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Gridshift’s MIDI binding system lets any MIDI controller drive the app without per-vendor scripts. There are two layers:
  • Command bindings — buttons (Note On / CC>0) trigger any command in the palette.
  • Parameter bindings — knobs and pitch wheels (CC / Pitch Bend) drive plugin or mixer parameters.
Both are learned directly from the Command Palette. No preferences surface, no controller-specific setup.

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Command Bindings

Command bindings are global and stored in user defaults — they apply across every project.
  1. Open the Command Palette (⌘K)
  2. Highlight the command you want to bind
  3. Press ⌘L to arm Learn
  4. Send the MIDI event from your controller (Note On or a CC snap)
  5. The binding is saved and a MIDI badge appears next to the shortcut badge for that command
The next time your controller sends that event, the command runs and the event is absorbed — it does not additionally reach the focused instrument.
Use command bindings for transport, recording, loop toggles, track navigation, or any other command you’d otherwise trigger with a keyboard shortcut.

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Parameter Bindings

Parameter bindings are project-scoped — they travel with the project file and auto-prune when the referenced track or plugin slot is removed.
  1. Touch the knob or slider you want to bind (click or drag it in Gridshift)
  2. Open the Command Palette (⌘K) or use the shortcut ⌥⌘L directly
  3. Run “MIDI Learn: Last Touched Parameter”
  4. Move the encoder or pitch wheel on your controller
  5. The next continuous MIDI event is bound to that parameter
Incoming values are normalized to the parameter’s range and 20 ms linear smoothing is applied so the 7-bit CC stepping isn’t audible on smooth targets (filter cutoff, volume faders, dry/wet).

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Relative Encoders

Endless encoders that send 2’s-complement values (common on Arturia, Akai, and Novation devices) are auto-detected after a few increments. Once detected, the binding switches to relative mode and the encoder accumulates per tick — it no longer resets the parameter when it wraps. To force absolute or relative mode, run:
  • “MIDI: Toggle Absolute/Relative for Last Parameter”

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Automation Recording

When record mode is active, MIDI-bound knob movements flow through the normal automation-recording path. Arm a track, hit record, and turn the knob — the parameter is automated for free.

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Current Limits

  • No LED/motor feedback in V1. Controllers with LED rings or color pads won’t reflect the current parameter value.
  • 7-bit CC resolution only. High-resolution 14-bit CCs are not yet supported.
  • MCU / HUI control surfaces are not supported — the learn model targets the MPK Mini class of controller.
Last modified on April 14, 2026