User Guide

Revision 1.5
September 4th, 2020
By Nigel Rios
 Table of Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Installation .................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Configuration .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

2 Preferences .......................................................................................................................................10
2.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Mixer ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Trigger ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.4 Slider & XY ................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.5 About......................................................................................................................................................... 11

3 Mixer Mode .......................................................................................................................................12

3.1 Setting up the DAW................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.1 Logic Pro X ............................................................................................................................................ 12
3.1.2 Pro Tools............................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.3 Ableton Live.......................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.4 Reaper .................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.1.5 Cubase .................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.1.6 Studio One ............................................................................................................................................ 15
3.1.7 Other DAWs ......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Working in Mixer Mode ............................................................................................................................ 15
3.2.1 View 1 – Fader A + Solo/Mute/Record ................................................................................................ 16
3.2.2 View 2 – Fader A + Pan......................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.3 View 3 – Fader A + Fader B .................................................................................................................. 18
3.2.4 View 4 – Sends ..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.5 View 5 – Master Fader ......................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.6 View 6 – Jog Wheel .............................................................................................................................. 19
3.3 Mixer Mode Preferences ........................................................................................................................... 20
3.4 Transport Controls .................................................................................................................................... 21
3.5 Automation ............................................................................................................................................... 21
3.6 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................ 22

4 Trigger Mode .....................................................................................................................................23

4.1 Working in Trigger Mode .......................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 Using the Keys type with MPE................................................................................................................... 25
 4.3 DAW Configuration for MPE ..................................................................................................................... 27
4.4 Using the Chords type ............................................................................................................................... 29

5 Scale Mode ........................................................................................................................................31

5.1 Working in Scale Mode ............................................................................................................................. 31

6 XY & Slider Modes ............................................................................................................................33

6.1 Working with XY Pads ............................................................................................................................... 33
6.2 Working with Sliders ................................................................................................................................. 36
6.3 XY & Slider Preferences ............................................................................................................................. 37
6.4 Controller Formats .................................................................................................................................... 38
6.5 MIDI CC Mapping ...................................................................................................................................... 38

7 Keyboard Shortcuts .........................................................................................................................42

8 Lightroom & FCPX ............................................................................................................................45

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 INTRODUCTION

1 Introduction
AudioSwift for macOS lets you use a trackpad as a MIDI controller. Designed for music
producers, you can control virtual instruments, faders, panning, make beats, write
automation easily and play notes in your digital audio workstation, all by just using simple
touch gestures over the trackpad. Also, you can edit photos faster using AudioSwift with a
third-party plugin and color grade videos in Final Cut Pro X.

Control, improve and create with your trackpad. Enjoy!

- Nigel Rios, developer of AudioSwift.

Resources
• Website: www.audioswiftapp.com
• Tutorials: www.audioswiftapp.com/tutorials
• Blog, news, tips: www.audioswiftapp.com/blog
• Support: www.audioswiftapp.com/support
• Frequently Asked Questions: www.audioswiftapp.com/faq/
• Subscribe to our newsletter

Social Media
• Facebook: Golden Frog Music
• Twitter: @gfmusic1
• Instagram: @goldenfrogmusic
• YouTube: GoldenFrogMusic

Credits
Design & Engineering: Nigel Rios
Icon & Website Design: Gabriel X
Special thanks to Adriana Rios, Gabriel X, Vicente Rios, Billy Herron, Juan Carlos Samaniego
and Felix Lambiz.

Acknowledgements
A list of third-party code used in AudioSwift can be found here. Product names referred to
in this software are trademarks of their respective copyright owners. Nigel Rios is not
affiliated with any of them. Find a list of those trademarks here.

USE HYPERLINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE TO JUMP BETWEEN CHAPTERS

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 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Requirements

• Requires macOS 10.11.6 or newer.

• A MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with built-in multitouch trackpad, or any
Mac with a Magic Trackpad 1 or 2.
• Force Touch support requires a compatible trackpad.
• Touch Bar support requires macOS 10.12.2 or newer.
• For Lightroom, requires macOS 10.12+, Lightroom 6+ Classic CC and the plugin
MIDI2LR installed. See its requirements.
• For Final Cut Pro X, requires macOS 10.14.6 and the app CommandPost installed. See
its requirements.
• Mixer Mode currently supported in Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, Studio
One and Reaper.
• Trigger, Scale, XY and Slider modes work with all DAWs just like any MIDI controller.

1.2 Installation

Go to the AudioSwift website and click the Free Trial button to download the latest installer.
Once downloaded, open the file. When you agree with the End-User License Agreement, click
and drag the AudioSwift icon into the application folder as the window shows. The trial
version runs free without restrictions for 15 days. After that, a purchased license key code
will be needed.

License Activation
Enter the license key code at AudioSwift > Preferences > About > Review License Information. Each
license key code is intended for a single user and cannot be shared. You may install and use
the AudioSwift license key code you purchased in all computers that you’re the main user of.
For example, you can use it in your studio desktop computer and in your laptop. Other users
must have their separate license key code.

1.3 Configuration

Before launching AudioSwift, we need to check the trackpad’s settings at the macOS System
Preferences window. What we're looking for is to make sure there aren’t any three fingers
swipe gestures assigned to the trackpad, because it can cause conflicts with the app. Three
fingers taps can still be used. Go to Apple > System Preferences > Trackpad > More Gestures and
check if there isn't a three fingers swipe assigned to the following commands:
• Swipe between pages
• Swipe between full-screen pages
• Mission Control

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• App Exposé

If there is a three fingers swipe assigned, please change it to two or four fingers swipe
instead. After you finish, close the window.

A note to macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and above users (Catalina)

If you’re working on macOS 10.14 or above, you'll need to do one more thing. When you first
launch AudioSwift, you’ll get a message asking for access to let AudioSwift control this
computer. Click Open System Preferences.

Fig. 1-1 Accessibility Access Window

It will take you to the Privacy Tab under the System Preferences > Security & Privacy Section. In the
row Accessibility we are going to add AudioSwift to the list. At the bottom click the lock icon.
You need to have administrative permissions in the computer to do this. Enter your
password and click Unlock. Now check AudioSwift and close the window.

Fig. 1-2 Security & Privacy Window

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 INTRODUCTION

1.4 Overview

If you're using a Magic Trackpad, please turn it on before launching the app. Open AudioSwift
from the macOS Launchpad—an AudioSwift icon will appear at the top menu bar.

The app works in the background waiting to be called. By using four fingers tap gestures over
the trackpad, the Console is turned on. A Console window appears on screen freezing
the mouse pointer and taking control of the keyboard. It shows the current controller mode
you are working on. Once you finish moving your fingers to control a parameter, press the
ESC key in your keyboard to turn the Console off. Now we can continue using the trackpad
as a mouse pointer.

Fig. 1-3 AudioSwift icon in Menu Bar and Console Window

AudioSwift can also be turned on temporarily by pressing the SHIFT key immediately after
using the four fingers tap. The Console will stay on until you release the SHIFT key.

Besides using the ESC or the SHIFT keys, AudioSwift can be turned off in other ways:
• By double taping the bottom right corner of the trackpad (this only works in Mixer
Mode).
• By using a four fingers swipe in any direction.
• By touching the surface of a Magic Mouse or a second trackpad.
• By just moving a regular mouse or trackball.
• Automatically if the trackpad is not touched again within a second. See Preferences.
• Automatically when the DAW’s play head stops. See Mixer Mode Preferences.

