{"id":1749246,"date":"2022-09-16T20:04:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T20:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/?post_type=articles&#038;p=1749246"},"modified":"2026-03-09T17:01:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T21:01:42","slug":"daw-control-surface-getting-started-guide","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/daw-control-surface-getting-started-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started with DAW Controllers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> In this guide, you will learn what a DAW controller is and how to connect it to your computer. Once you\u2019re done, follow out <a href=\"#DAW-controller-setup-guides\">DAW Controller Setup Guides<\/a> to configure a controller with your DAW. Follow each of the sections below to get started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a href=\"#What-is-a-DAW-controller\">What is a DAW controller?<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Connecting-DAW-controllers\">Connecting DAW controllers<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#DAW-controller-setup-guides\">DAW controller setup guides<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"What-is-a-DAW-controller\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">What is a DAW controller?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> DAW controllers are MIDI devices that enable control over DAW\u2019s such as Pro Tools or Ableton Live. Rather than use a mouse and keyboard to find and click each command, a DAW controller allows you to operate a DAW via dedicated control surface\u2019s buttons, faders, encoders, or knobs. There are many different types of DAW controllers, like keyboards or mixers, but most of them have similar controls: channels, transport, navigation, and automation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/X-Touch.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"467\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/X-Touch.png\" alt=\"X Touch\" data-id=\"1749263\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/daw-control-surface-getting-started-guide\/x-touch\/\" class=\"wp-image-1749263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/X-Touch.png 467w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/X-Touch-223x300.png 223w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 467px) 100vw, 467px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/SL-MkIII-1024x536.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/SL-MkIII-1024x536.png\" alt=\"SL MkIII\" data-id=\"1749262\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/daw-control-surface-getting-started-guide\/sl-mkiii\/\" class=\"wp-image-1749262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/SL-MkIII-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/SL-MkIII-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/SL-MkIII-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/SL-MkIII.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/nanoKONTROL-Studio.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"665\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/nanoKONTROL-Studio.png\" alt=\"nanoKONTROL Studio\" data-id=\"1749261\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/daw-control-surface-getting-started-guide\/nanokontrol-studio\/\" class=\"wp-image-1749261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/nanoKONTROL-Studio.png 665w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/nanoKONTROL-Studio-300x283.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 665px) 100vw, 665px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Examples of different DAW controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"What-is-a-MIDI-CC-message\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">What is a MIDI CC message?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> DAW controllers mainly use numbered MIDI CC messages (keyboards use MIDI notes). The CC# in MIDI CC stands for \u201c<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/insync\/continuous-controller\/\" target=\"_blank\">continuous controller<\/a>,\u201d and its number determines which DAW parameter or function it controls. When you move a fader or turn an encoder, the hardware sends a MIDI message to the DAW and tells it what to do. For example, adjusting a fader on your DAW controller will simultaneously adjust the corresponding DAW fader in the same way. That\u2019s how they work, but they also need to communicate with the same control surface protocol as your DAW. Learn more in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/insync\/midi-essential-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Essential MIDI Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"Common-DAW-controller-features\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Common DAW controller features<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-4-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6>Channels<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Level<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pan<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Solo<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Mute<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Record Arm<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6>Transport<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Play<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Stop<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Fast Forward<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Rewind<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Record<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Loop<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6>Navigation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Track Scroll<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Timeline Scroll<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Horizontal Zoom<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Vertical Zoom<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Scrub\/Nudge<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6>Automation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Touch<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Latch<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Trim<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Write<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Read<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Off<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"DAW-controller-personalities\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">DAW controller personalities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for DAW control to work, both the DAW software and hardware controller must be configured with each other. Check that the DAW controller is designed for the DAW or has a supported controller identity. <strong>MCU<\/strong><em>(Mackie Control Universal)<\/em>, <strong>HUI<\/strong><em>(Human User Interface)<\/em>, and <strong>EUCON<\/strong><em>(Extended User Control)<\/em> are common, but many controllers have their own unique setup instructions. Learn more in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/insync\/control-surface-buying-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">control surface buying guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li> <strong>MCU (Mackie Control Universal):<\/strong> Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Live, Digital Performer, Reason, FL Studio, Bitwig Studio<\/li><li><strong>HUI (Human User Interface):<\/strong> Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Digital Performer<\/li><li><strong>EUCON (Extended User Control):<\/strong> Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic Pro X, Digital Performer, Nuendo<\/li><li><strong>Other\/Native:<\/strong> Some controllers are unique and control certain DAW\u2019s with little to no additional configuration. Others have their own software for specific control features. Check your controller\u2019s user manual for specific compatibility information. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Connecting-DAW-controllers\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">Connecting DAW controllers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know <a href=\"#What-is-a-DAW-controller\">what DAW controllers are<\/a> and <a href=\"#What-is-a-MIDI-CC-message\">how they work<\/a>, next you need to learn how to set one up in your DAW. We\u2019ve detailed everything below, but check your DAW controller\u2019s user manual for specific instructions and more information about your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"USB-vs-MIDI-connections\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">USB vs. MIDI connections<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most DAW controllers will connect to your computer via USB; either directly to the computer or through a powered hub. Some DAW controllers can communicate their MIDI CC messages via 5-pin MIDI ports. Depending on your configuration, you may be able to connect via the MIDI cables instead of the controller\u2019s USB port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"Connecting-a-DAW-controller-via-USB\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Connecting a DAW controller via USB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some DAW controllers are class compliant and use the built-in audio class drivers, but others have their own third-party driver software that must be installed before connecting. To set up a DAW controller with your computer, install the drivers and any other required software before connecting the controller. Check your controller\u2019s user manual for more information about system requirements and driver software. If underpowered by their USB port or hub, bus powered DAW controllers may not operate correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>If required, download and install the controller\u2019s software.<ul><li><strong>Required driver software<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Controller editor software<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Sequencer or virtual instrument software<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Connect the MIDI controller via USB: either directly to the computer or a powered USB hub.<\/li><li><a href=\"#DAW-controller-setup-guides\">Configure the DAW<\/a> with the MIDI controller.<ul><li>Select the correct MIDI controller mode.<\/li><li>Select the correct DAW settings. <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After connecting the DAW controller, continue to <a href=\"#DAW-controller-setup-guides\">configure the DAW settings<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/USB-CONNECTION.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1225\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/USB-CONNECTION.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1753913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/USB-CONNECTION.png 1225w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/USB-CONNECTION-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/USB-CONNECTION-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/USB-CONNECTION-1024x573.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1225px) 100vw, 1225px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Direct connection through USB. Click to enlarge.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"Connecting-a-DAW-controller-with-MIDI-cables\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Connecting a DAW controller with MIDI cables<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When connecting a DAW controller via MIDI cables, double check and route the correct MIDI Output port(s) to the correct Input port(s). Remember, the DAW controller will now use the ports of the MIDI device it\u2019s connected to instead of its own USB personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>If required, download and install the MIDI controller\u2019s software.<ul><li><strong>Controller editor software<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Sequencer or virtual instrument software<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Connect the DAW controller to your MIDI interface\/device via its MIDI ports.<\/li><li><a href=\"#DAW-controller-setup-guides\">Configure the DAW<\/a> with the MIDI controller.<ul><li><strong>Select a compatible DAW controller mode.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Select the correct DAW MIDI port settings.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After connecting the DAW controller, continue to&nbsp;<a href=\"#DAW-controller-setup-guides\">configure the DAW settings<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-INTERFACE.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-INTERFACE-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1753915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-INTERFACE-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-INTERFACE-768x378.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-INTERFACE-1024x504.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-INTERFACE.png 1225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Connecting via MIDI interface.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-OUT-TO-MIDI-IN.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-OUT-TO-MIDI-IN-300x121.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1753914\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-OUT-TO-MIDI-IN-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-OUT-TO-MIDI-IN-768x311.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-OUT-TO-MIDI-IN-1024x415.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-OUT-TO-MIDI-IN.png 1225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>MIDI Out to MIDI In.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"DAW-controller-setup-guides\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">DAW controller setup guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Click any of the setup guides below to configure the DAW settings for your controller surface. Before you do, check to see if your controller requires any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/where-can-i-download-the-driver-for-my-interface\/\">driver or software<\/a> installation to connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a aria-label=\"How to set up a MIDI controller in Pro Tools (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/how-do-i-set-up-a-midi-controller-in-pro-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to set up a MIDI controller in Pro Tools<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/cubase-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Cubase<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/studio-one-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Studio One<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/how-to-set-up-a-daw-controller-in-fender-studio-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Fender Studio Pro<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/live-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Live<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/fl-studio-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in FL Studio<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/reason-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Reason<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/digital-performer-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Digital Performer<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\"How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Bitwig Studio (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/bitwig-studio-daw-controller-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Set Up a DAW Controller in Bitwig Studio<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1753963,"template":"","categories":[142726],"tags":[55062,231280,55546,34601,231278,231299,34124,604170,36498,55254,53648,34223,34259,72187,34739,72625,34740,33883,53810,36512,35268,55833],"storecat":[142996],"itemids":[],"manufacturers":[202712],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this guide, you&#039;ll learn what a DAW MIDI controller is and how to set one up with a DAW. 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