#Use digital piano as midi controller software

Depending on what device you are using, you may need to configure the unit to send MIDI data and then assign MIDI values to its various widgets. In the case of the Evolution, all of the knobs are defaulted to send MIDI controller data. Next, you'll want to make sure your chosen MIDI device is setup. To its immediate right is a field showing the active track and then a button to open up the Control Surface parameters. You should now be able to see the control surface listed in the Control Surfaces toolbar. Make sure the input and output port are configured as well. Now press the yellow 'Add New Control Surface' button and choose Cakewalk Generic Surface. If there are any Control Surfaces already listed here, select them and hit the red 'X' to delete them.

Finally, go ahead and open up Options | Control Surfaces.

Next, you'll want to go to View | Toolbars and make sure that 'Control Surfaces' is checked.

First, make sure that your MIDI Device is hooked up to the computer and that the inputs/outputs are selected in Options | MIDI Devices.

In this example I'll use an Evolution MK-249C, a handy USB powered, 49 key controller with 12 knobs and a sustain pedal input. It makes sense, then, to make the most of that keyboard and the precious space it occupies. Most people like to work with their keyboard near or in front of their computer, which doesn't leave a lot of space for other devices. Whether you're a classically trained pianist or a producer trying to put together a remix, a keyboard is essential. However, to prove how useful the Cakewalk Generic Surface template can be, lets start with a MIDI Device that almost everyone has, a MIDI keyboard. Dedicated knob boxes such as the Doepfer Pocket Dial or Kenton Control Freak also offer simple compact ways to transmit data into the computer. Its an easy choice for those who already own them. These controllers are already labeled and most likely already assigned to send dedicated MIDI data. Digital mixers can be an ideal controller as there are already volume faders, panning knobs, and in some cases even transport controls. In the 20 years that MIDI has existed, manufacturers have come up with just about every type of MIDI controller imaginable. However, for those of us who are short on money or studio space, there's a way to take advantage of the Control Surface support in SONAR 2.0 using just about any type of MIDI Controller, digital mixer, knob box, or even your MIDI keyboard.

As a quick look in any major music store will attest to, few would question the usefulness of a control surface (and in fact SONAR 2.0 has dedicated support for many of these devices). One way to simplify things is to control your mixing, transport, and other common functions from one centralized location. Even if you have the physical space to arrange all of your most used tools within an arms reach, the shear number of knobs, buttons, and sliders can make you feel more like Mission Control rather than a musician. This leads to endless switching between mouse and keyboard, keyboard and mixer, keyboard and keyboard (computer and MIDI respectively), and so on. Of course, the next step for many is to add more gear mixers, MIDI keyboards, and controllers.

#Use digital piano as midi controller software

Setting Up a MIDI Device as a Control Surface in SONAR Last updated on Д«y Jesse Recinos, Cakewalk Senior TechnicianДЇor many of us, recording and mixing our music at the computer can become a tug of war between our keyboards and mice, trying to wrest as much control as we can over our software while maintaining finesse and efficient workflow.