Controller Modes
AudioSwift comes in five controller modes depending on what you want to control:

• Mixer— designed to speed up your mixing workflow. Control two faders at the same
time, panning, sends, use the trackpad as a jog wheel, and write automation.
• Trigger — tap your fingers over the trackpad to make beats, play notes with MIDI
Polyphonic Expression (MPE) and play chords.
• Scale — play notes in a selected key.
• XY — control many parameters at the same time using one, two or three fingers.
• Slider — divides the trackpad into 4 virtual sliders that send either CC or Pitch Bend
MIDI messages.

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 INTRODUCTION

MIDI Ports
When AudioSwift is running it creates three virtual MIDI ports that will be used in your DAW:
AudioSwift 1 and 2 are used for the Mixer Mode, and AudioSwift 3 for the rest of controller
modes.

Main Menu
Clicking the AudioSwift icon at the menu bar shows a drop-down menu with different items:

Show Console
At the Main menu, click over Show Console to open the Console window. This is the main
window of AudioSwift that appears every time it’s turned on.

At the top area, it shows the mode we are working on.

Click here an select one of the five modes to change it.
We can also use keyboard shortcuts when the Console
is on or it's the key window on screen. Press 1 for
Mixer, 2 for Trigger, 3 for Scale, 4 for XY and 5 for Slider.
In MacBooks with Touch Bar support, you will also see
the five modes displayed at the top of the keyboard. Fig. 1-4 Console Window

The star at the top right lets the Console window to always be on top, so when you turn
AudioSwift off the window won't disappear—the Console will just change its colors to tell if
it's activated or not.

The middle area shows which parameters are we controlling. In this case we are at the Mixer
Mode and we can control one fader, plus the solo, mute and arm record buttons.

The bottom area shows more settings that can be changed.

Show Trackpad
Go back to the Main menu and now click Show
Trackpad. It opens a utility window showing the
different zones of the trackpad and where your
fingers are. For example, in Mixer Mode (see Fig. 1-
5), the section Fader A is for moving a fader. Sliding
a finger inside this zone will move a corresponding
fader on screen. Tapping where it says S, will solo the
track. Tapping over the box 3 will change the view,
and now it can control two faders at the same time.
All controller modes have their respective zones Fig. 1-5 Trackpad Window
displayed in the Trackpad window.

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Preferences
See Preferences chapter.

Disable Controllers
Disables AudioSwift temporarily. When it’s disabled, four fingers taps won't turn on the
Console.

Watch Tutorials
It takes you to the Tutorials section at our website.

Check for Updates

Use Check for Updates to see if there’s a new version of AudioSwift available.

Restart AudioSwift
Click Restart AudioSwift if you're working with a Magic Trackpad and you launched the app
before it was turned on. This action will recognize it.

Quit AudioSwift
Click Quit AudioSwift if you want to quit the app. If the Console is on the screen you can also
quit the app by pressing COMMAND + Q.

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2 Preferences
Go to the Main Menu and open the Preferences window. Here we change how AudioSwift will
work and it’s divided in five tabs.

2.1 General

It changes the general settings of AudioSwift.

Select Controller Mode at startup

Choose which mode you want to start working on when
AudioSwift is first launched.

Select Console Theme

Changes the colors of the Console window between a
light or dark theme.

Auto launch at login

Automatically launches the app every time you log into
your Mac.

Console window on top at startup

The star at the Console will be enabled at login.

Automatically check for updates

AudioSwift will check periodically if there’s a new
update.
Fig. 2-1 General Tab

Choose how to turn AudioSwift on

Choose between four fingers tap, five fingers tap, or by pressing a hotkey. The default hotkey
is TAB, but you can define your own hotkey by pressing the Set button and typing another key
or a combination using modifiers.

Enable trackpad to automatically turn AudioSwift on

Enable this if you want to turn on the Console by just touching the trackpad. This is useful if
you’re using another trackpad or mouse as a secondary input device. You just need to select
which trackpad you want to use and tap it with the four/five fingers only one time when
AudioSwift is launched. After that, the Console will be activated by just touching that trackpad
and deactivated by moving or touching the secondary trackpad or mouse. This way you won’t
need to tap or use the ESC key.

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Turn AudioSwift off automatically

It’s turned off if the trackpad is not touched again within a second.

Enable turning AudioSwift off with double tap

Double tap the bottom right corner of the trackpad in Mixer Mode to turn off the Console.

General Settings
This section is for saving all the settings of AudioSwift. You can for example copy the settings
from your desktop and load them in your laptop or have different settings for different
setups. The Reset button will reset to the factory default settings.

2.2 Mixer

See Mixer Mode chapter.

2.3 Trigger

See Trigger Mode chapter.

2.4 Slider & XY

See Slider & XY Modes chapter.

2.5 About

The About tab shows the current version of AudioSwift and the credits. Click Review License
Information. If you're trying a demo, it will show you how many days of trial are left. When
you buy a license, paste the key code provided in this section and then click Register.

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3 Mixer Mode
The Mixer Mode lets you use your trackpad as a practical mixing control surface. It’s currently
supported in Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, Studio One and Reaper. Some
mixing features are only available in certain DAWs.

3.1 Setting up the DAW

Open AudioSwift before launching your DAW. Go to the AudioSwift > Preferences > Mixer.
AudioSwift lets you configure two DAWs:
• Choose your primary DAW in Primary DAW on Port 1. It uses MIDI port AudioSwift 1.
• If you have a secondary DAW, select it in Secondary DAW on Port 2. It uses MIDI port
AudioSwift 2 instead.

Close the window and now open your DAW.

3.1.1 Logic Pro X

After following the steps for AudioSwift, launch Logic Pro X. We’re going to add AudioSwift
as a Mackie Control surface in Logic Pro. Go to Logic Pro X > Control Surfaces > Setup. Then go
to New > Install. A list of manufacturers and models will appear. Look for Mackie Designs, model
Mackie Control and select it. Click Add.

The new control surface will be added to the Control Surface Setup window. Click this new
Mackie Control item to highlight it. At the left of the table under Device: Mackie Control set both
Output Port and Input Port to AudioSwift 1 if Logic Pro is your primary DAW. Choose AudioSwift
2 if it’s your secondary DAW. The configuration is shown in Fig. 3-1.

Fig. 3-1 Logic Pro X Control Surface Setup

Close this window and now go to Logic Pro X > Control Surfaces > Preferences > General. Here we
need to change two settings:
• Uncheck Touching fader select track.

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• Check Control surface follows track selection.

3.1.2 Pro Tools

After following the steps for AudioSwift, launch Pro Tools. We’re going to add AudioSwift as
a HUI Control surface in Pro Tools. Go to Setup > MIDI > MIDI Input Devices and enable
AudioSwift 1 or 2 ports, and also AudioSwift port 3. Close this window.

