This video answered 100 % my question which is exactly I wrote in youtube search bar that 'automation midi controleller in logic' and boom! There you go! Thank you thank you thank you!
I like the idea of writing automation using a controller and having a physical connection to the data, but in practice I rarely find I can play what I want better than I can draw it. Over the years I have got super-fast at writing automation data with a mouse and now you can copy-and-paste automation data and use the marque tool to create nodes, it's really efficient.
Thank you. Really nicely explained. Apple should add a tool called convert dots to curves, something that just smooths out all those separate dots to maintain the same shape as simply curved lines.
Man this looks so much easier than I thought it would be. I picked up an mpk mini as my first midi/DAW controller and everything about it has been a nightmare to to set up. I haven’t even been able to properly assign controls through their stupid app so thank god this one can be assigned through Logic! Anyways, thanks for the clear and concise video!
It can be daunting and there are several different ways to approach assignments in Logic. This video goes a little more in depth if you are looking to assign multiple parameters. Setting Up a MIDI Controller in Logic Pro X ua-cam.com/video/RtIWSGT4U8U/v-deo.html
The problem with this is that whenever you want to change the automation from lets say half of the mesasure that has already some automation recorded, than you never know unles you have motorized fader, in what position of fader you should start recording. It means that you touche the fader and it can JUMP to high volume or LOW and the PC goes crazy. I never understund how others do around this.
Yeah that is a great question. Personally, my axiom pro has several knobs/faders that will pickup at whatever level they’re getting from Logic (as opposed to 0). So I haven’t had that issue but I could absolutely see how that would be frustrating.
Then what about midi cc automation for modulation and expression for midi notes in logic? Is that possible to write write midi cc automation with midi fades ??
As I understand it midi cc isn’t assignable in the same way. A lot of keyboards and controllers have preprogrammed cc functions (mod wheel, sustain pedal) sending information to Logic. So it depends on what you’re using as a controller. My axiom pro has assignments for modulation, expression and sustain built in. If you set the region automation to “write” those controls will write automation without any assignments from Logic, just plug and play. Also on some controllers you can access cc assignments through the onboard menu. That’s a long way of saying it’s something you need to access through your controller, not Logic, as I understand it.
Great question. Modulation, expression, sustain etc are MIDI CCs and are not considered “parameters” by Logic. You can’t assign them because your MIDI controller most likely already has CC assignments from the factory. Check your manual. There may already be assigned modulation and expression. If not some keyboards allow you to assign the CC numbers to your buttons. Long story short it’s an input issue from your controller not a logic issue.
@@SojournerTracks that’s what I thought might be happening. I’m using Arturia key lap 49 and it has a logic DAW preset that I have activated. I filmed a video and sent to they’re team. It’s is possible to map specifically logic’s expression under the piano roll to a slider or fader or mod wheel though correct?
You can assign MIDI CCs but you have to do it on your keyboard. Its not a Logic thing. Check out page 16. You can manage the CC assignments and set them to your own preferences. (Expression is CC#11). Expression most likely already has an assigned control just like the mod and pitch wheel. downloads.arturia.com/products/keylab-essential-49/manual/keylab-essential_Manual_1_0_0_EN.pdf
Yo this did not work at all for me. I'm using a Akai MPK mini. Trying to control the LFO rate on serum. I did what you said and it won't catch the automation when I latch it. Works fine on my mouse but not when I turn the knob on the Akai. Any suggestions?
Hey man, thanks for the video. Maybe you can help on this one - I have assigned multiple parameters from soft synths to a Midi controller (to automate), however when I try and automate multiple channels at once, it only allows me to automate the selected channel I am in. Is there a setting to rectify this?
So if I understand correctly you have multiple tracks that you are trying to manipulate different parameters on all at once? You might be looking at a group editing scenario. This video shows you how to group tracks for editing so that automation will appear on multiple tracks at once ua-cam.com/video/QOczfgVy2J8/v-deo.html
@@SojournerTracks Thanks for your response dude. It seems your video is grouping, whereas I meant having multiple knobs (on MIDI controller) assigned to different synths in multiple channels. My issue is that whatever channel I am on, that is the only channel I can control with automation. I want to automate multiple synths at the same time with different paremeters.
I think you still may need to group the channels in order to control automation in one pass. I’ll have to test it out. You’re not the first person with this question.
