9

You can use hardware control surfaces to control and automate transport, mixing,
recording, and other tasks in Logic Express.
All Logic mixer controls, such as level and pan, can be adjusted onscreen—using your
mouse and computer keyboard. This is not, however, an ideal method for precise real-time
control. You can enhance your creative flow and achieve greater flexibility and precision
by connecting a hardware control surface to your computer.
Control surfaces are ideal for creating a dynamic live (on-stage) performance when used
with a portable computer, MIDI keyboard, and audio and MIDI interfaces. In the studio,
you can record control surface automation (even when Logic is not in record mode).
Track automation appears in Logic’s Arrange window and in the Piano Roll Editor.
When you move a fader on the control surface, the corresponding fader in Logic’s Mixer
moves with it. EQ or other parameters can be altered by turning rotary knobs on the
control surface, with assigned parameters updating instantly in Logic.
As communication between Logic and your control surface is bidirectional, adjustments
to parameters onscreen are immediately reflected by the corresponding control on the
control surface.
This preface covers the following:
• What Are Control Surfaces? (p. 7)
• About the Logic Express Documentation (p. 8)
• Additional Resources (p. 8)
What Are Control Surfaces?
Control surfaces are hardware devices that feature a variety of controls, which can include
faders, rotary knobs, buttons, and displays. Control surfaces typically allow you to select
parameters for editing, or to select particular tracks/channel strips or banks (of channel
strips). Many also offer a Jog Wheel, which allows you to move the playhead precisely,
transport buttons, such as Play, Rewind, and so on, and other controls.
7
An Introduction to Control
Surfaces
Preface