Now go to Setup > Peripherals > MIDI Controllers. Under Type choose HUI. In both Receive From
and Send To select AudioSwift 1 if Pro Tools is your primary DAW. Choose AudioSwift 2 if it’s
your secondary DAW. Leave # Ch’s in 8. The configuration is shown in Fig. 3-2

Fig. 3-2 Pro Tools MIDI Controllers Setup

3.1.3 Ableton Live

After following the steps for AudioSwift, launch Ableton Live. We’re going to add AudioSwift
as a Mackie Control surface in Ableton Live. Go to Live > Preferences > Link MIDI. Over the MIDI
Ports section, enable AudioSwift 1 or AudioSwift 2 ports by turning on the columns Track, Sync
and Remote. Do the same for port AudioSwift 3.

Now over Control Surface choose Mackie Control. In both Input and Output select AudioSwift 1
if Ableton Live is your primary DAW. Choose AudioSwift 2 if it’s your secondary DAW. The
configuration is shown in Fig. 3-3.

Fig. 3-3 Ableton Live Control Surface Setup

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3.1.4 Reaper
After following the steps for AudioSwift, launch Reaper. We’re going to add AudioSwift as a
Mackie Control surface in Reaper. Go to Reaper > Preferences > Control/OSC/web and click Add.
In Control Surface Settings select Mackie Control Universal as the Control surface mode. For both
MIDI Input and MIDI Output select AudioSwift 1 if Reaper is your primary DAW. Choose
AudioSwift 2 if it’s your secondary DAW. Click OK. The configuration is shown in Fig. 3-4 (left).

Now go to Reaper > Preferences > Audio > MIDI Devices. Make sure that ports AudioSwift 1 and
2 are disabled at the MIDI Input section and also at the MIDI Output section (see Fig. 3-4
right).

Fig. 3-4 Reaper Control Surface Settings & MIDI Devices

3.1.5 Cubase
After following the steps for AudioSwift, launch Cubase.
We’re going to add AudioSwift as a Mackie Control
surface in Cubase. Go to Studio > Studio Setup. Click the
Add button at the top left and select Mackie Control.
With the new controller selected go to the right and set
both MIDI Input and MIDI Output to AudioSwift 1 if Cubase
is your primary DAW. Choose AudioSwift 2 if it’s your
secondary DAW. On the bottom, make sure Enable Auto
Select is unchecked. The configuration is shown in Fig. 3-
5 (top).

Before hitting OK, go to the left to MIDI > MIDI Port Setup
and then in the table to the right, uncheck AudioSwift 1
and 2 in the column In All MIDI Inputs. Click OK. The
configuration is shown in Fig. 3-5 (bottom).

Fig. 3-5 Cubase Studio Setup

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3.1.6 Studio One

After following the steps for AudioSwift, launch Studio One. We’re going to add AudioSwift
as a Mackie Control surface in Studio One. Go to Studio One > Preferences > External Devices
and click the Add button. Choose Mackie Control. In both Receive From and Send To select
AudioSwift 1 if Studio One is your primary DAW. Choose AudioSwift 2 if it’s your secondary
DAW. Click OK. The configuration is shown in Fig. 3-6.

Fig. 3-6 Studio One External Devices Setup

3.1.7 Other DAWs

If your DAW is not supported with AudioSwift in Mixer Mode but supports the Mackie Control
Universal protocol, you can set AudioSwift’s primary or secondary DAW at the Preferences
window as Generic. This option will send the basic Mackie Control commands, although
some features may not work correctly with your DAW. Add a Mackie Control device to your
DAW according to its user guide and connect ports AudioSwift 1 or 2.

3.2 Working in Mixer Mode

Once AudioSwift has been set up with the DAW, it’s

ready to use. Let’s open the Console window by
clicking Show Console at the Main menu. Choose
Mixer Mode at the top menu of the Console or use
the keyboard shortcut 1. At the bottom bar there is
a menu where we select the current DAW we want
to control. These are the same two DAWs that were
set before at the Preferences window, and we can
switch between them by clicking on it or by pressing
the B key. The middle area shows the current view Fig. 3-7 Console in Mixer Mode
we're working on, with the group of parameters we

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can control with the trackpad. In this case we’re in the first view and we can control a fader
plus the solo, mute and arm record buttons. Turn the Console on with four fingers tap and
the trackpad will be ready to move the parameters on screen. Let’s go through the different
views.

3.2.1 View 1 – Fader A + Solo/Mute/Record

To learn the zones over the trackpad click Show Trackpad at the Main menu. In this utility
window we'll see where our fingers are, and we can know the size of each zone in our
trackpad. With a little practice, moving through the zones will be easy to you. The left and
right areas of the trackpad are for changing between the views and moving from one track
to the other by just tapping the trackpad with only one finger. The middle section is where
you control the desired parameter, and it depends on the view you've chosen.

Tap to go to Tap to go to next

previous track track

Tap to change to Tap to change to

View 1 View 2

Tap to change to
Tap to change to
View 3
View 4, 5 & 6
Double tap to turn
AudioSwift off
Slide to move
Fader A Tap to solo Tap to mute Tap to arm
record

Fig. 3-8 Mixer Mode View 1

Select the first track in your project. Turn the Console on with four fingers tap on the
trackpad. Select View 1 by tapping the number 1 (key shortcuts Z, X, PERIOD and COMMA can
also change the views). To move the fader of the selected track, use the tip of one finger and
slide it up or down inside the fader area—the corresponding fader will move on screen.
Notice that the movements are relative, meaning that it doesn't matter if you begin at the
bottom of the trackpad, or at the top level, the fader will start moving from its last position,
following your finger direction. Also notice that once you start moving inside the fader zone,
you won't need to worry if you accidentally get out of the zone, the selected fader will still
move. When you finish, press the ESC key or double tap the bottom right corner to turn the
Console off.

+TIP: It's a good practice to turn the Console off right away when you finish using the
controller, to avoid moving a fader when you really want to move the mouse pointer instead.

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Let's turn the Console on again. If you press the OPTION key in your keyboard when moving
the fader, it will reset to its default value of 0dB. If you keep pressed the COMMAND key, the
fader will move more slowly for fine adjustments.

To solo the track, tap with one finger over the letter S. To mute the track, tap over the M. To
arm for record the track, tap over the R.

Track Selection
AudioSwift lets you control a track only if it’s inside of an 8-channels bank. You can click with
the mouse pointer any track inside the bank and AudioSwift will focus on that track. This is
important to know because you could click a track without noticing if it’s inside the bank or
not and start moving another channel instead.

AudioSwift follows the Mackie Control protocols in order to work with the DAWs supported,
but each DAW implements the protocol in a different way. With Logic Pro and Reaper, you
can select the track you want to control by just clicking it with the mouse pointer; the bank
and AudioSwift will focus on that track. With Pro Tools, click the track, and then while pressing
CONTROL-SHIFT, click it again. The bank will jump to the selected track. With Ableton Live,
Cubase and Studio One, you can only click a track if it’s inside the bank. If it’s outside the
bank, you’ll need to manually change the bank or track using AudioSwift.

Turn the Console on with four fingers tap. To change a track one at a time, tap the Right and
Left triangles on the top corners of the trackpad or use key shortcuts C, V, N or M. The selected
track will be highlighted on screen. Once it reaches the first or eighth channel of the bank,
the 8-channels bank will move right or left.

To change the 8-channel bank, tap the Right and Left triangles while pressing the CONTROL
key (or use CONTROL + C, V, N or M.) The bank will move to the next 8 tracks and the first track
will be selected. Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Cubase will show the 8-channel bank highlighted
with a line under those 8 tracks. Ableton Live, Reaper and Studio One will not show any visual
reference of the bank.

