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About Control Surface Plug-ins
Supported control surfaces communicate with Logic Express via special plug-in files that
are installed along with Logic Express. The plug-in files are located in the /Contents/MIDI
Device Plug-ins subfolder of the Logic Express application bundle. To view the bundle
contents, Control-click the Logic Express application icon, and choose Show Package
Contents from the shortcut menu. Logic Express also checks for control surface plug-ins
installed in the (optional) /Library/Application Support/MIDI Device Plug-ins and
~/Library/Application Support/MIDI Device Plug-ins (the “~” denotes your user home
directory) folders.
When new control surface plug-ins are released independently of a Logic Express update
(or supplied directly by the device manufacturer), place them in the folders described
above (or as advised in the documentation supplied with the plug-in).
About Software and Firmware
Most control surfaces depend on Logic Express for their functionality, and cannot be
operated if Logic Express is not running. They do not provide any additional functionality
that is not available in Logic Express itself. One advantage of this approach is that as new
functions are added to Logic Express, or as you create new assignments, your control
surface will be able to access and control them.
Most control surface units do include a form of software called firmware. Firmware is
similar to the low-level boot software found in your computer, mobile phone, iPod, and
so on.
New behaviors, such as improved control of motorized faders and changes to the display,
can be provided by firmware updates. You should periodically check the manufacturer’s
website for your device, to check for updates that may enhance use or performance.
The firmware is usually stored on an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory) chip. It can often be updated via a simple MIDI dump procedure, in
the form of a MIDI file. Should new firmware become available, you can simply download
the appropriate MIDI file and play it (from Logic Express) to your control surfaces, which
will be updated accordingly. The steps required to perform a firmware update will be
outlined in the documentation that accompanies the MIDI file. Read this before attempting
any update.
Note: Some control surfaces may require that you physically replace the chip for firmware
updates. Contact the manufacturer of your device for details.
35Chapter 1 Basic Control Surface Setup