The Control Devices

Control devices either create or route control information to the computer.  This information is usually transmitted under the standard Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) format.  MIDI information can track everything from what piano key you hit on the MIDI keyboard (as well as how hard you hit it), to what the volume of a specific track is as defined by the MotoMix Console.

The Keyboard

The DAW keyboard is primarily used as a MIDI controller, which means you don't need to worry about most of the buttons and knobs.  One feature you might use is the octave up/down buttons.  Otherwise, just make sure that the keyboard is on.

The MotoMix Console

The MotoMix console is a MIDI controlled physical interface that works exclusively with ProTools.  It allows users to control the virtual mixing board on a multi-track recording program more efficiently by having individual physical controls perform functions such as updating a track's volume, pan, solo/mute, etc. This saves time as you don't have to use the mouse to perform these operations on the computer.



This concludes the DAW Overview!  If you would like to learn more about the DAW, feel free to drop in on one of our workshops!  If you need help while working in the DAW, you can contact Bennett, the DAW instructor, by either emailing lsthelp@uw.edu or visiting OUGL 230.  The help desk consultants on the second floor of the Odegaard Library may also be able to help you with questions.  Happy recording!