Fig. 3-9 8-Channels Bank in Pro Tools

In summary:
• Logic Pro: Click any track and the bank will move automatically. NOTE: In order to
control a track that you've selected with the mouse pointer in the mixer window, the
track should also appear in the arrangement window. If it isn't, when you click the
track the bank won't move, and you won't be able to control the track.

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• Pro Tools: To select a track outside of the bank, click the track, and then while
pressing CONTROL-SHIFT, click it again. The bank will jump to the selected track.
• Ableton Live: tap the Left and Right triangles on the trackpad to select a track.
• Reaper: Click any track and the bank will move automatically.
• Cubase: tap the Left and Right triangles on the trackpad to select a track.
• Studio One: tap the Left and Right triangles on the trackpad to select a track.

3.2.2 View 2 – Fader A + Pan

Turn the Console on with four fingers tap and then tap the number 2 on the trackpad. View
2 gives access to a fader plus panning. Move up your finger inside the pan zone, and the
knob will turn to the right. Move down and it will turn to the left. To set the panning to the
center, keep pressing the OPTION key and move the panning (use CONTROL key for Pro Tools).
NOTES:
• The OPTION key won’t work in Cubase and Studio One.
• To control the right pan knob of a stereo channel in Pro Tools, with the Console on
press D in your keyboard. The word Pan will start blinking in the Console. Now you
can move the right knob. Press D again to return to its normal state.

3.2.3 View 3 – Fader A + Fader B

Tap the number 3 for View 3. It lets you move two tracks at the same time. Tap over the Left
and Right triangles, and it will jump to the next two tracks. Press the OPTION key and the
faders will be set at 0dB. Press the COMMAND key for fine adjustments.

+TIP: Use your index and ring fingers to move the faders.

3.2.4 View 4 – Sends

View 4 is accessible by tapping the bottom right corner of the trackpad where the star is.
This corner turns the Console off with a double tap, and also gives access to views 4, 5 and
6, but they need to be enabled first in the Mixer section of the Preferences window. This
view is supported in certain DAWs (see notes below).

View 4 is for the sends. The Console will show the number of the send you are controlling on
the selected track. Move your finger over the send area to set the level of the send. Press the
COMMAND key for fine adjustments. Press the OPTION key while moving the finger and the
fader will be set to its default value.

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Tap over the On/Off button and the send will be enabled or disabled. To move to the next
send, tap over the Up and Down triangles. Tap over the Right and Left triangles to go the next
track and set its send’s levels.

Tap to go to
previous send
Slide to move
Send

Tap to go to next
send

Tap to change to
View 4, 5 & 6
Tap to enable/disable
Double tap to turn
send
AudioSwift off
Fig. 3-10 Mixer Mode View 4

NOTES:
• View 4 is supported in Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase and Studio One. It’s
not supported in Reaper.
• AudioSwift lets you control only sends 1 to 8. In Pro Tools, only from sends 1 to 5.
• In Ableton Live and Studio One, the On/Off button is not supported.

3.2.5 View 5 – Master Fader

View 5 is accessible by tapping the bottom right corner of the trackpad where the star is.
This corner turns the Console off with a double tap, and also gives access to views 4, 5 and
6, but they need to be enabled first in the Mixer section of the Preferences window. This
view is not supported in Pro Tools.

View 5 is for the Master fader. Press the OPTION key and the fader will be set at 0dB. Press
the COMMAND key for fine adjustments.

3.2.6 View 6 – Jog Wheel

View 6 is accessible by tapping the bottom right
corner of the trackpad where the star is. This corner
turns the Console off with a double tap and also gives
access to views 4, 5 and 6, but they need to be enabled
first in the Mixer section of the Preferences window.
This view is not supported in Pro Tools

View 6 is for the Jog Wheel. With only one finger, start
moving in circles around the center of the trackpad;
the play head will move through the timeline. Press Fig. 3-11 Mixer Mode View 6

one time the S key in your keyboard and the play head

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will move more smoothly. You can start moving your finger anywhere inside the middle area
of the trackpad as long as the movements are in circles around the center. Without lifting
the finger, you can even go outside the middle area and it still going to work.

NOTES:
• The S key is not supported in Studio One.
• In Ableton Live the jog wheel works as described before but only in the Arrangement
View. In the Session View, it will change from scene to scene instead. The S key will
play the selected scene.

3.3 Mixer Mode Preferences

For the Mixer Mode Preferences window, go to

AudioSwift > Preferences > Mixer.

Primary DAW on Port 1

Choose the primary DAW for AudioSwift 1 MIDI port.

Secondary DAW on Port 2

Choose the secondary DAW for AudioSwift 2 MIDI
port.

Default view at startup

Choose the default Mixer Mode view when the app is
launched.

Space bar works as play/pause button

When it’s enabled, the play head will pause and
continue after pressing the space bar again.
Unchecked, it changes the behavior of the space bar
to let the play head return to its initial position. This
setting is available in certain DAWs. Fig. 3-12 Mixer Mode Preferences Window

Turn AudioSwift off when play head stops

AudioSwift will be automatically turned off when the play head stops.

Enable Sends
Enables View 4 in Mixer Mode.

Enable Master Fader

Enables View 5 in Mixer Mode.

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Enable Jog Wheel

Enables View 6 in Mixer Mode.

Fader sensitivity
Changes the sensitivity of the faders.

3.4 Transport Controls

In AudioSwift there are several keyboard shortcuts that are used for transport control when
the Console is on or when the Console is the key window on screen. You can either use them,
or if you prefer you can use the regular transport shortcuts in your DAW, and then turn the
Console on for controlling the faders, panning and so on. If you have a MacBook Pro with
Touch Bar you will also see the transport controls displayed on it.

The keyboard shortcuts are:

• SPACE BAR—plays the music. Press it again and the play head will pause.
• Q—rewind
• W—stop
• E—play
• R—record
• T—cycle mode
• Y—fast Forward

+TIP: Once you have configured the Mixer Mode in your DAW, both Touch Bar and keyboard
transport controls are also accessible when you're working on the Trigger, Scale, XY and
Slider controller modes.

3.5 Automation

With AudioSwift you can automate faders, panning, sends, solo and mute buttons depending
on the DAW. In your DAW select an automation mode like Write, Touch or Latch, and then
hit play. Turn the Console on with four fingers tap and start touching the trackpad. You can
even automate two faders at the same time. The following key shortcuts, available only in
Logic Pro, Studio One and Reaper, enable the automation modes on a track:
• U—read
• I—write
• O—touch
• P—latch

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NOTES:
• With Pro Tools you’ll need to press the A key first to automate. At the bottom of the
Console you’ll see that Auto On will be enabled. Press the A key again to disable it.

3.6 Troubleshooting

Always launch AudioSwift before launching your DAW. In some cases, when your Mac wakes
up from Sleep Mode, the connection is lost between the DAW and AudioSwift because the
app restarts. When this happens, go to your DAW’s settings where AudioSwift was
configured, check that the ports are OK, and click OK. This will recognize AudioSwift again.

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4 Trigger Mode
The Trigger Mode divides the trackpad in 4 to 20 pads. Tapping each pad sends Note On/Off
MIDI messages with velocity and it also supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression or MPE. Up to
three fingers can be used at the same time. You can make beats, play melodies, chord
progressions or trigger articulations in your virtual instruments.

