Midi interface, Types of midi devices, Midi keyboard – Apple Logic Pro 9 User Manual
Page 30: Control surfaces, Recording light plug-in
MIDI Interface
Your Mac computer does not provide MIDI inputs or outputs. If you want to use MIDI
devices equipped with MIDI ports, a MIDI interface is required for communication with
your computer. MIDI interfaces are generally connected to your Mac USB ports. Some
MIDI interfaces require the installation of driver software, and others are automatically
recognized by your Mac.
Note: Many modern MIDI devices, particularly keyboards, include a USB or FireWire
connection port that enables MIDI (and audio, in some cases) communication with your
computer. Such devices do not require an additional MIDI (or audio) interface. Some
require the installation of driver software, and others are automatically recognized by
Mac OS X. Check the websites of MIDI device manufacturers for further information.
Types of MIDI Devices
A vast array of MIDI-equipped devices exist. These include MIDI keyboards and sound
modules, control surfaces, effect processors, mixers, lighting controllers, and more.
MIDI Keyboard
The most likely candidate for inclusion in your Logic Pro system is a MIDI keyboard. MIDI
keyboards are used to input note (and controller) information into Logic Pro. Some MIDI
keyboards are simply input devices (often called controller keyboards) and some also
include their own synthesis engines (synthesizer and sampling keyboards). Logic Pro can
be used to record keyboard performances as MIDI data, and can play them back through
any connected MIDI device or internal software instrument.
If you don’t have a MIDI keyboard handy, Logic Pro offers the Caps Lock Keyboard, which
allows you to use the computer keyboard for MIDI note entry. See
.
Control Surfaces
Control surfaces are hardware devices that feature a variety of controls, which can include
faders, rotary knobs, switches, and displays. These controls can be mapped to functions
in Logic Pro, allowing you to change parameters with more precision and speed than
you can by using your mouse and computer keyboard. You can also control multiple
parameters at the same time. Detailed information on the setup and use of control surfaces
can be found in the Logic Pro Control Surfaces Support manual.
Recording Light Plug-in
Logic Pro facilitates the use of a control surface plug-in, called the Recording Light, to
control an external device via MIDI events. This allows you to control an external recording
light or sign, warning visitors not to enter the recording studio before or during recording.
Logic Pro sends a MIDI signal to turn on the external device when a track is record-enabled
or when recording starts. Logic Pro sends another MIDI signal to turn off the device when
tracks are made record-safe or when recording stops.
30
Chapter 2
Setting Up Your System