How to Navigate Plug-in Presets Using a MIDI Controller | Club Cubase March 8th 2022

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through navigating plug-in presets using a MIDI controller in Cubase. Understanding how to efficiently manipulate presets can enhance your music production workflow, allowing you to access sounds quickly and intuitively.

Step 1: Set Up Your MIDI Controller

1. Connect your MIDI controller to your computer.

2. Open Cubase and ensure your MIDI controller is recognized:

   • Go to Studio > Studio Setup.
   • Under MIDI Port Setup, confirm that your controller appears in the list.

3. Enable the controller for use with your desired track:

   • Create a new instrument track.
   • Select your MIDI controller as the input device.

Step 2: Load Your Desired Plug-in

1. Click on the instrument track you created.
2. In the Inspector panel, locate the VST Instrument section.
3. Choose your desired plug-in from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Access and Navigate Presets

1. Open the plug-in interface by clicking on the edit button (usually represented by a pencil or gear icon).

2. Locate the preset browser within the plug-in:

   • This is typically found at the top of the plug-in window.

3. Use your MIDI controller to navigate through presets:

   • Assign specific knobs or buttons on your MIDI controller to scroll through presets.
   • Refer to your controller’s manual for instructions on mapping controls if necessary.

Step 4: Assign MIDI Controls to Preset Functions

1. Open the MIDI Remote setup in Cubase:

   • Go to Studio > MIDI Remote.

2. Map the desired controls:

   • Select a control on your MIDI controller.
   • Assign it to a function within the plug-in (e.g., changing presets, adjusting parameters).

3. Test the mappings:

   • Use your MIDI controller to ensure the assigned functions work as expected.

Step 5: Save Your Custom Presets

1. Once you’ve adjusted parameters to your liking, save the preset within the plug-in:

   • Look for a Save or Store button in the plug-in interface.
   • Name your preset and save it for future use.

2. Consider organizing your presets:

   • Create folders or categories within the plug-in for easy access.

Conclusion

You've now learned how to navigate plug-in presets using a MIDI controller in Cubase. By setting up your MIDI controller and understanding how to manipulate presets, you can streamline your music production process. Explore different plug-ins and practice mapping controls to enhance your creativity. For further learning, consider checking out more tutorials on the Cubase YouTube channel.