It works with all DAWs like any MIDI controller and uses the AudioSwift 3 port. The port
should appear enabled in your DAW automatically, however some DAWs require that you
manually enable the MIDI ports in their preferences windows before you start using them.
Please read their guides on how to do this.

NOTES:
• AudioSwift has an All Notes Off MIDI command (CC#123) in case there are hanging MIDI
notes that won’t stop sounding. The keyboard shortcut is the F key. Check out if your
DAW and plugins recognize this MIDI command.

4.1 Working in Trigger Mode

Open the Console window by clicking Show Console at the Main menu. Choose Trigger Mode
at the top menu of the Console or use the keyboard shortcut 2. Open the trackpad window
to see the trigger pads around the trackpad. By default, AudioSwift divides the surface into
12 pads. Turn the Console on with four fingers tap and start tapping. When you finish, hit
ESC.

Caution: Do not hit hard the trackpad—gentle taps will be enough to trigger the notes.

AudioSwift in Trigger Mode works in three different types:

• Drums
• Keys (with MIDI Polyphonic Expression support)
• Chords

Each type has 60 different pads that can be configured at the Console window for a total of
180 pads. Each group of 60 pads is divided by banks. The notes by default start at C1 or C3
and go up chromatically.

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Choose between Choose number

Drums, Keys or of pads
Chords
MIDI Note
Pad Label

Maximum MIDI Right click for

Velocity menu

MIDI Channel
Change Bank Fig. 4-1 Console in Trigger Mode

Type
Choose between Drums for playing percussive sounds, Keys for playing melodies and Chords
to trigger chord progressions. Use key shortcut B. With Drums the notes are short, even if you
keep touching the trackpad. With Keys and Chords the notes last until you lift your finger or
slide it to another pad. If you use a trackpad with Force Touch support and apply pressure
to the surface, the controller will send after touch MIDI messages, also known as channel
pressure. Keys type can also send pitch bend or CC messages per note when the finger moves
(more on this later).

Pads
Change the number of pads on the trackpad. Use key shortcut SHIFT + B.

Pad Label
Type a name for the pad.

Note
It shows the corresponding note of the pad. All accidentals are shown as sharps. Change the
MIDI note of the pad by typing its name, its MIDI number (0 to 127) or by clicking and dragging
over the note. The following key shortcuts are also available:
• Hold the OPTION key and tap a pad—the note will change a semitone up. Hold SHIFT
+ OPTION + Tap for a semitone down.
• C and V or N and M—changes all notes in the bank one semitone up or down. Use
these keys while holding SHIFT to change all notes by an octave.

Velocity
The trigger pads are velocity sensitive with a maximum limit set by the user. Change the
maximum MIDI velocity of the pads from 0 to 127 by typing the number or by clicking and
dragging over the value. Use the UP and DOWN keys as shortcuts to increase and decrease
the maximum velocity. The number set here will be the same for the Scale Mode.

The user can also set the trigger pads to work with a fixed velocity. Go to Preferences > Trigger
tab and enable Use fixed velocity.

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NOTES:
• The velocity triggered is defined by how much skin surface area get in contact with
the trackpad in the initial touch. Using the tip of the finger can get lighter hits;
touching with the fingertip laid flat on the trackpad can get louder hits.
• The velocity sensitivity response varies between trackpads. We made tests with a
2017 MacBook Pro, a Magic Trackpad 2 and a Magic Trackpad 1. The MacBook Pro
had the best response, the Magic Trackpad 2 comes in second, and the Magic
Trackpad 1 in third position.

Channel
Change the MIDI channel of the pads from 1 to 16 by typing the number, or by clicking and
dragging over the value. Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to increase and decrease the value.
The number set here will be the same for the Scale, XY and Slider Modes.

Bank
Change between banks. The number of banks depends on the number of pads selected. Use
key shortcuts Z and X or PERIOD and COMMA.

Menu
Right click the empty space beside the note on each pad. A drop-down menu appears with
the options to copy/paste pads, reset banks or set scales and chords.

4.2 Using the Keys type with MPE

The Keys type offers the option to use the trackpad as

an MPE controller. MPE stands for MIDI Polyphonic
Expression and it’s a method of using the standard
MIDI specification to play synths and virtual
instruments in a more expressive way. Besides
sending note on/off messages, each pad can also send
pitch bend and control change per note by sliding the
fingers horizontally and vertically.

In order to achieve these polyphonic dimensions, an

MPE controller separates the data between MIDI
channels. Then, the synth or virtual instrument should
be MPE compatible in order to reproduce the sounds
correctly, or otherwise it will work like regular MIDI.
Roger Linn Design website, makers of the popular
LinnStrument, maintains a list of recommended Figure 4-1 Trigger Tab

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sounds and DAWs that are MPE compatible and can also work with AudioSwift.

AudioSwift uses MIDI channels 2, 3, and 4 to send the MIDI messages for each note and
channel 1 for global messages. Only three notes can be played in the trackpad at the same
time. Although the MPE specification allows Channel Pressure per note, AudioSwift will only
send global Channel Pressure on channel 1 using Force Touch.

To enable MPE mode in AudioSwift, select the Trigger Mode and select Keys as the type in the
Console window. Choose a number of pads for your trackpad. Then go to Preferences > Trigger
Tab and enable Use MPE Mode. By default, the X-axis sends pitch bend and the Y-axis sends
CC#74 Expression, which is the standard control change number according to the MPE
specification. You can change it to CC#1 Mod Wheel instead and set a default value where
the controller will return after the finger is lifted from the trackpad. In this case, the default
is 64. Uncheck Enable X-axis or Y-axis controller in order to disable each controller.

Scale Selection
At the Console, right click the blank space in the pad beside the note. It opens a drop-down
menu. Click Set Scale and choose a scale—the scales can be built from any pad.

Figure 4-2 Scale selection in Trigger Mode

The following key shortcuts are also available:

• OPTION + Tap or SHIFT + OPTION + Tap—the note will change a semitone up or down.
• CONTROL + Tap or SHIFT + CONTROL + Tap—to set a scale from the specified pad.
• A or L—adds sustain to the note. Lock the sustain with SHIFT + A or SHIFT + L.

To setup your DAW for MPE, let’s see a couple of DAW configurations.

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4.3 DAW Configuration for MPE

Logic Pro X
Logic Pro comes with several stock virtual instruments that are MPE compatible: Retro Synth,
Alchemy, EXS24, ES2, EFM1, Sculpture and Vintage Clav.

Insert the stock plugin on a track, open it, go to the bottom and click the left triangle. Select
MIDI Mono Mode: On (with common base channel 1). Choose the pitch bend range for the
instrument.

Figure 4-3 ES2 MIDI Mono Mode

Ableton Live
Live doesn’t fully support MPE but there is a workaround to make it work with plugins.

Create five MIDI tracks in your

project. Track 1 will be the host
for the MPE plugin. It will only
play the sounds and won’t
receive any MIDI input directly
from the trackpad, so select No
Input under MIDI From.

Track 2 will be the global

master channel and will use
MIDI channel 1. Tracks 3 to 5
will use MIDI channels 2 to 4
for each note. Under MIDI From,
select AudioSwift 3 for all four
tracks and then set each track Figure 4-4 Ableton Live Setup

to MIDI channels 1 to 4.

