Assign hardware controls to screen controls

Assign hardware controls to screen controls

To use Smart Controls with a MIDI controller, you assign hardware controls on the controller (faders, knobs, buttons, drum pads, pedals, and other controls) to screen controls. After you assign a hardware control to a screen control, the screen control receives the MIDI messages from the hardware control.

When Show Advanced Tools is selected in the Advanced preferences pane, you can assign hardware controls to screen controls using the Learn process, which is similar to learning controller assignments for a control surface. Only one screen control can be selected at a time, and each screen control can have only one assignment. When you assign a hardware control, it keeps the assignment for all Logic Pro projects, until you reassign it.

Assign an external hardware control using the Learn button

  1. In the Smart Controls pane, click the Inspector button in the Smart Controls menu bar.

  2. Select a screen control.

  3. Click the External Assignment disclosure triangle.

    The External Assignment area opens. If the selected screen control currently has no assignment, the Name field shows Unassigned. If the selected screen control has an assignment, the Name field shows the name of the assignment.

    Figure. Smart Control inspector open, showing External Assignment area

  4. Click the Learn button.

  5. On your MIDI device, move the control you want to assign.

  6. While the Learn process is active, you can learn additional controller assignments by selecting another screen control and moving the hardware control you want to assign to it.

  7. When you're finished assigning controls, click the Learn button again to end the Learn process.