Essentially yes. MIDI automation does have it’s own editor but it you can access it in the arrangement window as well ua-cam.com/video/hpv89wAk_0Q/v-deo.html
Thanks for the video - very clear! I got it to work pretty quickly, but I am actually trying to automate 2 parameters in a track at the same time using different MIDI CCs. The reason - I want to control the Atmos Front/Back pan and LEFT/RIGHT pan at the same time, using two different controllers. Even better, I would like to use the joystick from my KORG controller (each axis sends a diff CC message) to allow me to move an Atmos object around the user. I tried repeating the sequence for a different parameter, but that seems to erase the assignment I had just made prior. Any thoughts?? Thanks! p.s. I'm new to Logic, so still learning some of the concepts. I also use Studio One.
Thanks for watching and great question! If I understand correctly you want to use multiple controls to simultaneously write automation for multiple parameters? I think that probably doable but have never tired it. My guess is that you could use the controller assign features to set your joystick to respond specifically to the atmos parameters you want. I know that would enable you to control the parameters simultaneously, however I’m not sure how that would relate to drawing automation. I’m not sure. Perhaps mess with the different modes: latch vs write? Sorry that’s not a very helpful answer.
@@SojournerTracks Thanks for the reply! I am actually not that interested in recording the resulting automation, but want to have realtime control of Atmos parameters through a physical device such as an X-Y Joystick. I've been able to do that in one axis (e.g., left/right _or_ front/back) but I haven't been able to assign two controllers - e.g., MIDI CC 85 to Left/Right and MIDI CC 86 to Front/Back. Does that make sense? I'll keep experimenting and if I find a way to do it, I'll post here.
So there could certainly be better solutions to this but after digging around and doing my own experimentation here’s what I’ve found: Since MIDI CCs like modulation and expression are universal, (#CC01 and #CC11 ),they’re not considered “parameters” by Logic as far as controller assignments go. You need to work backwards from your controller itself. Most of these have preprogrammed CCs (a modulation wheel is a perfect example but if you look in the manual, many CCs are already mapped). On my axiom 49 I got into the UI and was able to assign the different faders and knobs custom CC #s. Turns out this may be more of a controller function than a Logic one. Hope that helps!
Hi - I added a comment on your other video about assigning sustain - and someone had asked about assigning modulation and expression, and I followed your instructions on how to assign, change to region -- I saw the modulation automation being written when I recorded it on the track -- but it didn't effect the sound. The only effect I was able to get was to automate volume fader with a fader on my controller. Any suggestions on how to add modulation expression to, say a flute or clarinet from the Logic orchestral samples? Like how with studio strings and horns you can use the mod wheel to play and record modulation at the same time? Also - not sure why I see automation being written as I mentioned - but not hearing it applied. Thanks.
I will have to look into that a little deeper. Do you hear the modulation and expression as you record it? Does anything happen if you change the mode from “touch” or “write” to “read”?
@@SojournerTracks Hey - thank you for responding! I'm afraid I am not going to be home for a few days to check out latch/touch - but no, I heard no differences - but I could see the automation for both modulation and expression. but I will try again on Monday. much appreciated.
Hey - I dropped off the earth for a month but am back. haha. I'm still having issues with being able to assign my Oxygen61 (not pro, older version) to be able to record expression and modulation while I'm playing. Though, I also still am not able to get it record automation after I record a track too. but being able to play orchestral instruments and control expression and modulation while playing/recroding is what I'm hoping for. I have assigned the faders on my controller in logic - but they only control volume. when I go into automation on piano roll I can't get it it to record autiomation there - while in latch or touch. I always fee like it's me missing something obvious -- because every video I watch shows them controlling those cc with faders on their controller. So - I'm not sure === I have messed with this so much, I'm nearing the point of needing an in person tutor I think. old dog new tricks...thanks for any thoughts you might have. Bob
Well, just like when you go to the doctor and you get there and it doesn't hurt anymore - I JUST had a little success with it literally right after posting to you. Let's see if I can duplicate it now..........
well it's not exactly sticking, but maybe it's a little closer. I'm still not certain how you assign two CC's to be played in and recorded at the same time. I often see videos where they're using a fader for expression and a fader for modulation at the same time. Is there no way to assign these globally so that, say, fader 1 is always track volume, fader 2 and 3 are always expression and modulation? or do you have to somehow set all that up in a template and then always be in piano roll to record the automation? Thank again. I'm mostly venting. lol
I think you missed a key point here. By default the automation was set to volume so when you recorded it was vol. data. There are zillions of different automation parameters in Logic, its plugins and 3rd. party ones. If you want, for example, to automate a filter cutoff on Studio Strings then open the plugin, select touch, click the cutoff knob then record et voila! You've automated another parameter other than just volume. Click any knob or button you like on any button, slider etc. with touch and record.
