Setup MIDI Keyboard in Logic Pro X – A Definitive Guide!

In this article, we will see how you can easily setup MIDI Keyboard in Logic Pro X. Logic Pro X is a Digital Audio Workstation or DAW by Apple used for music production and recording purposes.

Connecting a MIDI keyboard controller to Logic Pro X or any other DAW is a great way to make music. Using various MIDI controls, you can control various elements of a DAW like Logic. These include:

• Drum Machines,
• DAW features,
• VST instruments,
• Effects like EQ, Resonance, Pitch etc.

Related: 10 reasons to get a MIDI keyboard for music production!

Using a MIDI keyboard tingles your creative side in a fun way and pushes you to new limits. Also, if you get hold of a MIDI controller, it can help you save time by using DAW features.

So, let us dive right in to see how you can setup MIDI keyboard with Logic Pro X.

Related: Setting a Home Recording Studio – A step by step Guide!

Connect MIDI Keyboard with Logic Pro X

This section will show how you can connect a USB MIDI or MIDI keyboard with Logic Pro X for making music.

Firstly, connect the MIDI keyboard to a Mac Computer because only Mac Devices support the use of Logic Pro X.

This can be done in multiple ways by using the following:

• USB cables,
•  five-pin MIDI cables,
•  connect using an audio interface,
•  Wirelessly via Bluetooth,
•  MIDI hub.

I have discussed all these methods in one of my previous articles. Check the article below.

Also Read: 5 Ways to connect a MIDI keyboard or controller to PC or Laptop!

Once you have connected the MIDI keyboard to PC, the next step is to open Logic Pro X. Download all the installation drivers that come with the keyboard and then launch Logic Pro X.

Setup MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro X

1) Under logic Pro, go to control surfaces.

2) Click Setup to proceed further.

3) The control setup panel will open, allowing you to add New Devices.

4) Click on NEW and select INSTALL.

5) Select the appropriate model and Plug-in / Profile according to the MIDI keyboard or controller. Click ADD, and you are good to go.

Since, I have M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini MIDI keyboard, I have selected Mackie Design, HUI, and HUI under the three columns respectively.

Last update on 2023-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon

6) Verify if the MIDI controller is working correctly by launching an instance of a VST instrument, as shown in the image.

MIDI Mapping in Logic Pro X – Assigning parameters to MIDI keyboard in Logic

MIDI mapping in Logic Pro X is quite simple. You can assign parameters of VST instruments in Logic Pro X to control them right from the controller or keyboard.

Here are five simple steps to assign parameters and map MIDI in Logic Pro X.

1) Load up any VST instrument

The first step is to launch a new software instrument track which can be controlled using a MIDI keyboard or controller.

You can do this by clicking on the + button or using the shortcut OPTION + COMMAND + N.

Next, load up any VST instrument whose parameters you wish to assign to use in the MIDI keyboard controller. I have selected Alchemy which is stock VST that comes with Logic Pro X.

Related: Do all MIDI controllers & keyboards come with speakers or softwares?

2) Select the Parameter

Now, multiple parameters come in VSTs that you can map to your MIDI instrument. Some of the parameters are:

• Cutoff,
•  Resonance,
•  Decay,
•  Volume,
•  Panning,
•  Effects.

Click on the parameter of the VST you wish to map to your MIDI instrument by using the mouse cursor.

3) Go to controller Assignments

The next step includes loading up controller assignments, where you will map a controller to the VST parameter in logic pro x.

Open up the controller assignment by using the shortcut SHIFT+ALT+K.

You can also open the controller assignments by going to Logic Pro > Control Surfaces > Controller Assignments.

4) Map parameter to controller

Now, on your MIDI keyboard, move either the knob or fader to the selected parameter you wish to assign.

Doing so will show the status as learned under control column, as shown in the image above.

5) Close controller Assignment

At this step, all the assignments have been completed, and you can close the controller assignments to enjoy the freshly assigned parameter right from the MIDI keyboard.

MIDI mapping Drum Kit Designer in Logic Pro X

There are three simple steps to map Drum kit designer to MIDI keyboard’s drum / launch pads in Logic Pro X.

1) Create a New Software Instrument track

The first step is to create new software instrument tracks that can be controlled using the MIDI keyboard or controller. Use the shortcut OPTION + COMMAND + N or click the + button to create a new track.

2) launch Drum Kit Designer(DMD)

Next, load up an empty drum kit designer on the track. This can be done by clicking on instruments and selecting drum kit designer from the dropdown list, as shown in the image.

3) Drag samples on the empty drum spots

Launch the DMD and assign drum samples to empty spots using Logic’s drag-and-drop feature.

You can also assign sounds to these empty spots to add variety to the drum rack.

Now, click on the drum pads of your MIDI keyboard or controller to check if the properties have been assigned correctly.

Troubleshooting MIDI keyboard setup in Logic Pro X

Here are a few problems and troubleshooting tips for issues that may arise when setting up a MIDI keyboard to work with Logic Pro X.

Also check: How to play MIDI Keyboard without Using a DAW?

No Sound coming from MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro X

There are three main ways to fix no sound from the MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro X.

The first method is to go to audio settings under Logic Pro.

Then, change the output Device to Mac-book Speakers. If you are using an audio interface, select it from the output device dropdown.

The second approach to fix this problem in Logic focuses on selecting the correct Audio Output.

Whenever you add a new software instrument after creating a new project, sometimes the audio output can default to No Output. This is another reason no sound comes from the MIDI keyboard in Logic.

To fix this issue, change the Audio Output from NO OUTPUT to Output 1+2 or the output you want to use.

The third fix to no sound from the MIDI keyboard from Logic is to select the right channel under the track settings.

Ensure that the channel under the track settings is selected for one of the numbers. No sound will come from the MIDI keyboard connected to Logic Pro X if it is chosen as ALL.

Logic is not recognising MIDI keyboard

Another common problem is that sometimes and with some users, Logic Pro X does not recognise the MIDI keyboard. Firstly, ensure the cables are connected securely to the MIDI keyboard or controller.

Also, download all the latest drivers that come with the MIDI instrument. In many cases, outdated driver software was the root problem of Logic not recognising a MIDI keyboard and other instruments. So, download the latest version of the driver software & try connecting the MIDI instrument again after restarting your device.

Next, open up the Audio-MIDI setup App on your Mac device. Then, go to the show MIDI studio. Here you will get a list of all the connected MIDI devices. Here, you can test the setup of your MIDI device or instrument.

Troubleshoot “Changed number of MIDI inputs/outputs in Logic”.

Conclusion

Using a MIDI keyboard is simple and easy once you know how to control various DAW elements. With this “setup MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro X” guide, you will get a good start with the whole setup process of the keyboard controller with Logic.