It’s a widespread belief that you need about 10,000 hours of practice before you can competently master a craft. Renowned author Malcolm Gladwell popularized this notion in his bestseller The Outliners.
This sounds like a solid roadmap. However, there will be many scenarios where you won’t have 10,000 to devote to a single craft. Fortunately, this myth was debunked, and if you want to master the MIDI controller mapping, this works in your favor. You can get pretty great at MIDI controller mapping quickly, provided you know the steps to follow.
This tutorial will guide you through the step-by-step procedures required to go from a complete novice to a decent user of the MIDI controller. And make sure to read to the end to discover the secret sauce for mastering this device’s mapping.
What is MIDI?
MIDI is an abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It serves as a language or communication medium between different digital musical gear.
Instead of musical sounds, MIDI sends instructions and information regarding how patterns and notes are played. For example, using MIDI data, you can control a DAW or virtual instruments with physical instruments.
So what, then, is the MIDI controller? Let’s find out.
What Exactly is a MIDI Controller?
The MIDI controller is a physical device or interface that transmits MIDI signals for controlling musical software and hardware. These controllers interact with other instruments and software by receiving and sending MIDI messages. Remember, MIDI signals aren’t musical signals but commands that trigger sounds or specific actions in other musical sources.
When you need to customize what these signals do for specific devices, this is where MIDI controller mapping comes into play. With the popularity of software like Traktor or Serato, DJs using MIDI controllers make the most of mapping to render their maps much easier.
Because of their versatility, low cost, and tactile responsiveness, MIDI controllers are often aspiring producers’ first piece of equipment. They are particularly helpful in the studio, on the road, or live because they can control several instruments with a single device.
The MIDI keyboard is by far the most common type of MIDI controller. However, they are available in various forms and sizes for various purposes.
What does a MIDI keyboard do? Well, MIDI technology first emerged in the layout of a conventional piano keyboard, and this configuration continues to be favored by a broad range of artists, composers, and producers. MIDI keyboards feature intuitive control surfaces compatible with VST synthesizers, sequencers, effects, etc.
What is MIDI Controller Mapping?
The MIDI controller mapping process enables users to connect a controller and a piece of hardware or instrument and customize the functions for their needs. Simply put, it enables producers and artists to adjust the audio output with less hassle. Thus, allocating which specific buttons, features, or knobs will trigger the software and produce a particular sound.
Steps to Map Your MIDI Controller
Considering the previously mentioned benefits, they make MIDI mapping an exceedingly valuable feature and skill to master. But in truth, this is just one facet of MIDI mapping. When you can exploit its full potential, MIDI mapping can prove very nuanced and involved, with several parameters at your disposal.
For instance, mapping mode would enable you to experiment with and manipulate numerous filters quickly and simultaneously.
If you already possess a DJ controller, a significant portion will likely seem needless. Nonetheless, MIDI mapping your various control options can save time and convenience when using a turntable or specialized scratch mixer.
The bottom line is that MIDI mappings can simplify and expedite the use of any instrument or sound effect, whether a virtual instrument plugin or an actual instrument.
At your fingertips are a plethora of controls for your sounds and effects; alternatively, you can arrange for a whole orchestra to perform with the flip of one knob. When you incorporate a keyboard compatible with MIDI into the mix, you will have access to many customization options. The possibilities are limitless.
Let’s take the steps involved in mapping a MIDI controller in VirtualDJ.
Steps For Mapping a MIDI Controller in VirtualDJ
First, visit the Add-Ons page and check whether any previous or existing user has already created a mapper for your controller. Doing this could save you hours of effort. But if you don’t find any existing mapper, you may create a Basic* mapping dedicated to your controller using these steps:
- Proceed to SETTINGS -> CONTROLLERS tab.
- Select the device from the options at the top-left side. VirtualDJ8 typically displays the device name with the mapping name in parentheses following it. Ensure the device isn’t set to ignore.
- Move a knob or push a button on your controller that you intend to map. Each time you slide a knob or push a button, VirtualDJ will show you the key’s name atop the area called Key Learn. Click on the Key name to specify which one you want to map.
- Type a suitable action in the Action box, such as play_pause. VirtualDJ has a cool auto-filling feature that provides one of the available actions when you begin typing.
- Repeat the previous two steps for every key you intended to map for your MIDI controller.
- Once you’re satisfied with the mapping (the process is always open to further adding or editing later), you can save with a specific name, although this step is optional.
- You can create several mapping files for the same unit, which you may apply using the mapping field.
You may find specific mapping examples on the VDJScript Examples page. So there are many options, but it’s also very likely that you will “jump the gun” and make a mistake.
Because of this, the majority of people experience great anxiety and confusion over how to proceed when mapping their MIDI controllers for the first time.
Fortunately, most mapping processes are identical, with only minor variations depending on the platform. This is significant because it indicates that the software program you choose should provide the greatest benefits beyond mapping.
Conclusion
Those who have never performed MIDI controller mapping can fully utilize this feature by understanding the process and its nuances. This will unlock a new avenue of DJ features that would have previously been inaccessible. But, like everything, the process requires some patience. Therefore, you must put in the work before calling yourself a master!