For sure! There are so many different ways to assign parameters. I’ve covered a couple in different videos. To your first point, using the quick access feature just designated an “automation control” whatever you select in the parameter menu will be controlled by it (aside from CCs). Its assigning the control and then choosing the parameter instead of choosing the parameter and then the control. Both good options! Thanks for the comment!
I'm not able to assign anything but the volume fader - as you did in the video. Attempting to select another Logic mixer knob, then assign a different controller doesn't work, it wants to assign it to the volume fader again. That is, when attempting to assign the Pan knob with your second MIDI controller knob, when you're turning it, Logic stilll turns the volume fader, not the pan knob. Note that was on my Big Sur iMac with Logic 10.7.2 with my Roland A-88 midi controller. On my very old MacBook Pro running High Sierra & Logic 10.4.8, using my 1st -gen Oxygen 8 25-key controller, I was able to add pan to a second knob (and other mixer knobs on other controller knobs). I followed these steps 1) click the "Learn" button, move a Logic mixer knob, then move the physical controller knob you want to assign to it, then click "Done." And it worked. Doesn't work in Logic 10.7.2 on a Big Sur system (again, keeps wanting to assign Volume to every knob.)
@@SojournerTracks Are you able assign a different controller knob to something other than volume (after you've done the volume assign?) That is, is my LPX 10.7.2 controller assignment problem happening for you also?
Check out my video on basic automation in Logic Pro here: ua-cam.com/video/DyYftLHVXDg/v-deo.html
This is exactly what i was looking for. Great content. Thank you
So glad it helped!
Awesome video, thanks so much! Love your presentation style. Happy new subscriber!
I so appreciate the encouragement! Welcome to the club music maker!
Been looking for this. Massively useful. Thank you.
Thank you! Exactly what I needed to know, well explained and shown.
Thanks for the kind words!
This video answered 100 % my question which is exactly I wrote in youtube search bar that 'automation midi controleller in logic' and boom! There you go! Thank you thank you thank you!
I’m so glad! Thanks for watching!
Thank you
Thanks for watching Slava!
I like the idea of writing automation using a controller and having a physical connection to the data, but in practice I rarely find I can play what I want better than I can draw it. Over the years I have got super-fast at writing automation data with a mouse and now you can copy-and-paste automation data and use the marque tool to create nodes, it's really efficient.
Thank you. Really nicely explained. Apple should add a tool called convert dots to curves, something that just smooths out all those separate dots to maintain the same shape as simply curved lines.
You never know, Logic 11 is coming…
lol It's called the automation curve tool. it's been there for many years
They have - it's called the curve tool!
Excellent video and super helpful - thank you!
Success!
drawing automation (was) the bane of my existence. thank you, good sir
Awesome!
Perfect! Thanks dude
Very cool thank you...
Man this looks so much easier than I thought it would be. I picked up an mpk mini as my first midi/DAW controller and everything about it has been a nightmare to to set up. I haven’t even been able to properly assign controls through their stupid app so thank god this one can be assigned through Logic!
Anyways, thanks for the clear and concise video!
It can be daunting and there are several different ways to approach assignments in Logic. This video goes a little more in depth if you are looking to assign multiple parameters. Setting Up a MIDI Controller in Logic Pro X
ua-cam.com/video/RtIWSGT4U8U/v-deo.html
@@SojournerTracks thanks! Gonna check that out.
Do you know if you can do this to automatically insert sustain pedal for piano including sustains and breaks?
Thanks!
I love you man!!
So I can do this with my mod wheel since I don’t have faders ? Kool
Yeah you can set up your physical controls to be whatever you want!
@@SojournerTracks but do I have to change it back after I’m done? So it can be just a mod wheel again.
You can go back into that assignment window and delete it anytime.
@@SojournerTracks thank you
The problem with this is that whenever you want to change the automation from lets say half of the mesasure that has already some automation recorded, than you never know unles you have motorized fader, in what position of fader you should start recording. It means that you touche the fader and it can JUMP to high volume or LOW and the PC goes crazy. I never understund how others do around this.
Yeah that is a great question. Personally, my axiom pro has several knobs/faders that will pickup at whatever level they’re getting from Logic (as opposed to 0). So I haven’t had that issue but I could absolutely see how that would be frustrating.
Then what about midi cc automation for modulation and expression for midi notes in logic? Is that possible to write write midi cc automation with midi fades ??
As I understand it midi cc isn’t assignable in the same way. A lot of keyboards and controllers have preprogrammed cc functions (mod wheel, sustain pedal) sending information to Logic. So it depends on what you’re using as a controller. My axiom pro has assignments for modulation, expression and sustain built in. If you set the region automation to “write” those controls will write automation without any assignments from Logic, just plug and play. Also on some controllers you can access cc assignments through the onboard menu. That’s a long way of saying it’s something you need to access through your controller, not Logic, as I understand it.
