Using an XY Controller with Kontakt

In this article, we explain how to assign MIDI controls to an XY surface in Kontakt for live performance and recording in your DAW.

These X and Y control values can be assigned to modulate two of the instrument's parameters (e.g. Filter Cutoff and FX Amount) with one touch.

XY_STAR.gif

Assigning XY Controllers in Kontakt

Before proceeding, make sure your hardware XY controller is connected to the computer and recognized as a MIDI device.

  • If using Kontakt in standalone mode, please see this article for details on setting up your MIDI controller with Kontakt.
  • If using Kontakt as a plug-in, please refer to the documentation for your DAW to set up your MIDI controller.
  1. Load an Instrument into Kontakt that features an XY interface. Ashlight is used in this example, but this applies to any Kontakt instrument with an XY control surface (e.g. Mysteria and Thrill).

    Note: Use Kontakt in your DAW if you wish to automate or record the XY pad movements.

  2. Find the area where the XY MIDI CONTROLLER assignments can be configured. In Ashlight this is the Global section but this may vary depending on which Kontakt instrument is being used. Please refer to your product's manual for more info.
    XY_GLOBAL.png
  3. In the Kontakt Browser, go to Automation > MIDI Automation and slide your finger diagonally across the touch surface of your controller's XY pad. A pair of CC numbers will light up indicating which MIDI control numbers (X and Y values) are being sent by your controller.
    MIDI_INDICATOR.gif
  4. Assign the CC numbers detected by Kontakt to the X Axis CC (horizontal) and Y Axis CC (vertical) respectively.
    XY_CC_MENU.png
  5. Slide your finger around your controller's XY pad, and the XY cursor in Kontakt will move accordingly.

    Note: If the X or Y Axes are not moving in the same direction as your finger, repeat steps 3 and 4 above, but switch the MIDI CC numbers being assigned to the X and Y axes.

Recording the XY Movements in Your DAW

Depending on the DAW being used, you can record-enable your Instrument Track to automate the XY movements. Please check this info available on our knowledgebase or refer to the documentation for your own DAW to learn more about recording MIDI automation.