Convert midi data from a parameter to a CC

[Thorny]

When I was using my new AudioModeling SWAM instruments a while back, I saw a very convenient set of choices offered in my region automation. They turned out to be parameters rather than CC lanes. I still do not understand the difference really, but now I can't set other CC functions to follow the data I carefully drew in my Expression. That SWAM instruments have so many different functions that can be independently controlled is wonderful, but the downside is that you have to actually draw all those separate curves.

I have just understood that I can very logically assign some useful dimensions of performance all to the expression CC. You can subtly adjust a curve for each one. Unfortunately, I can't see a way in the SWAM interface to control a CC from a parameter

In the future I will not use parameters at all for this purpose. I can't see a way to combine parameters in SWAM and mix them with CCs, but I will ask them if I can't find a way to convert it in Logic. I would rather convert all the pieces I have done so far to use CC lanes only.

I hope this makes sense to someone else! I appreciate any help

[Atlas007]

The CC are MIDI events. There are 127 types of CC. By default many of them are pre-named (and often pre-assigned) as per convention; i.e. (to name a few): CC#1 = ModWheel, CC#7 = Volume, CC#11 = Expression, CC#64 = Sustain, etc up to CC#127. Those CC are emitted by MIDI controller like a (MIDI) keyboard. Those CC (MIDI events) are used to remotely control (modulate) various parameters featured in software instruments (like SWAM).

Playback of pre-recorded CCs are useful to automate the parameters they have been assigned to. That process is called ‘automation’.

The more recent software instrument (such as SWAM) feature more than 127 parameters to modulate; thus exceeding the MIDI 127 number of CCs available. To circumvent that limitation, it was implemented another type of events (named Faders in Logic). It is up to the 3rd party plugin (i.e. SWAM) creator to "publish" its modulate-able parameters (make them available for automation), which Logic will list as such in the automation list. 

IOW, CC are used to remotely control plugin parameters (CC has to be assigned to a plugin parameter for same. CC events can be recorded (like note events) and could be used to automate the (plugins) parameters (to which they have been assigned to).

Plugin’s parameters are listed in Logic as an additional mean (faders events) to be automated. Those parameters can be remotely modulated via CC (emitted by a MIDI controller).

 

[Thorny]

Thanks for the explanation. The way that they are implemented looks a lot like CC lanes in an automation window, except the points on the curve are between 0 and 1, rather than 0 to 127. I was hoping that Logic had a way of converting said curve based on the proportion.

[polanoid]

18 hours ago, Thorny said:

Thanks for the explanation. The way that they are implemented looks a lot like CC lanes in an automation window, except the points on the curve are between 0 and 1, rather than 0 to 127. I was hoping that Logic had a way of converting said curve based on the proportion.

You could try using MIDI Transform for that, converting Fader events into Control Change events.

[Thorny]

I couldn’t find anything on the transforms in any of the editors that would do it, but that got me looking at the event editor. I have Midi data on fade number 23 that needs to be copied to controller 11. The values that I am seeing as decimal fraction of 1 in the automation window, already show up as values of 1-127 in the event list. I just can’t yet find a way to copy it from the fader I specify to the controller I specify. There must be some kind of copy somewhere i  Logic that will do this.

[polanoid]

6 hours ago, Thorny said:

 

I couldn’t find anything on the transforms in any of the editors that would do it,

 

You would need to create a new parameter set in the MIDI Transform window

[JakobP]

6 hours ago, Thorny said:

I just can’t yet find a way to copy it from the fader I specify to the controller I specify.

In the tracks area, with automation view enabled and the fader 23 automation nodes visible on the track, hold down option/alt while selecting cc11 and you will be asked if you want to copy or convert the automation. Did the same here but with fader 7 volume...

[Atlas007]

On 7/19/2022 at 8:38 AM, Thorny said:

I was hoping that Logic had a way of converting said curve based on the proportion.

If you are looking for a way to write (in realtime) automation, using a MIDI controller, for those SWARM parameters that aren’t CC, you could use the AQA (automation quick access) Logic’s feature. That method yields a more natural modulation, as you hear the result in realtime, as you perform the modulator (i.e. modwheel) during the playback of your music.

[Thorny]

Thanks, JakobP. That worked. It insists on putting it into cc11 on channel 2 but I can live with that. The SWAM assignments can all be done and work as desired.

[JakobP]

3 hours ago, Thorny said:

Thanks, JakobP. That worked. It insists on putting it into cc11 on channel 2 but I can live with that. The SWAM assignments can all be done and work as desired.

You're welcome
That's because the fader events also are on channel 2. You can use the same technique to convert to channel 1 by selecting "MIDI channel" in the automation drop down menu, but I guess t's just as easy to do it in the event list...