Excellent! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
How would you assign expression or modulation. I only see those options in the piano roll under automation. Thank you for your times
Great question. Modulation, expression, sustain etc are MIDI CCs and are not considered “parameters” by Logic. You can’t assign them because your MIDI controller most likely already has CC assignments from the factory. Check your manual. There may already be assigned modulation and expression. If not some keyboards allow you to assign the CC numbers to your buttons. Long story short it’s an input issue from your controller not a logic issue.
@@SojournerTracks that’s what I thought might be happening. I’m using Arturia key lap 49 and it has a logic DAW preset that I have activated. I filmed a video and sent to they’re team.
It’s is possible to map specifically logic’s expression under the piano roll to a slider or fader or mod wheel though correct?
You can assign MIDI CCs but you have to do it on your keyboard. Its not a Logic thing. Check out page 16. You can manage the CC assignments and set them to your own preferences. (Expression is CC#11). Expression most likely already has an assigned control just like the mod and pitch wheel.
downloads.arturia.com/products/keylab-essential-49/manual/keylab-essential_Manual_1_0_0_EN.pdf
@@SojournerTracks thank you so much
Thx, God bless u!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome!
nice!
nice one :)
Yo this did not work at all for me. I'm using a Akai MPK mini. Trying to control the LFO rate on serum. I did what you said and it won't catch the automation when I latch it. Works fine on my mouse but not when I turn the knob on the Akai. Any suggestions?
Try this method: ua-cam.com/video/RtIWSGT4U8U/v-deo.html
Just use the touch option, click the parameter and record! Works on every parameter on any plugin.
Super, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Hey man, thanks for the video. Maybe you can help on this one - I have assigned multiple parameters from soft synths to a Midi controller (to automate), however when I try and automate multiple channels at once, it only allows me to automate the selected channel I am in. Is there a setting to rectify this?
So if I understand correctly you have multiple tracks that you are trying to manipulate different parameters on all at once? You might be looking at a group editing scenario. This video shows you how to group tracks for editing so that automation will appear on multiple tracks at once ua-cam.com/video/QOczfgVy2J8/v-deo.html
@@SojournerTracks Thanks for your response dude. It seems your video is grouping, whereas I meant having multiple knobs (on MIDI controller) assigned to different synths in multiple channels. My issue is that whatever channel I am on, that is the only channel I can control with automation. I want to automate multiple synths at the same time with different paremeters.
I think you still may need to group the channels in order to control automation in one pass. I’ll have to test it out. You’re not the first person with this question.
How to automate cc1 and cc11 with the same method?
Essentially yes. MIDI automation does have it’s own editor but it you can access it in the arrangement window as well ua-cam.com/video/hpv89wAk_0Q/v-deo.html
GREAT
Yes buddy!!!
Thanks for the video - very clear! I got it to work pretty quickly, but I am actually trying to automate 2 parameters in a track at the same time using different MIDI CCs. The reason - I want to control the Atmos Front/Back pan and LEFT/RIGHT pan at the same time, using two different controllers. Even better, I would like to use the joystick from my KORG controller (each axis sends a diff CC message) to allow me to move an Atmos object around the user. I tried repeating the sequence for a different parameter, but that seems to erase the assignment I had just made prior.
Any thoughts?? Thanks!
p.s. I'm new to Logic, so still learning some of the concepts. I also use Studio One.
Thanks for watching and great question! If I understand correctly you want to use multiple controls to simultaneously write automation for multiple parameters? I think that probably doable but have never tired it. My guess is that you could use the controller assign features to set your joystick to respond specifically to the atmos parameters you want. I know that would enable you to control the parameters simultaneously, however I’m not sure how that would relate to drawing automation. I’m not sure. Perhaps mess with the different modes: latch vs write? Sorry that’s not a very helpful answer.
@@SojournerTracks Thanks for the reply! I am actually not that interested in recording the resulting automation, but want to have realtime control of Atmos parameters through a physical device such as an X-Y Joystick. I've been able to do that in one axis (e.g., left/right _or_ front/back) but I haven't been able to assign two controllers - e.g., MIDI CC 85 to Left/Right and MIDI CC 86 to Front/Back. Does that make sense?
I'll keep experimenting and if I find a way to do it, I'll post here.
Yes do that! I will poke around a little more tomorrow. Pretty sure the answer lies in the control surfaces functions.
