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About Control Surface Plug-ins
Supported control surfaces communicate with Logic Pro via special plug-in files that are
installed along with Logic Pro. The plug-in files are located in the /Contents/MIDI Device
Plug-ins subfolder of the Logic Pro application bundle. To view the bundle contents,
Control-click the Logic Pro application icon, and choose Show Package Contents from
the shortcut menu. Logic Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro for their functionality, and cannot be operated
if Logic Pro is not running. They do not provide any additional functionality that is not
available in Logic Pro itself. One advantage of this approach is that as new functions are
added to Logic Pro, 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 Pro) 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