Control Your Synths With Quick Controls | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up MIDI Remote in Cubase 12 to control synthesizers such as Retrologue and other plugins. By assigning quick controls to transmit CC messages and other MIDI data, you can streamline your music production workflow, allowing you to focus more on creativity and sound design.

Step 1: Setting Up MIDI Remote

1. Open Cubase 12 and create a new project or open an existing one.
2. Navigate to MIDI Remote:
   • Go to the menu bar and select Studio.
   • Click on MIDI Remote to access the MIDI Remote setup panel.
3. Add a MIDI Device:
   • Click on Add MIDI Device.
   • Choose your synthesizer or plugin (e.g., Retrologue) from the list.
   • If your device is not listed, you may need to create a Generic Device and configure it manually.

Step 2: Assigning Quick Controls

1. Select the MIDI Device:
   • In the MIDI Remote panel, select the device you just added.
2. Open Quick Control Settings:
   • Look for the Quick Controls section in the panel.
   • You will see several slots where you can assign controls.
3. Assign Parameters:
   • Click on a slot to open the parameter assignment dialog.
   • Select the parameter you want to control (e.g., filter cutoff, resonance).
   • Use the MIDI Learn feature if available by moving the corresponding knob or slider on your MIDI controller.
4. Test the Controls:
   • Adjust the assigned controls in your project to ensure they affect the parameters as expected.

Step 3: Transmitting CC Messages

1. Configure MIDI CC Settings:
   • In the Quick Controls section, ensure that the MIDI CC numbers for each control are set correctly.
   • This will allow you to send the appropriate MIDI data when you manipulate the controls.
2. Check MIDI Routing:
   • Go to the MIDI track settings and ensure that the output is correctly routed to your synthesizer.
   • Verify that the MIDI channel matches the one your device is set to.

Step 4: Utilizing Quick Controls in Your Workflow

1. Integrate into Your Projects:
   • Start using the quick controls during your music production sessions.
   • Experiment with different parameters to enhance your sound design.
2. Save Your Setup:
   • Once you are satisfied with your MIDI Remote settings, save your Cubase project.
   • Consider saving your MIDI Remote setup for future use.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively set up MIDI Remote in Cubase 12 to control your synthesizers with ease. This setup not only enhances your workflow but also allows for more creative control over your music production. To expand your skills, consider exploring additional features in Cubase or experimenting with different synthesizers and plugins.