9

Connecting MIDI Control Surfaces
If your control surface has MIDI input and output ports, you can connect it to a MIDI
interface, and connect the MIDI interface to your computer. MIDI interfaces are typically
connected to your computer via the USB or FireWire connection protocols. MIDI uses
separate ports for input and output, and you must connect both the MIDI input and
output to use the device with Logic Express. The following diagram illustrates a typical
setup using MIDI input and output:
Computer
MIDI
interface
Out port In port
Out portIn port
Control surface
It is recommended that you do not daisy-chain other MIDI devices via MIDI through to
the MIDI In or Out ports used by control surfaces. Daisy-chaining can result in errors and
other problems, due to the amount of data transmitted in real time.
Optional Footswitches and Pedals
Some control surfaces allow you to connect footswitches or pedals as additional controllers.
If your control surface features suitable connectors, you can connect optional footswitches
to remotely control playback and other functions. This frees your hands for other controls,
and can also be helpful when using guitars or other instruments that require two-handed
playing.
Powering Up
Once everything is connected, press the power switch on your control surface. Once
powered, the displays (such as an LCD, if your device has one) or LEDs are lit. Some LCDs
display a welcome message, which includes the firmware version number. On most control
surfaces with motorized faders, each fader will slide to its top position, then back to its
bottom or center position. This self-diagnostic power-on procedure indicates that your
units are functioning correctly.
Generally, you can turn on your computer (and MIDI interface, if applicable) either before
or after you turn on the control surface, and open Logic Express either before or after the
control surface is powered up. Some devices, however, may require the computer to be
turned on before or after the device has initialized. Check the device documentation, and
manufacturer website.
14 Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup