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• 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. For example, if you’re
using a MIDI interface with 8 MIDI input ports 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 ports, and two of its MIDI Out ports.
• An installed driver (if required by your control surface) that is supported by the operating
system you are using on your computer
Important: Your MIDI interface must feature driver software that supports SysEx
communication. Consult the documentation that shipped with your MIDI interface (or
MIDI interface drivers).
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 described in Creating
Control Surface Groups.
Using multiple control surfaces allows you to control more tracks and channels, effects,
and other parameters simultaneously. For 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.
12 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup