How to program midi controller in garageband

For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Messages 6, Ok, maybe somone here has gone through this before. I am using this controller to lay down a sick organ track via a "B-3" virtual instrument track. Messages 15, So if you send a CC 7 message from your controller range as you move the fader sending that CC it will make the volume of the selected track go up and down.

Less than half of the numbers are defined IIRC. The others were left undefined so manufacturers could make devices do other things for those numbers. Now, your controller sends CC s. However, it may not be set up from the factory to send CC 7 on the first fader for example. So you have two options when a situation like this comes up, and those are basically change the value of the fader on the controller so it sends CC 7, or change something in the software so that whatever number does come in when you move that fader, it "interprets" it as CC 7.

Usually, controller keyboards just use some random consecutive numbers - so for example, if you have 8 faders, they'll send CC 21, 22, 23, etc. And the knobs may send CC 41, 42, 43, etc. In this situation, it's expected that you're going to use the software to "re-map" the incoming values 21, 22, 23 to be 7 on a channel per channel basis.

The other option is to change the Controller's preset so it sends 7 from the fader that was previously sending This sometimes can be done on the device itself usually a nightmare or more commonly you get some software with the device or can download it from Akai that lets you edit all the knobs, faders, buttons, etc.

What values you can assign depends on what the manufacturer build in - for example, a lot of times the only thing you can put on Keys is Note On and Note Off messages. Sometimes, the same is true for Pads. Sometimes you can't assign "continuous" CC s to a button which only has two states.

You probably wouldn't want to assign CC 7 to a button because it's either on, or off, and can send only two values. It'd be great if you wanted a "rhythm" and "lead" volume and your editor allowed you to set the values at 72 and or something.

But sometimes they won't even allow you to set those kind of CC s to that control - totally depends on the device and what the manufacturer builds in. Now, Logic has a "learn" feature and basically you pick a parameter and put it in "learn" or "listen" mode and move the control you want.

So, say, turning the delay on or off on a Virtual Instrument might be CC 12, but you don't know that because I don't know that Apple publishes that stuff. But, when you move the control and its in this learn mode, what it does is "hear" the CC of whatever control you moved coming in let's say 54 and it converts that to whatever number the parameter is So you really don't need to know the number on the sending or the receiving end!

Logic does this, but I'm not sure if GB does. With all that said, having a MIDI keyboard is essential in my honest opinion, especially if you want to play more harmonically complex chords and progressions. Additionally, only having at your disposal a few keys is no good if you want more range and dynamics in your compositions. YouTube Video Tutorial. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

BPM Skills is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Nick Webster Updated January 6, Compact Pick. Arturia Minilab Mk2. Our Pick. Akai Mpk Mini Mk2. Best Key. Akai Mpk Table of Contents. Check Price on Amazon. Pros Great value for money Portable Packed with features for beginners and advanced users Comes shipped with free synthesizer software. Cons Only 25 keys Compact unit, some users may prefer more keys and fewer pads Plastic construction.

Pros High quality and low price Slim and compact built 8 drum pads, 2 banks 2 touch-sensitive strips for the mod wheel and pitch control. Cons Only 25 keys No Midi in and out ports No external power input.

Cons Price this is not a budget controller Additional midi mapping can take some time to learn. Pros Cheap price and great value Great for beginners on a budget 49 full-size playable keys Software bundle, including Ableton Lite. Cons No assignable faders, knobs, or pads Spring action keys Keys lack sensitivity and responsiveness when playing advanced chords. Cons Lacks some of the features and functions of the more expensive 49 keyboard models No rotary encoders No LCD display.

About the author. Nick Webster.