Apple Final Cut Pro 5 - Manual (Page 886)

Chapter 6 Using the Audio Mixer 99
I
Connecting a Control Surface
Control surfaces send and receive MIDI data to communicate fader positions, pan knob
settings, track names, and timecode.
To set up your control surface, you need the following:
 An external MIDI interface with at least one input and output
 Mac OS X MIDI driver software that corresponds to your MIDI interface (if necessary)
 One or more supported control surfaces
Choosing an External MIDI Interface
There is a wide variety of MIDI interfaces available. When you select a MIDI interface,
consider the following:
 You need a MIDI interface that is compatible with Mac OS X.
 Most interfaces connect to your computer via the USB port, although some PCI and
FireWire audio interfaces include MIDI ports.
 You should purchase a MIDI interface that supports the number of control surfaces you
need, plus any additional MIDI equipment you may want to connect to your computer.
Installing a MIDI Interface
In many cases, installing a MIDI interface is as simple as connecting the interface to
your computer. If your MIDI interface does not appear in the Control Surfaces
Configuration dialog, the MIDI interface may require driver software. This may be
included with the MIDI interface, or you may be able to download MIDI drivers from
the manufacturer’s website. Make sure you follow the installation instructions that
came with your MIDI interface.
To set up and connect a MIDI interface to your computer:
1 Install any MIDI drivers necessary for the MIDI interface.
2 Connect a USB cable between the USB port on your computer and the MIDI interface.
3 Make sure the MIDI interface is connected and turned on.
Choosing a Control Surface
Different control surfaces use slightly different communications protocols, so not all
control surfaces are compatible. Final Cut Pro supports Mackie and Logic Control, as
well as Mackie and Logic Control XT control surfaces.
What is MIDI?
MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a standard protocol that allows
electronic music devices and control surfaces to send and receive performance data.
This allows you to do things such as control a synthesizer with a keyboard, or control
an audio mixing application such as Final Cut Pro with a control surface.