So there could certainly be better solutions to this but after digging around and doing my own experimentation here’s what I’ve found:
Since MIDI CCs like modulation and expression are universal, (#CC01 and #CC11 ),they’re not considered “parameters” by Logic as far as controller assignments go. You need to work backwards from your controller itself. Most of these have preprogrammed CCs (a modulation wheel is a perfect example but if you look in the manual, many CCs are already mapped).
On my axiom 49 I got into the UI and was able to assign the different faders and knobs custom CC #s. Turns out this may be more of a controller function than a Logic one. Hope that helps!
Hi - I added a comment on your other video about assigning sustain - and someone had asked about assigning modulation and expression, and I followed your instructions on how to assign, change to region -- I saw the modulation automation being written when I recorded it on the track -- but it didn't effect the sound. The only effect I was able to get was to automate volume fader with a fader on my controller. Any suggestions on how to add modulation expression to, say a flute or clarinet from the Logic orchestral samples? Like how with studio strings and horns you can use the mod wheel to play and record modulation at the same time? Also - not sure why I see automation being written as I mentioned - but not hearing it applied. Thanks.
I will have to look into that a little deeper. Do you hear the modulation and expression as you record it? Does anything happen if you change the mode from “touch” or “write” to “read”?
@@SojournerTracks Hey - thank you for responding! I'm afraid I am not going to be home for a few days to check out latch/touch - but no, I heard no differences - but I could see the automation for both modulation and expression. but I will try again on Monday. much appreciated.
Hey - I dropped off the earth for a month but am back. haha. I'm still having issues with being able to assign my Oxygen61 (not pro, older version) to be able to record expression and modulation while I'm playing. Though, I also still am not able to get it record automation after I record a track too. but being able to play orchestral instruments and control expression and modulation while playing/recroding is what I'm hoping for. I have assigned the faders on my controller in logic - but they only control volume. when I go into automation on piano roll I can't get it it to record autiomation there - while in latch or touch. I always fee like it's me missing something obvious -- because every video I watch shows them controlling those cc with faders on their controller. So - I'm not sure === I have messed with this so much, I'm nearing the point of needing an in person tutor I think. old dog new tricks...thanks for any thoughts you might have. Bob
Well, just like when you go to the doctor and you get there and it doesn't hurt anymore - I JUST had a little success with it literally right after posting to you. Let's see if I can duplicate it now..........
well it's not exactly sticking, but maybe it's a little closer. I'm still not certain how you assign two CC's to be played in and recorded at the same time. I often see videos where they're using a fader for expression and a fader for modulation at the same time. Is there no way to assign these globally so that, say, fader 1 is always track volume, fader 2 and 3 are always expression and modulation? or do you have to somehow set all that up in a template and then always be in piano roll to record the automation? Thank again. I'm mostly venting. lol
I think you missed a key point here. By default the automation was set to volume so when you recorded it was vol. data. There are zillions of different automation parameters in Logic, its plugins and 3rd. party ones. If you want, for example, to automate a filter cutoff on Studio Strings then open the plugin, select touch, click the cutoff knob then record et voila! You've automated another parameter other than just volume. Click any knob or button you like on any button, slider etc. with touch and record.
For sure! There are so many different ways to assign parameters. I’ve covered a couple in different videos. To your first point, using the quick access feature just designated an “automation control” whatever you select in the parameter menu will be controlled by it (aside from CCs). Its assigning the control and then choosing the parameter instead of choosing the parameter and then the control. Both good options! Thanks for the comment!
Fucking with the work flow bro, subscribed 🤝
You rock!
u seem like a cool guy.
I give it my best shot
I'm not able to assign anything but the volume fader - as you did in the video. Attempting to select another Logic mixer knob, then assign a different controller doesn't work, it wants to assign it to the volume fader again. That is, when attempting to assign the Pan knob with your second MIDI controller knob, when you're turning it, Logic stilll turns the volume fader, not the pan knob.
Note that was on my Big Sur iMac with Logic 10.7.2 with my Roland A-88 midi controller. On my very old MacBook Pro running High Sierra & Logic 10.4.8, using my 1st -gen Oxygen 8 25-key controller, I was able to add pan to a second knob (and other mixer knobs on other controller knobs). I followed these steps 1) click the "Learn" button, move a Logic mixer knob, then move the physical controller knob you want to assign to it, then click "Done." And it worked. Doesn't work in Logic 10.7.2 on a Big Sur system (again, keeps wanting to assign Volume to every knob.)
I’ll have to look into if anything has changed in more recent updates. Thanks for the info!
@@SojournerTracks Are you able assign a different controller knob to something other than volume (after you've done the volume assign?) That is, is my LPX 10.7.2 controller assignment problem happening for you also?
slay
You asked twice which cancels out so i had to hit unsubscribe
Haha fair enough!