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Under MIDI To for each track, select your third-party MPE plugin. Below,
set each track to a channel of the plugin—1-[PLUGIN], 2-[PLUGIN]… etc.
Arm tracks 2 to 5, press record and start playing with the trackpad. The
sound should come out from track 1 and the MIDI notes will be spread
out over the rest of the MIDI tracks.

Cubase
Add an Instrument track in your project and select an MPE compatible
plugin. In the Inspector, select AudioSwift 3 as the MIDI input, and set
the channel to Any.

Figure 4-5 Cubase Inspector Setup

Pro Tools
Add one Instrument track in your project.
This will be the host track for the MPE
plugin and will only play the sounds; it will
not record any MIDI, so in the MIDI From
section of the new track select No Input. If
you have a Pro Tools subscription, it
includes UVI Falcon, a great virtual
instrument that is MPE compatible and has
a couple of MPE ready presets. Insert the
MPE plugin on the track and choose an MPE
preset.

Now add four additional MIDI tracks. Track

MIDI 1 will be the global master channel
and will use MIDI channel 1. Tracks MIDI 2
to 4 will use MIDI channels 2 to 4 for each
note. Launch the Mixer View on Pro Tools
and on track MIDI 1 select the input
Predefined > AudioSwift 3 > channel-1. Repeat
this process for the rest of MIDI tracks,
selecting the next ascending channel
number for each consecutive track.
Figure 4-6 Pro Tool Setup
On track MIDI 1 select the output MPE Host
– Falcon 1 > channel-1. Repeat this for the rest of MIDI tracks, selecting the next ascending
number for each consecutive track. Arm record all the MIDI tracks, activate AudioSwift and
start playing. Figure 4-6 shows the final configuration.

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Reaper
Insert a new virtual instrument track in your project. In the pop-up window select an MPE
compatible plugin for the track. Click the input tab and select Input: MIDI > AudioSwift 3 > All
Channels. Arm record the track, activate AudioSwift and start playing.

Figure 4-7 Reaper Setup

4.4 Using the Chords type

With the Chords type, every pad triggers a chord. By default, all pads are set to major chords
in root position. To change it, right click the blank space in the pad beside the note at the
Console window. Here you can click Set Scale and the bank will change to diatonic chords of
the key, starting at the pad you’ve have chosen. To change chords individually, click Set
Chords. Change to other inversion by clicking Next Inversion.

Figure 4-8 Chords selection in Trigger Mode

Besides copying and pasting pads or banks, there are also the options to Paste Chord and
Paste Chords to All. This will apply the same chord type and inversion to another pad or to the
entire bank.

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To make the setup of scales and chords easier, the following key shortcuts are available:
• OPTION + Tap or SHIFT + OPTION + Tap—the note will change a semitone up or down.
• CONTROL + Tap or SHIFT + CONTROL + Tap—to set a scale from the specified pad.
• COMMAND + Tap or SHIFT + COMMAND + Tap—to set the chord in the specified pad.
• COMMAND + OPTION + Tap—to go to the next inversion of the chord in the specified
pad.
• A or L—adds sustain to the note. Lock the sustain with SHIFT + A or SHIFT + L.

NOTE:
• By default, chords will overlap if two or three fingers are playing the pads at the same
time. This could be helpful for making polychords but sometimes DAWs can stop
playing common notes between the chords when one finger is lifted. In AudioSwift,
you can decide to not use overlapping chords and just trigger one chord at the time,
under Preferences > Trigger Tab and disabling Use overlapping chords.

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5 Scale Mode
The Scale Mode lets you play notes within a chosen key by just tapping or sliding your fingers
over the trackpad. Up to three fingers can be used at the same time. It works with all DAWs
like any MIDI controller and uses the AudioSwift 3 port. The port should appear enabled in
your DAW automatically, however some DAWs require that you manually enable the MIDI
ports in their preferences windows before you start using them. Please read their guides on
how to do this.

5.1 Working in Scale Mode

Open the Console window by clicking Show Console at the main menu. Choose Scale Mode at
the top menu of the Console or use the keyboard shortcut 3. Open the trackpad window to
see the zones on the surface of the trackpad. Turn the Console on with four fingers tap and
start playing. There are eight zones or pads beginning with the tonic note of the scale. When
you finish, press ESC.

If you use a trackpad with Force Touch support and apply pressure to the surface, the
controller will send after touch MIDI messages, also known as channel pressure. Add sustain
to the note by pressing A or L. Lock the sustain with SHIFT + A or SHIFT + L.

Choose Tonic Choose Scale

Note

Maximum MIDI MIDI Channel

Velocity
Fig. 5-1 Console in Scale Mode

Tonic Note
Change the tonic note by typing its name, its MIDI number, or by clicking and dragging over
the note. Use C and V, or N and M to transpose one semitone. Use SHIFT with these keys to
change by an octave.

Scale
Click and select a scale.

Velocity
The pads are velocity sensitive with a maximum limit set by the user. Change the maximum
MIDI velocity of the pads from 0 to 127 by typing the number or by clicking and dragging

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over the value. Use the UP and DOWN keys as shortcuts to increase and decrease the
maximum velocity. The number set here will be the same for the Trigger Mode.

The user can also set the pads to work with a fixed velocity. Go to Preferences > Trigger tab and
enable Use fixed velocity.

NOTES:
• The velocity triggered is defined by how much skin surface area get in contact with
the trackpad in the initial touch. Using the tip of the finger can get lighter hits;
touching with the fingertip laid flat on the trackpad can get louder hits.
• The velocity sensitivity response varies between trackpads. We made tests with a
2017 MacBook Pro, a Magic Trackpad 2 and a Magic Trackpad 1. The MacBook Pro
had the best response, the Magic Trackpad 2 comes in second, and the Magic
Trackpad 1 in third position.

Channel
Change the MIDI channel of the pads from 1 to 16 by typing the number or by clicking and
dragging over the value. Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to increase and decrease the value.
The number set here will be the same for the Trigger, XY and Slider Modes.

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6 XY & Slider Modes

The XY and Slider Modes let you use the trackpad as XY pads or virtual sliders. They send
MIDI CC (Control Change) or Pitch Bend messages by sliding the fingers. Up to three fingers
can be used at the same time. They work with all DAWs like any MIDI controller and uses the
AudioSwift 3 port. The port should appear enabled in your DAW automatically, however
some DAWs require that you manually enable the MIDI ports in their preferences windows
before you start using them. Please read their guides on how to do this.

The XY pads can send three CC messages: by touching the trackpad, by moving the finger
horizontally and by moving vertically. The sliders only send CC messages vertically. With the
XY Mode you can have a combination of XY pads and sliders depending on the view. Every
CC number can be changed by the user in the Console window. The plugin parameter that
will be controlled by AudioSwift should be mapped with the correspondent CC number. We’ll
explain how to do this in the MIDI CC Mapping section.

6.1 Working with XY Pads

Open the Console window by clicking Show Console at the main menu. Choose XY Mode at the
top menu of the Console or use the keyboard shortcut 4. Open the trackpad window to see
the zones on the surface of the trackpad.

The XY Mode has different views. By default, it runs in View 1 and the XY pad in this view
works a little different to the others. It covers the whole surface of the trackpad and sends
different CC messages depending on how many fingers are touching the trackpad at the
same time. With the other views, the XY pads have different positions through the trackpad
and only can send messages using one finger. There are also views with combinations of XY
pads and sliders.

