Using interface knobs to control Logic

[Fendrix]

Hi All,

I was wondering if it would be possible to map the knobs on my SSL 2+ interface to control the faders in Logic. Doing the automation manually with the mouse is a nightmare and I cannot afford a proper midi controller at this time.

If this is doable how do you map the potenciometers to the faders for automation?

Thanks

[Synth Master Jedi]

I don't know the answer to your question about the SSL interface, but I do know one thing that might help, if you happen to have an iPad.

It's not the same as having proper faders of course, but the Logic Remote app which is free, works rather well, and it would surely be way better than using a mouse, if you don't get along with mice.

If you don't have an iPad, then you could forget my suggestion of course, but if you did happen to have one, then it would certainly be a good temporary stand-in for a hardware controller, should you choose to get that in the future.

[apoclypse]

Hi All,

I was wondering if it would be possible to map the knobs on my SSL 2+ interface to control the faders in Logic. Doing the automation manually with the mouse is a nightmare and I cannot afford a proper midi controller at this time.

If this is doable how do you map the potenciometers to the faders for automation?

Thanks

That depends on whether those knobs are midi enabled or not. If they are sending CC messages then you should be able to map them to whatever you like. Thought to me it wouldn't make sense that they would do this on an audio interface. If you want to control faders etc why not get something like a faderport.

[Synth Master Jedi]

If you want to control faders etc why not get something like a faderport.

They said that they couldn't afford a proper hardware controller right now, which is why I suggested the iPad alternative, if they happened to have one lying around. iPads aren't uncommon. Even an older one would work just fine for this purpose.

[emasters]

There's are a few ways to accomplish this. If SSL (the company) provides a Luna script of supports a standard protocol (like Mackie), you can use it as a control surface by installing the script (I do this with my Behringer XTouch-One and it works great). Alternatively, you can use the MIDI CC data to connect up to Logic's Smart Controls (per track) - this is great for controlling specific effect and soft-synth parameters. Logic also has a special mechanism called Automation Quick Access - which might be the best alternative if you want to write Automation data form a MIDI CC controller - quick to setup and easy to use. Or if you're controlling soft-synth parameters directly, just route the MIDI CC data directly to the synth. I do all these things, and have no issues.

If you go the iPad route, Logic Remote (free) is a very useful all. You get the advantage of multi-touch faders, plus many of the Logic features available for control from the iPad. It's a great app and well worth the time to learn. That said, it's not the same when it comes to writing automation data (like the XTouch-One, with a 100 mm touch fader). If I'm writing automation data for a single track, Automation Quick Access on the XTouch-One is the way to go. If I'm mixing with multiple channels, Logic Remote on the iPad is the way to go.

Apple has a dedicated guide on connecting to external Control Surfaces (find it on Apple's Logic support page). And in the User Guide, there's chapters on Automation, Smart Controls and Control Surfaces - well worth a read for what you want to do. And of course, many YouTube video tutorials will help. And check out Automation Quick Access in the Automation section (external Controllers at the end).

Good luck!

[Tj Shredder]

Just by looking at a picture of the SSL2+ I would say no. They have a dedicated function for the interface.
A Korg nanoKontrol is cheap and small, you might even get one for the price of a burger used…
Its proper enough and definitely more proper than two pots for that purpose…