Connect a MIDI Controller

Use MIDI controllers for tactile, real-time control of your lighting.

Supported controllers

Spectralite works with any class-compliant MIDI controller:

Fader controllers

• Behringer X-Touch series
• Korg nanoKONTROL
• Novation Launch Control
• Akai MIDImix

Pad controllers

• Novation Launchpad
• Akai APC series
• Native Instruments Maschine
• Ableton Push

DJ controllers

• Pioneer DDJ series
• Native Instruments Traktor
• Numark controllers

Keyboards

Any MIDI keyboard for note-based triggering.

Connecting controllers

USB connection

Most modern controllers connect via USB:

1. Connect the controller to your computer.
2. Power on the controller.
3. Open Edit > Inputs > MIDI. The controller appears automatically in the Devices pane.

Traditional MIDI

For 5-pin DIN MIDI:

1. Connect to a MIDI interface.
2. Connect the interface to the Mac via USB.

The device appears as the interface name.

Network MIDI

macOS supports MIDI over network:

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup.
2. Go to Window > Show MIDI Studio.
3. Open MIDI Network Setup.
4. Create or join a session.

Enabling controllers

1. Open Edit > Inputs > MIDI.
2. In the Devices pane, click Reload devices if your controller is not listed.
3. Find your controller in the list.
4. Assign a MIDI mapping from the dropdown.

Creating mappings

Using MIDI Apply

The fastest way to map:

1. Open Edit > Inputs > MIDI and focus the Mapping pane on the right.
2. Create a mapping and click Add assignment.
3. Move a control on your MIDI device.
4. Click Apply to capture the MIDI message details.
5. Configure the action type and target.
6. Click Submit.

Manual mapping

For precise configuration:

1. Click Add assignment.
2. Enter MIDI details: Type (Control Change, Note On, or Note Off), Channel (MIDI channel number), and Controller (CC or Note number).
3. Select the action type and target.
4. Set value range and behavior.

Common mappings

Timing

Layers

Colors and parameters

Input types

The Mapping pane supports several input behaviors:

Range

Maps a MIDI value (0-127) to a parameter range. Used for faders and knobs, with a configurable min/max output range.

Delta

Encoder-style input that increments or decrements. Used for endless encoders, with a configurable step size and a threshold that determines direction.

Boolean

Triggers on or off based on a threshold. Used for buttons such as solo or override toggles; values above the threshold activate.

Tap

Trigger-style input for tap tempo buttons, toggle actions, and beat alignment.

Controller feedback

For controllers with motorized faders or LEDs:

Enable output

1. Create output assignments in the Mapping pane of the MIDI Input dialog.
2. Spectralite sends MIDI values back to the controller; faders follow parameter changes and LEDs indicate states.

Configuring feedback

Some controllers need specific messages. Check the controller's documentation, then configure the feedback message type and set appropriate channels and ranges.

Saving mappings

MIDI mappings are saved as part of the project file. Use Project > Save project (Cmd + S) to persist them and Project > Load project (Cmd + O) to restore them.

Multiple controllers

Use different controllers for different tasks (for example one for transport and master, another for layer control, a third for effect parameters). All controllers stay active simultaneously with independent mappings; MIDI channels can differentiate overlapping controls.

Related

• MIDI Input Dialog
• DMX Input Dialog