Logic Midi Controllers | Stuff Nobody Ever Tells You!

I've owned many different midi controllers for Logic and found the Novation LaunchKey MK3 series and the Native Instruments Kontrol M32 to offer the best Logic integration and features. And yet, there are subtle quirks on how they work that neither vendor highlights in their brochures. More importantly, most Youtube reviews only describe he basic features and functionality, where as I've put these controllers to the test. In this demo, I explain "what nobody tells you" about supporting not just Logic DAW functionality but also 3rd party plugins and VSTs, and how switching modes and using custom modes is necessary.

There are issues getting 3rd party plugins and VSTs to work with the encoders of a controller without giving up DAW controls, like transport control. The multi-use of knobs/encoders is tricky where Logic might accept and expect certain midi CC messages, but also prevent all midi from gojng through to 3rd party software.

I try to explain the different mode for midi throughput in Logic, and the necessary switching of modes to tap into the full capabilities if a midi controller.

#logic #midicontroller #launchkey #kontrolm32

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:12 Categories of midi controllers
00:49 Different levels of integration with Logic X - Novation Launchkey 49 MK3
01:43 Logic Control Surface features
02:26 Novation Midi Controller 'Auto' checkbox
04:07 Encoders and Faders cannot be assigned the same function
04:35 Logic's Smart Controls for delivered instruments - Device mode
05:25 Using 3rd party instruments - Arturia
07:00 Get used to switching between modes
07:40 Three dots
09:53 Native Instruments Kontrol M32 in Logic
11:19 The M32 in Logic with Komplete Kontrol
12:31 The M32 in Logic with other 3rd party instruments - Arturia
13:40 Logic cheat sheet for the M32
13:50 Summary and Outro

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[beaubergeron]

This video is exactly what I've been looking for.

[jonahbergman]

Wow. I had been searching for so long for a video on this topic. I was absolutely stuck on trying to get my controller to work with Logic and couldn't find anything on forums online, and YouTube had either videos that were 12 years old or only specific with certain other controllers and DAWs. I have an M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini that I use with Logic and I think it's an amazing controller once you get it working, which I eventually did after piecing together bits and pieces of other videos. I only came across this video after I figured it out but this is by far the best video on the subject! It's a little different depending on your controller but it's the same idea. Honestly once you get it working and know how it works I think the whole concept of switching between DAW mode and preset mode is really intuitive and really powerful. Great video!

[VinceBaileydns-direct]

Thank you that it was a great video i have just bought logic and a MacBook Pro novation mk3 37, maschine Miro and artura minifuse 2as a retirement present to myself to learn how to create music again.
❤

[CRASS]

I wish Apple would make a midi controller specifically made for Logic. Granted, it would be $5000, but would be the best for Logic

[Alexholbert]

Thank you for sharing! I've had the Novation LaunchKey for a few months and My DAW of choice is Logic. Until your video I had no idea exactly how the two products worked with each other. You saved me a lot of time!

[christopherheath]

Thank you for such a very informative video. I have a Novation Mk 3 61 keys and seeing your video has now given me insight on how to use it properly. Please keep making these " how to " videos ;
you're a godsend !

[richardridings]

Thank you so much Jeffy. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. I bought the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk3 last Christmas and my control of it has indeed been a frustrating affair. This has cleared up so much for me -as I normally work in Logic (although I'm trying to gain some level of proficiency in Ableton too). I think both Novation and N.I. should have links to your video on their websites.

[hl]

Atlas there’s someone who looking out for the majority.
Thanks and good luck with your channel.

[spiral-m]

Many thanks for the video. Is it possible to set it to select specific tracks which aren't adjacent to each other, and of different types like aux and instrument?

[tarunsuresh]

I use logic and I just started looking into getting a new midi controller since the last time I bought one I was using ableton so this video came at the right time!

[Vercoquin]

I was in the market to buy a midi keyboard for my iPad to play with GarageBand. I bought a cheap smk25II m wave with Bluetooth integrated essentially to test the concept of Bluetooth. I ‘m glad I did that because basically there is no way to control GB except for key, pitch, modulation, start, stop, record, move fwd & bwd. Best workaround is to use a classic computer keyboard with shortcuts. What a shame Apple.

[danielel]

Hi there, thank you for this video. I have tried a lot of different midi controllers and I must say the Native Instruments m32 and the s88 were the worst of them all. I got so frustrated with the s88 I returned it the next day and for the m32 I am selling it. They were so complicated to map with Logic and then the mess of downloading all the plugins was enough to drive me to drink. I am using the M-Audio 88 right now as my main keyboard and am still looking for the midi controller that will make my life a breeze when it comes to controlling softsynths from Logic and other 3rd party plugins. You would think after so many years of product development and the popularity of Logic Pro one of those companies would make one just for Logic! Thank you for this very nice viedo on the subject. Finally, I just use the mouse and my computer keyboard to do thr job.

[jefgibbons]

Heyyyy! This is exciting, I didn't know you had a channel! Great vid here, keep em coming fellow Jef(f)G!

[Peter-guph]

Thanks very much for the detailed info! Native Instruments Kontrol M32 looks good!

[levonsarkissians]

Hi Jeff G, thanks for the thorough explanation! at 5:53 you are explaining the use of the knobs to work with 3rd party software. You talk about setting to the " Custom " mode, would you by any chance know which knobs on a Novation Impulse 61 switch to the Custom mode? would appreciate your help. Krgds, Levon

[williamolson]

thank you this video really helped me not to buy a expensive midi controller.You would think by now Apple and logic would have a very specific key board that would automatically map out of the box.into logic.The main thing is i want to make music.How ever i also know that if you are going to do it digitally you have to be a little techy .I will stay in the $100 to $300 range.Right now i have a Nektar impact LX61 i tried assigning to no avail .I am running 2 computers on the other one logic also and a cheap M-audio that after 12 yrs quit working Thats why i am looking for another keyboard .I will stick with my mouse i guess .Its Jan 14 2025 Not sure if logic at this time has a keyboard out there that will connect all the bells and whistles with out me having todo all the connecting Thanks again GREAT video.

[Bashanvibe]

This definitely helps!!! I’m deciding between the 88 keys of both of them!!! I’m leaning towards the Novation because it has pads & faders

[AdrianGeorges]

Glad to be aware of it. Kind of strange, this isn’t committed right away. My mini MKII is a great, awesome Ableton integration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[StratsRUs]

Automap in Novation SL with Logic used to be a pain, eventually working fine.
Then they dropped it in Logic so I just use my manual settings now.Keeping it simple.

[kevinwhite]

I bought an NI Kontrol A25 which is basically just the smaller version of the M32 I suppose. I'm not sure if it's improved, but it was a terrible choice for using with Logic. The thing I really wanted to do was control instruments with some knobs, and then have DAW shortcuts. The DAW shortcuts imho are terrible to use, and you constantly have to switch between midi mode and DAW control mode. Worse, if you switch tracks, it automatically switches back to track mode, so you'll switch tracks, tweak something, switch back and expect to twist a knob and get MIDI CC control and instead you yank the volume down on your playing track. I don't use NI's software otherwise - it was just reported to be a nicely built and good feeling keyboard, which is true. Unfortunately, it's trash with Logic.