8

8 Preface Introduction
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.