Channel view. The choices are:
 Destination: Encoder is used to determine the bus channel number for the Send
slot.
 Level: Encoder is used to adjust the send level.
 Position: Encoders set Pre, Post, or Post Pan fader modes.
 Mute: Encoders mute/unmute the selected Send slot.
 Send Parameter Page: Sets the current page for the send parameters. Up to 32
parameters are available in Send Channel Strip view for a given channel (Eight Send
slots multiplied by the four parameters listed above).
 Split: no. of upper parameters: Sets the number of encoders that belong to Split
Upper, for control surfaces that support split mode. The remaining encoders belong
to Split Lower. A value of 0 means that Split Mode is off—all encoders are assigned
to the Split Upper area.
Control surfaces that support split mode allow the display of two separate parameter
sections within one plug-in (or even different plug-ins). They are called Split Upper
and Split Lower.
 Instrument Parameter Page: Determines which parameter is assigned to the left-most
encoder when editing a software instrument. The next instrument parameter is
assigned to encoder 2, and so on. This applies to Split Upper when split mode is
enabled.
 Inst Parameter Page (Split Lower): Sets the parameter that is assigned to the left-most
encoder of Split Lower when editing a software instrument (when split mode is
enabled). The next instrument parameter is assigned to encoder 2, and so on.
 Insert Slot: Sets the current Insert slot number, both for selecting a plug-in (in Plug-in
Channel Strip view) and for editing the plug-in’s parameters. The default is 1, which
sets the first (top) plug-in slot on each channel as the Insert slot. A value of 2 sets the
second plug-in slot as the Insert slot, and so on. When split mode is enabled, this
applies to Split Upper.
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 27
 Insert Slot (Split Lower): Sets the current Insert slot number for Split Lower when
selecting or editing a plug-in (when split mode is enabled).
 Plug-in Parameter Page: Defines which parameter is assigned to the left-most
encoder when editing a plug-in. The next plug-in parameter is assigned to encoder
2, and so on. This applies to Split Upper when split mode is enabled.
Note: The plug-in and instrument page parameters are kept separate, as this allows
you to quickly switch between editing an instrument and an effect plug-in on a
channel, without having to adjust the parameter page every time.
 Plug-in Param Page (Split Lower): Defines which parameter is assigned to the left-
most encoder of Split Lower when editing a plug-in (with split mode enabled). The
next plug-in parameter is assigned to encoder 2, and so on.
 Track: Defines which track is displayed for Channel Strip views. When split mode is
enabled, this applies to Split Upper.
 Track (Split Lower): Sets which track is displayed (in the Split Lower section of the
control surface) for Channel Strip Views, when split mode is enabled.
 Track Lock: Determines how the control surface responds when a track is selected in
Logic Express (in essence, this remotely affects the Track and Track (Split Lower)
parameters). When set to On, the control surface group continues to display the
same track, independent of the currently selected track in Logic Express. When set to
Off, the control surface group automatically switches to the selected track, whenever
a track is selected in Logic Express.
Other Parameters
The parameters at the bottom of the Control Surface Group Parameter box let you set
the Track Name Format, Parameter Page Shift Mode, Relative Change Mode, Mix Group,
and Group Parameter Page parameters.
 Track Name Format: Determines whether the track name display only shows the
track name, or the track name and number.
 Parameter Page Shift Mode: Determines whether the parameter is shifted by one
page or by one parameter.
 Relative Change Mode pop-up menu: Choose the mode for controller assignments
that support a relative value change mode (rotary encoders, for example). The
choices are:
 Coarse: The parameter is adjusted in coarse steps.
 Full: Turning the encoder to the right sets the maximum value. Turning it to the left
sets the minimum value. The encoder also stops at its default value. As an example,
when the Pan knob is left of center, turning the encoder to the right initially sets
the Pan parameter to center (its default value). A further turn to the right sets the
Pan to full right (its maximum value).
28 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
 Fine: The parameter is incremented or decremented in fine steps—by one tick or
other unit. In this mode, the highest possible resolution is used. As an example;
when editing the Sample Delay plug-in’s Delay parameter: every encoder tick
increases or decreases the value by 1 sample, regardless of the resolution value.
 Mix Group value: Determines which group is edited when in Group Edit mode.
 Group Parameter Page: Defines which parameter of the edited group is assigned to
the left-most encoder.
How Control Surface Group Parameters Are Saved
Any changes to settings (in the Setup window or from the device) are saved in a
preferences file, named “com.apple.logic.express.cs”, located in ~/Library/Preferences/
Logic. This file is saved independently from the Logic Express Preferences file.
Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup 29
Setting Control Surface Preferences
Various settings that affect the on screen appearance and performance of control
surfaces can be made in the Logic Express > Preferences > Control Surfaces tabs.
To open the Control Surfaces preferences:
m Choose Logic Express > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Preferences (or use the Open
Control Surfaces Preferences key command).
To temporarily disable your control surfaces:
m Choose Logic Express > Preferences > Control Surfaces > Bypass all Control Surfaces.
This command is useful for silencing motorized control surface faders when recording
in the same room. It is also handy when troubleshooting MIDI data errors, or to reduce
MIDI bandwidth requirements.
General Preferences
General control surface preferences include; resolution of relative controls, maximum
MIDI bandwidth, and other functions.
 Resolution of Relative Controls slider: Sets the resolution of controls that change
values in a relative manner. The default resolution is 128 steps. Choose a higher
resolution value to divide the range into finer increments.
 Maximum MIDI Band Width slider: Drag to set the maximum amount of MIDI
bandwidth that your control surface can use. This is set to a default of 50%, which
should be suitable for most situations. You can adjust the value if you find that your
MIDI or automation playback is being affected.
 Touching fader selects track checkbox: When active, touching a fader on the control
surface selects the track which corresponds to the fader. The device must feature
touch-sensitive faders for this functionality to work.
 Control surface follows track selection: When active, selection of a track in the Arrange
window automatically selects the corresponding track/channel on the control
surface.
30 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup
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