Type a label
Click to enable X axis

Click to enable Y axis Change CC number

Click to enable On/Off

Change Controller
Control Panel Format

Change View MIDI Channel

Fig. 6-1 Console in XY Mode View 1

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The Console in View 1 shows nine controllers to use. They are grouped together in sets of
three, depending on how many fingers are touching the trackpad at the same time. The left
column or XY1 is for one finger, the center or XY2 for two fingers, and the right column or
XY3 for three fingers.

We enable only the controllers we want to use by clicking the circles. You can enable all of
them or select them in any combination. Each controller sends a CC message and the
number of the controller can be set by clicking and dragging over the number, or by typing
from 0 to 127. Tap the trackpad to turn the Console on and touch the trackpad to send MIDI;
the MIDI values sent are shown inside brackets. Hit ESC when you finish.

If you use a trackpad with Force Touch support and apply pressure to the surface, the
controller will send after touch MIDI messages, also known as channel pressure.

View Menu
Click to choose between five views. Use the Z and X, or PERIOD and COMMA keys as shortcuts.

X Axis
Click the button to enable the horizontal movements.

Y Axis
Click the button to enable the vertical movements.

On/Off
Click the button to enable the switch. It sends a CC message when the finger touches the
trackpad and another CC message when it’s lifted.

CC Number
Sets the CC number for the controller by typing a value from 0 to 127 or by clicking and
dragging.

Label
Type a label for the corresponding group of controllers.

Controller Format
Sets the format of the corresponding controllers between Regular, Absolute, Relative A and
Relative B. See Controller Formats.

Control Panel
Click to see more settings for the XY Pad like changing to pitch bend or setting default values.
Use the B key as a shortcut.

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Channel
Change the MIDI channel of the pads from 1 to 16 by typing the number or by clicking and
dragging over the value. Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to increase and decrease the value.
The number set here will be the same for the Trigger, Scale and Slider Modes.

Choose CC or Change CC number

Pitch Bend

Click to enable Return Change Default Value

to Default

Fig. 6-2 Control Panel in XY Mode

When clicking the Control Panel button, more settings appears on the Console. They’re
grouped horizontally where the top group are the settings for the X axis of XY1, XY2 and XY3,
and the bottom group for the Y axis.

CC or Pitch Bend
Choose between sending CC messages or pitch bend for the corresponding axis. Control
Change (Inv) inverts the CC values sent from the trackpad. The pitch bend in XY pads is relative,
meaning that the center or 0 pitch bend starts wherever you touch the trackpad.

Return to Default
Click to enable the return to default feature. When this is enabled, the controller will return
automatically to the value set at the right, once the finger is lifted from the trackpad. The
default value feature is only available in the Regular and Absolute formats.

Default Value
Sets the default value for the controller by typing a number from 0 to 127 or by clicking and
dragging. If Return to Default is not enabled, you can return to default by tapping the trackpad
while pressing the OPTION key. The default value is only available in the Regular and Absolute
formats.

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6.2 Working with Sliders

Open the Console window by clicking Show Console at the main menu. Choose Slider Mode at
the top menu of the Console or use the keyboard shortcut 5. Open the trackpad window to
see the zones on the surface of the trackpad. (A pair of sliders can also be found in the XY
Mode with views 3, 4 and 5. They work the same as described in this section).

The Console shows the number of lanes the trackpad is divided as virtual sliders. AudioSwift
lets you have up to 12 sliders configured, divided in banks. Tap the trackpad to turn the
Console on and touch the trackpad to send MIDI; the MIDI values sent are shown inside
brackets. Hit ESC when you finish.

If you use a trackpad with Force Touch support and apply pressure to the surface, the
controller will send after touch MIDI messages, also known as channel pressure.

Choose CC or Type a label

Pitch Bend
Change CC number
Click to enable Return Change Default Value
to Default
Change Controller
Number of Lanes Format

MIDI Channel
Change Bank
Fig. 6-3 Console in Slider Mode

CC or Pitch Bend
Choose between sending CC messages or pitch bend for the corresponding slider. Control
Change (Inv) inverts the CC values sent from the trackpad. The pitch bend in sliders can be
relative or not, meaning that the center or 0 pitch bend could start wherever you touch the
trackpad, or the center could be the middle of the slider. Set it at the XY & Slider preferences.

CC Number
Sets the CC number for the controller by typing a value from 0 to 127 or by clicking and
dragging.

Label
Type a label for the corresponding slider.

Controller Format
Sets the format of the corresponding sliders between Regular, Absolute, Relative A and Relative
B. See Controller Formats.

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Return to Default
Click to enable the return to default feature. When it’s enabled, the controller will return
automatically to the value set at the right, once the finger is lifted from the trackpad. The
default value feature is only available in the Regular and Absolute formats.

Default Value
Sets the default value for the controller by typing a number from 0 to 127 or by clicking and
dragging. If Return to Default is not enabled, you can return to default by tapping the trackpad
while pressing the OPTION key. The default value is only available in the Regular and Absolute
formats.

Number of Lanes
Choose the number of virtual sliders in the trackpad. Use the B key as a shortcut.

Bank Menu
Change the bank by clicking the menu or use the Z and X or the PERIOD and COMMA keys as
shortcuts.

Channel
Change the MIDI channel of the pads from 1 to 16 by typing the number, or by clicking and
dragging over the value. Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to increase and decrease the value.
The number set here will be the same for the Trigger, Scale and XY Modes.

6.3 XY & Slider Preferences

To get to the XY & Slider Modes Preferences window,

go to AudioSwift > Preferences > Slider & XY.

Use relative pitch bend center

Enable to change the center of the pitch bend in
sliders.

MIDI Controllers Sensitivity

Sets the sensitivity of the sliders and XY pads. They
will also move more slowly by sliding your finger while
pressing the COMMAND key. This only affects
controllers working in Regular format.
Fig. 6-4 XY & Slider Modes Preferences

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6.4 Controller Formats

Each controller has four formats on how it sends the MIDI data: Regular, Absolute, Relative A
and Relative B. It’s important that your DAW or plugin is set in a way that it recognizes the
same format used in AudioSwift or the controllers will not work properly. When you map the
controller in your DAW (see MIDI CC Mapping section), the DAW sometimes sets the format
automatically for you, but other times it doesn’t, and you'll need to do it up manually.

Regular
In Regular format, AudioSwift remembers the last MIDI value that was sent by the controller,
and from there it moves up or down. So, you can start moving your finger from any point of
the corresponding trackpad zone, and it will pick up from the last value. However, if you
move the parameter with your mouse pointer instead, and then start using AudioSwift again,
the parameter will jump to the last value sent by the controller instead of the one that was
set on screen.

Absolute
With the Absolute format, the first value sent will depend on where you put your finger on the
trackpad. The parameter will jump to that value and start moving from there.

Relative A
The parameter value increases if the finger moves up and to the right; decreases the value
if it's moved down and to the left. It follows the Signed Bit relative MIDI standard: depending
on how fast the finger moves, the controller sends values from 1 to 8 as an increase and
values from 65 to 72 as a decrease.

