MIDI Controllers

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 Mac
2. Power on the controller
3. Open the MIDI Devices panel (via Window > Add panel)
4. The controller appears automatically

Traditional MIDI

For 5-pin DIN MIDI:

1. Connect to a MIDI interface
2. Connect interface to Mac via USB
3. 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 the MIDI Devices panel (via Window > Add panel)
2. 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 the MIDI Map Editor panel (via Window > Add panel)
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
   • 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 MIDI Map Editor supports several input behaviors:

Range

Maps a MIDI value (0-127) to a parameter range:

• Faders and knobs
• Configurable min/max output range

Delta

Encoder-style input that increments or decrements:

• Endless encoders
• Configurable step size (delta)
• Uses threshold to determine direction

Boolean

Triggers on/off based on threshold:

• Buttons for solo, override toggles
• Values above threshold activate

Tap

Trigger-style input:

• Tap tempo buttons
• Toggle actions
• Beat alignment

Controller Feedback

For controllers with motorized faders or LEDs:

Enable Output

1. Create output assignments in the MIDI Map Editor
2. Spectralite sends MIDI values back to the controller
3. Faders follow parameter changes
4. LEDs indicate states

Configuring Feedback

Some controllers need specific messages:

1. Check controller documentation
2. Configure feedback message type
3. Set appropriate channels and ranges

Saving Mappings

Save with Project

MIDI mappings are saved as part of the project file:

1. Project > Save project (Cmd + S)
2. Mappings persist with the project

Load with Project

1. Project > Load project (Cmd + O)
2. MIDI mappings are restored with the project

Default Mapping

MIDI mappings are saved with the project file. Configure your preferred mappings and save the project to persist them.

Multiple Controllers

Separate Functions

Use different controllers for different tasks:

• Controller A: Transport and master
• Controller B: Layer control
• Controller C: Effect parameters

Combining Controllers

All controllers active simultaneously:

• Each has independent mappings
• No conflicts if parameters differ
• MIDI channels can differentiate

Troubleshooting

Controller Not Detected

1. Check USB connection
2. Try a different USB port
3. Restart Spectralite
4. Check macOS Audio MIDI Setup

Controls Not Responding

1. Verify a mapping is assigned to the device
2. Check MIDI channel settings
3. Test with MIDI monitor
4. Verify mapping assignments exist

Feedback Not Working

1. Enable output for the device
2. Check controller supports feedback
3. Verify feedback message format
4. Test with simple mapping first

Related

• MIDI Devices Panel
• MIDI Map Editor