Midi controllers Faders and knobs support in Allen & Heath CQ-18T

[ashikpy]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been exploring ways to make my Akai MIDI controller more useful, and I was wondering if anyone has experience using the faders and knobs to interact with a mixer.

I’m thinking about mapping the controls on my MIDI controller to the various functions of my mixer. My goal is to have more tactile control over the mix, allowing for a smoother and more intuitive workflow during live performances or recording sessions.

Has anyone here done something similar? What software or DAW would you recommend for mapping the MIDI controls to the mixer functions? Are there any specific tips or challenges I should be aware of before diving into this setup?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions!

This should help start a conversation and get useful feedback from the community.

[Highflyer1953]

Not yet used this with my CQ18T but do use it regularly with SQ5 and AHM64 , it is BOME MIDI TRANSLATOR PRO. As well as the software, there is a hardware version BomeBox, which has network, USB and DIN MIDI interfaces.

[BobbyDazzler59]

I actually have made a start on this proj with the Akai MidiMix.
Also using a laptop mastering a USB powered hub (tail) and the midimix and CQ plugged into the port sockets.
So in this setup, the laptop which I use normally as a DJ app setup for interval music via the USB audio channel on the cq. It has the Bome Midi Translator Pro software running in the timed trial mode for now to experiment.

I cant comment on the Bome box but I fear you still need to pay out for translator pro as well, as included software may not have the same needed functions.

So as far as I have got with trials, you need the trns pro facilities such as multiple bi directional midi connections using the midimix. Mainly because the mute, solo, rec, and even bank buttons illuminate and need the same hex messages returned to illuminate/extinguish etc. as well as sending to the cq. You CANNOT DO THIS ON THE FREE BASIC APP available on `bome website.

I have successfully scripted various trials individually, such as pressing midimix mutes that then illuminale and set the cq first 8 channels for now. I have had banking working as well as a separate trial. Finally banking the sliders.

Once agaun, this is all pie in the sky ideas and trials, whilst separate tasks, combining it all into a practical working package will be a massive challenge that I may feel is just not worth it plus additional cost of Bome MTP.

This task is not for the faint hearted.
You need good knowledge and experience in:-
Midi messenging, raw, hex and the high resolution midi that the CQ and any other dig mixer uses…something like NPDT or whatever acronym it is 😂😂😂.
You also need to be conversant in logic programming as in spread sheets, algebraic equasions etc but in the Bome style syntax which differs from that of say Microsoft Excel.

Scared yet?

So my overall package overview is…….
Creating all buttons functions with correct illuminations and interactions from either control surface as in the midimix OR direct control on the cq. Mute/unmute can be done on either and the indicators/reactions as should be.

Banking, using the bank buttons on the midimix then providing three usable banks as follows, bank left button on (illuminated)is bank 1 or first 8 sliders, both in is 9 to 16, and right is 17 to 24.

So thats the easy part as is purely LOGIC SWITCHING..an on or an off at either end of the controls.
Sliders however are a variable AND then add the problem that the midimix is NOT motorised. So syncronising the two systems/devices has a whole new set of challenges.
If you do not have a method of sync’ing ech channel slider, as soon as you nudge a midimix slider, the CQ level will jump to that of the midimix. My last attempts at writing logic comparisons and exclusions if not matching ended in tired frustrations of course a few weeks ago. My goal was, usual CQ surface control as normal. Midimix slider value had to match that of the CQ, or a plus, minus window if you like, where it then creates a “Pickup” function, avoiding massive value jumps and probable feed back etc.

Well Im afraid thats it for now. It CAN be done with a bucketload of knowhow and a logic understanding of workflow etc….

[Highflyer1953]

I read your comments with interest, as a user of BomeBox, which does include a full RUN TIME ONLY version of Bome Midi Translator Pro, ie you need to have a computer with a paid version of the software to write your interface, then load it to the BomeBox. I have mine connected to my home network which contains SQ5 and AHM64, plus A&H CC7 (custom control for AHM, Avantis and DLive) and Elgato StreamDeck+. I have not currently got my CQ18T on the network, but intend incorporating it soon.
I have successfully used Midi translator Pro to capture the midi outputs from AHM undedicated virtual faders which are being controlled by the CC7 and output a midi command to SQ5 to control one of its faders. (SQ range is not supported by Custom Control). All this is completely interactive with the SQ MixPad App and there is no visible, or audible lag whether using physical or one of the virtual faders.
I hope this spurs you on to further work yourself.

[Brian]

One of the easiest ways to utilize a Midi Fader Controller with A&H consoles is through the use of the third party app, Mixing Station. It has Midi support built in and many of the commonly used Midi controllers are supported right out of the box. You can connect a Waves Fit Controller or a Behringer X-Touch (among others) and it will immediately work. Of course you can also go in and edit the controls if you want to change the default functionality of each fader/button/knob.

You simply plug the Midi controller into whatever device you are running Mixing Station on. It can even be a mobile device (tablet or phone) that is connected to the console via Wi-Fi, and everything will work as expected.

[Anonymous]

MidiOX, free app, can translate any midi message, input/output to your need.

[CQ-10]

Is there any way to accomplish this using bluetooth as opposed to usb? I love the thought of being able to use a tactile mixer remotely instead of a tablet

[Anonymous]

Not directly from midi device to the CQ.
You’ll need a computer or a BomeBox in between.
With CME widi, you can send/receive midi via BT.
Several type of CME widi exists to fit your need.

[Author]

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