Relative B
The parameter value increases if the finger moves up and to the right; decreases the value
if it's moved down and to the left. It follows the Two’s Complement relative MIDI standard:
depending on how fast the finger moves, the controller sends values from 1 to 8 as an
increase, and values from 127 to 120 as a decrease.

6.5 MIDI CC Mapping

Mapping each controller to a plugin parameter in a DAW is the same as mapping physical
knobs or sliders with hardware MIDI controllers. Each slider or axis in the XY pad has a CC
number that you assign in the Console window. Then, using the built-in MIDI Learn function
of your DAW or plugin, you map the CC number to the desired parameter.

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 XY & SLIDER MODES

Before we start, we need to make sure the DAW has the AudioSwift port 3 enabled as a MIDI
input. This port is used by the XY and Slider Modes. Depending on your DAW, the port will
be automatically enabled, or you’ll need to do it manually. To check this:

• Logic Pro: go to Window > Open MIDI Environment > Layer > Click & Ports.
• Pro Tools: go to Setup > MIDI > MIDI Input Devices.
• Ableton Live: go to Live > Preferences > Link MIDI.
• Cubase: go to Studio > Studio Setup > MIDI Port Setup.
• Studio One: go to Studio One > Preferences > External Devices.
• Reaper: go to Reaper > Preferences > MIDI Devices.

There are five steps to properly map the controllers to your plugin’s parameters:

Choose the plugin’s parameter to control

Insert a virtual instrument or synth plugin in a track inside your DAW. Enable the record
button of the track so it can receive MIDI input. In your plugin decide which parameter will
be mapped. NOTE: Some plugins can’t be controlled with MIDI and it all depends on the
manufacturer.

Choose the CC number for the controller

In the Console, each slider or XY pad has a corresponding CC number assigned. We can leave
the default CC number or type a different value.

Enable the MIDI Learn Function

How the MIDI Learn function works will depend on your plugins or DAWs; please refer to
their guides. Some will let you enable this function by just right clicking the parameter. A
drop-down menu appears where you click Learn MIDI or MIDI Learn.

Fig. 6-5 MIDI Learn in Plugin

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In others, you’ll need to first move or click the parameter with the mouse, and then open a
special window or menu in the DAW.

Fig. 6-6 MIDI Learn in Logic Pro

After enabling the MIDI Learn function, the plugin is waiting for a MIDI CC command from
AudioSwift.

Move the controller with AudioSwift

Once you’ve decided a controller to assign, turn the Console on with four fingers tap, start
touching the trackpad and move the slider or axis of an XY pad in one direction. Remember
that only one controller should be moved, and if it’s an axis in an XY pad, it should be enabled
first by clicking the button or it will not send MIDI. Lift the finger and hit ESC to turn the
Console off.

Disable the MIDI Learn function and repeat

With some DAWs you’ll need to disable the MIDI Learn first to repeat the mapping process
with other parameters and controllers. Please read their guides. Disable the learn button or
close the MIDI Learn window and repeat the steps for the other controllers.

Once the controller is mapped, turn on the Console again with four fingers tap and start
moving the controller. The parameter will move on screen.

As we saw in the Controller Formats section, it’s important that the same controller format
set in AudioSwift, is also set in the DAW or plugin, or it won’t work correctly. You could be
moving the finger, but the parameter couldn’t follow your direction. When you’re doing the
mapping process, sometimes the DAW will automatically recognize and set the format for
you, but it won’t in some cases. Some plugins for example don’t accept relative MIDI formats;
only absolute MIDI.

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The options are:

• If the AudioSwift’s controller format is set to Regular or Absolute, the format in the DAW
should be set to Absolute or something that says Unsigned.
• If it’s set to Relative A, the DAW should be set to something that says Signed Bit.
• If it’s Relative B, the DAW should be set to Two’s Complement.

Fig. 6-7 Parameter in Logic Pro set to Unsigned Fig. 6-8 Parameter in Ableton Live set to Signed Bit
(Absolute) (Relative A)

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 KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

7 Keyboard Shortcuts

All Modes
ESC Turns the Console off.

CMD + Q Quits AudioSwift.

TAP + SHIFT Turns the Console on temporarily.

1 Changes to Mixer Mode.

2 Changes to Trigger Mode.

3 Changes to Scale Mode.

4 Changes to XY Mode.

5 Changes to Slider Mode.

Mixer Mode
OPT + TAP Sets parameter to default value of Faders, Pan or Send. In Pro Tools
use CTRL for Pan instead of OPT.
CMD + SLIDE Moves the Fader and Send more slowly for fine tuning.

CTRL + SHIFT + CLICK Moves the controller’s bank to the highlighted track in Pro Tools.

CTRL + TAP Tap right and left upper corners to move the controller’s bank.

D Enables and disables right channel panning in Pro Tools’ stereo

tracks.
A Enables and disables automation in Pro Tools.

S Enables and disables scrub in Jog Wheel view.

B Changes between DAWs.

Z, X, COMMA or Changes views.

PERIOD
C, V, N or M Selects next or previous track. Use them while pressing CONTROL to
move the entire bank.

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Transport Controls
SPACE BAR Play / Pause

Q Rewind

W Stop

E Play

R Record

T Cycle mode

Y Fast-forward

Automation
U Changes the automation mode to Read.

I Changes the automation mode to Write.

O Changes the automation mode to Touch.

P Changes the automation mode to Latch.

Trigger, Scale, XY & Slider Modes

UP Increases velocity in Trigger and Scale Modes.

DOWN Decreases velocity in Trigger and Scale Modes.

RIGHT Increases MIDI channel.

LEFT Decreases MIDI channel.

Trigger Mode
B Changes type between Drums, Keys and Chords.

SHIFT + B Changes number of pads.

Z, X, COMMA or Changes banks.

PERIOD
C, V, N or M Increases or decreases all notes in the bank by a semitone. Use
SHIFT to change by an octave.

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A or L Apply sustain to the notes. Lock the sustain with SHIFT + A or SHIFT +
L.
OPTION + TAP Changes the note of the pad one semitone up. Use SHIFT + OPTION
+ TAP for a semitone down.
CONTROL + TAP Changes the scale built from the pad in Keys and Chords types. Use
SHIFT + CONTROL + TAP to change to the previous scale of the menu.
COMMAND + TAP Changes the chord of the pad in Chords type. Use SHIFT + COMMAND
+ TAP to change to the previous chord of the menu.
COMMAND + OPTION Changes to the next chord inversion of the pad in Chords type.
+ TAP
F Triggers an All Notes Off MIDI Command or CC#123.

Scale Mode
C, V, N or M Increases or decreases the scale by a semitone. Use SHIFT to change
by an octave.
A or L Apply sustain to the notes. Lock the sustain with SHIFT + A or SHIFT +
L.
XY & Slider Mode
B Shows control panel in XY Mode and changes number of lanes in
Slider Mode.
Z, X, COMMA or Changes views in XY Mode and banks in Slider Mode.
PERIOD
OPT + TAP Sets parameter to default value in XY and Slider Modes.

CMD + SLIDE Fine adjustment in XY and Slider Modes.

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 LR & FX

8 Lightroom & FCPX

AudioSwift can also be a controller for Adobe Lightroom and Final Cut Pro X using third
party software. Learn how to set it up with these two tutorials:

• Work Faster in Lightroom with a Trackpad.

• Color Grading in Final Cut Pro X with a Trackpad.

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