Global and Focus Mapping
There are two modes for mapping hardware and software controls: Global and Focus mode.
Global Mapping
With Global mapping, hardware and software controls maintain a one-to-one relationship, where a single hardware control is linked directly to a single software control. Some controls, such as Track fader, pan, and mute, can only be mapped globally. To map a plug-in control globally, be sure Focus is disengaged in the plug-in window by clicking on the Focus button for the Keyboard you are using, so that it is no longer highlighted.
Focus Mapping
While only one software control can be manipulated at a time by a single hardware control, a hardware control can be linked to any number of software controls, based on context, using Focus mapping. For instance, a single hardware knob could control the release of a Gate plug-in, or the Gain of a distortion plug-in, or any number of other parameters, depending on which plug-in is in Focus.
The process of Focus mapping is identical to Global mapping, with one critical difference. To see this difference, open the interface for any virtual instrument or effect. By default, all virtual instruments and effects open in Focus mode, and the Focus button in the plug-in window’s toolbar is highlighted. The Focus button displays the name of the related Keyboard.
Only one plug-in window can be in Focus at any time. Click on the Focus button to enable Focus in any open plug-in window.
When a parameter has been mapped in Focus, the link icon used in the parameter window is different from the icon used when a parameter is mapped globally.
Control maps only apply to the plug-in window that is in Focus. For instance, a hardware knob might be linked to a software knob in an EQ plug-in that is in Focus. When another plug-in is brought into Focus, the hardware knob no longer affects the software knob in the EQ, and it is possible to link this hardware knob to a different control for the plug-in that is in Focus.
In this way, Focus mapping allows different control maps to be made for each plug-in, using the same hardware controls for each. Each Focus map is stored with the plug-in, making it usable in any Song. Thus, you can make Focus maps for each of your favorite plug-ins and never worry about them again. In practice, this means that your external hardware always controls the plug-in that is currently in Focus.
Certain parameters cannot be Focus-mapped, including Track controls such as fader, pan, and mute.
Control Link with External Instruments
Using the Control Link system, it is possible to control your MIDI-capable external hardware instrument just like a software instrument. The first step in this process is to add your hardware instrument as an external device, as discussed in the Set Up Your MIDI Devices section of the Setup chapter in the manual. Once you have the device set up, create a new Song and open the External panel of the Console.
Double-click on your external instrument in the External panel to open the control map for the instrument. If you created a new instrument (that is, you are not using a predefined device), all possible Continuous Controller commands (MIDI CCs) are active and are represented by knobs in the control map. If you are using a predefined map, only relevant controls appear. Also, notice the MIDI channel selector above the control map. Only MIDI channels you enabled for the instrument are selectable.
When working with a new instrument, you will want to customize its control map to include only the relevant controls with the appropriate parameter names. To customize the control map, click on the Wrench icon, which opens the control list. As mentioned, all Continuous Controllers are enabled by default, and they are labeled by their common uses. To add or remove any CC from the list, click its corresponding check box. To edit the title of the CC, click on the title and enter a new one.
Related controls can be grouped together in the control map by placing them in the same folder in the control-map list. Click in the Folder field of any control in the control list and type a folder name to group that control with other controls that have the same folder name.
Once you have finished editing the control map for the instrument, using the mouse to move any knob in the control map should adjust the linked parameter on the hardware instrument. The parameter shows up in the left Parameter window, just like any virtual software instrument parameter. This means the same Control Link functions described previously in this chapter for virtual software instruments are now available for controlling (and even automating) your hardware instrument.
Using Multiple External Devices
Any number of External Devices can be used simultaneously. As long as the device has a control map with some learned controls, it can be used with the Control Link system. In each plug-in window, you can see mapping controls to the right of the preset and automation controls. Only the External Device displayed in the Focus button can be used to Focus-map controls. If the External Device you are using is not displayed there, the mapping is Global.
To choose a different device with which to Focus-map a plug-in’s controls, click on the down-arrow menu button and choose the External Device you wish to use.