How to set up a MIDI controller in Pro Tools
Pro Tools MIDI controller setup
Pro Tools supports a variety of DAW controllers. If you are setting up a DAW controller for the first time, we recommend reading Getting Started with DAW Controllers first and then following the instructions below.
DAW controllers (control surfaces) need to be configured within Pro Tools before they can control it. That means you’ll need to select the controller’s protocol and port settings within Pro Tools. If you’re not sure how to change the protocol (mode) of your MIDI device, check its user manual for more information. Follow both sections below to set up your controller. EUCON controllers are instead set up with EuControl.
Enable MIDI devices
In order for your MIDI devices to work in Pro Tools, they must first be enabled within the MIDI settings. If not enabled, Pro Tools simply won’t respond to the controller’s MIDI data. While keyboards and MIDI notes will work once enabled, DAW controllers with faders, encoders, or transport controls will still need to be set up (below).
- Open the Setup menu, hover over MIDI, and then select MIDI Input Devices….
- Enable your MIDI device by clicking its checkbox.
- Click OK.
- Once enabled, continue to configure MIDI controllers.
Enabling a MIDI device inside of Pro Tools.
Configure MIDI controllers
DAW controllers (control surfaces) must be configured in Pro Tools before their control features will work. You’ll need to select the controller’s protocol and ports in the DAW settings. Without the correct port or protocol, the MIDI device and DAW won’t be able to communicate with each other. If you’re not sure how to change the protocol of your MIDI device, check its user manual to learn how. EUCON devices are configured a little differently with the EuControl app.
- Open the Setup menu and select Peripherals.
- Click the MIDI Controllers tab and select your controller’s protocol Type, Receive From port, and Send To port.
- Click OK to save your changes and close the window.
Configuring a control surface in Pro Tools
EuCon and EuControl Setup
EUCON devices are unique because they use ethernet cables to connect either to your computer or a local network instead of using USB or MIDI cables. The EuControl app (required) synchronizes each connected Artist Series controller to the Pro Tools software. Follow the steps and video below to set up a EUCON controller with Pro Tools.
Pro Tools | Control
Pro Tools can also be controlled via EUCON with the Pro Tools | Control iOS app. Learn more about how to set up Pro Tools | Control.
- Download and install the latest EuControl software from the My Products page of your Avid account.
- (optional) Artist series software is downloaded from a My Artist Series account.
- Set up your EUCON controller by following its unique guide.
- Devices can be set to DHCP assignment (automatic) or configured with a static IP address.
- Open the Setup menu and choose Peripherals….
- Click the Ethernet Controllers tab, click the Enable EUCON checkbox, and then click OK.
Additional resources
Customize Softkeys in EuControl
VCA Workflow for EUCON Surfaces
Pro Tools | Control Setup
EuControl Software Setup
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