FAQ

Questions, answered.

Compatibility, workflows, installation and purchase, the most common questions about the MP Controller. Still curious? Contact us.

What is the MP Controller, in one sentence?

A 32-encoder, 15.6" touch-screen controller that turns VST2/3 and AU plugins into hardware-like instruments, accurately, recallably, and with zero per-plugin setup. Pro Tools is supported via the AAX Bridge Plugin, allowing control of VST2/3 and AU plugins.

Which DAWs does it support?

All major DAWs on Mac and PC that load VST2 / VST3 / AU 64-bit plugins. Pro Tools is supported via the AAX Bridge Plugin, allowing control of VST2/3 and AU plugins.. Works with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Reaper, Reason, Studio One, FL Studio, Luna, Sonar / Cakewalk, WaveLab, Adobe Audition. Live systems are also supported: Live Professor, Waves SuperRack and Livebox, Steinberg VST Live, MainStage and GigPerformer.

Which DAWs ship with a dedicated control surface?

Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Cubase / Nuendo, Logic Pro, Reaper and Reason. The dedicated surfaces handle the mixer, transport and native devices, and integrate seamlessly with the MP Host plugin for third-party plugins.

Other DAWs still work for VST2/VST3/AU plugin control and for DAW control our MP MIDI app can control the DAW via MIDI CC messages, however it requires manual mapping.

Do I need to map plugins manually?

No. The MP Host reads each plugin’s automatable parameters and lays them out automatically across the encoders. You can refine the layout if you want to, but you don’t need to. There is also nothing to set up in the DAW.

How do I identify the encoder that each parameter is linked?

Just touch a parameter on the third party plugin and the encoder on the controller's display will start blinking. If the parameter is mapped on another page, it will instantly show that page and blink the encoder.

How does it stay in sync with my plugin?

We use the VST automatable parameter channel, the same one your DAW uses for automation, not MIDI CC. That means accurate, recallable, two-way communication. Encoders always show the actual plugin values.

Which Operating Systems does it support? Does it work with Apple Silicon Mac computers?

Windows 7 / 10 / 11 and macOS 11 or later, Intel and Apple Silicon. The MP Host plugin is universal (Intel + ARM) on Mac, and native on Apple Silicon.

What’s in the box?

The MP Controller Model 2A unit, USB-C cables (2 × USB-C to USB-A 1 m, 1 × USB-C 1 m), an HDMI to HDMI 2 m cable, and access to the MP Host plugin downloads and online manual.

Does it need its own power supply?

No external power adapter required, the controller is powered by USB-C. A secondary USB-C port is available if you’d like to supply additional power to the display (any 5 V / 2 A USB-C phone charger works).

How fast is shipping, and where do you ship from?

Worldwide express via UPS / DHL / FedEx / EMS, dispatched from the European Union or Hong Kong depending on destination. Shipping is included in the €780 price.

Is multi-touch supported?

On Windows 7 / 10 / 11, multi-touch is supported natively (up to 10 concurrent points). On macOS, the screen works single-touch natively and supports multi-touch gestures via the optional UPDD driver.

Can I buy second-hand?

Yes, but always read our transfer policies before purchasing a second-hand unit so the licence transfers cleanly. Transfer policies.

EU VAT relief / discounts?

EU customers without a VAT number can contact us before placing the order to discuss VAT relief or applicable discounts. Contact us.

Where can I learn more?

The full online manual lives at kb.mpmidi.com, and we publish videos on YouTube.