How to set up control surfaces

Set up external control surfaces in Logic Pro to enhance your mixing and production workflow. Get hands-on control over your DAW.

File Management · advanced level

Steps

  1. Open Control Surface Setup

    Go to 'Logic Pro > Settings > Control Surfaces > Setup...' This opens the Control Surface Setup window where you can add and configure your external hardware controllers.

  2. Add a New Control Surface

    In the Control Surface Setup window, click the 'New' button or select 'Control Surface > New > Install...' and choose your specific control surface model from the list. If not listed, try 'Mackie Control' or 'Generic MIDI device'.

  3. Configure MIDI Input and Output

    Once added, select your control surface in the Setup window. In the 'Device Settings' area, ensure the correct MIDI Input Port and Output Port are selected, corresponding to how your hardware is connected to your computer.

  4. Assign Controls (for Generic Devices)

    For generic MIDI devices or if automatic assignment isn't sufficient, select the control surface and click 'Control Surface > Learn Assignment'. Then, touch a physical knob/fader on your hardware and click the corresponding parameter in Logic Pro to link them.

More Logic Pro tutorials