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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

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). Parameter bindings use absolute tracking (Ableton’s “None” takeover mode): the first CC after learn snaps the parameter to the knob’s position, and every subsequent event tracks 1:1.

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Endless Encoders

Endless rotary encoders must be switched to absolute mode on the controller itself before learning — relative / 2’s-complement encoding isn’t supported in V1 and cannot be reliably detected from CC traffic alone.
  • Akai MPK mini IV: use the “Plugin” preset, or a user preset with KnobM=Abs
  • Arturia / Novation: use the MIDI Control Center (or equivalent) to set encoders to absolute / CC mode
If an encoder is left in relative mode, the parameter will jump between its minimum and maximum as the encoder wraps — same limitation as Ableton’s user MIDI Learn.

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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.

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Shortcuts

The keys used when learning bindings are below. See the Global Shortcuts reference for the rest of the app.
ActionShortcut
Open Command Palette⌘K
Arm command-binding Learn (in palette)⌘L
MIDI Learn: Last Touched Parameter⌥⌘L
Last modified on June 7, 2026