How to use a USB midi controller?

#1

Hi guys! I'm new here, my Axoloti arrived some days ago and I have read guides, watched the youtube tutorial (really useful!) and just created my first patch.
Now I have some usb controllers i want to test ( omnitronics fad9 and akai mpk mini) but i'm missing a simple yet crucial step.

(I'm sorry if this is a noob question but i couldn't find any info) How do i test if a controller is working? I need a really basic guide...

I want to assign a knob/fader on my controller to a knob of an axoloti object, what do i have to do?
Is there something like a midi in monitor so when a move a knob/fader i can see what command is sending? and what object do i need to use? the Gpio seems related only to the phisical input on the board, do i use the midi/in /cc? and then?

thank you for your help!

edit: i forgot to specify i'm talking about USB controllers

#2

there is an object to log to console messages, useful for testing
midi/in/monitor

just tick what you want to see in console

for using midi objects, select any , e.g. midi/in/cc then right click and help, and it will show you how to use

you can also use midi ccs to control parameters directly, simply select the parameter, right click to bring up menu, then MIDI CC and select the CC# you want to use.

I cant say anything about the fad9, but as long as it doesn't draw too much power and is usb class compliant it should work, test with the midi/in/monitor

#3

Thaaanks! it was so easy!
you just made my day, i'm twisting knob to modify fx right know and i can't believe how cool is this little thing!!!

btw if you have any input on guides/tutorial/resources on patches and how to learn to program it'll be really great!

#4

great!

tips... go thru the tutorial and demo patches, these contain most of what you need to know to get started, and remember than most object have 'help patches' to show how to use them.

if your not sure how objects work, use controls (ctrl/dial etc) and display objects (disp/*) to see whats going on.

as with all programming, its all about practice and experimenting, the more you play with it the more you will learn.

to avoid frustration, start writing simple patches e.g. simple synth/fx/sequencer (and really write them rather than copy from tutorials :wink:) , don't worry too much about the functionality, and how they sound, take shortcuts if necessary, just make sure they work!

slowly build up, doing different things...
the trick is to not go too fast, not be too ambitious, which will lead to frustration... but still challenge yourself.

and of course, you can ask questions here on the forum, lots of helpful people here.
tip: for question, its best if you create a simple patch which illustrates your 'issue' and then attach it to the post, its easier for others then to see what you might be doing wrong etc

id stick to factory objects initially, then once your happy with how patches work, then you can delve into the community library.

also a community member @janvantomme wrote a beginners book for Axoloti, more details can be found here , many users seems to enjoy it.

anyway, important thing... happy patching :slight_smile:

#5

thanks a lot! i'll try to follow your advices

but you mentioned tutorial and demo patches... you mean the one on the youtube video? or is there something else I missed?

#6

menu : File -> Library -> Factory -> demo/tutorial

#7

Hi,
I'm trying to do the same; assign my knobs and faders on my Arturia keylab but I can't understand how to do it. I have right clicked on the parameter I want to change, but I don't know how to assign that to the controller keyboard. Please can someone talk me through it in VERY simple, step-by step instructions? Would be soooo grateful. Thanks