GarageBand from a game controller
The GarageBand layout is built into InputConfig, free on the Mac App Store. You don't have to make an account, there are no subscriptions, and nothing is locked. Optimized for Apple silicon.
On a Mac: GarageBand reads its default key commands from this layout and listens to every MIDI source, InputConfig's virtual port included, with no setup.
Yes, a game controller drives GarageBand on a Mac: play, record, return and cycle on the face buttons, the same transport as Logic, because GarageBand shares many of Logic's key commands. The same pad can also play GarageBand's instruments through InputConfig's virtual MIDI port, with no setup in GarageBand, which is a fun afternoon.
The layout, control by control
How the layout thinks
- Transport. Play and stop (Space) on the bottom face button, Record (R) on the right, go to the beginning (Return) on the left, Cycle (C) on the top.
- Move the playhead. The left stick sends Left and Right Arrow, which move it in steps.
- Undo, save, zoom. Undo and Save on the bumpers, zoom (Command Plus and Command Minus) on D-pad up and down, and the right stick scrolls.
GarageBand reads its default key commands from this layout. The four transport keys you press between takes are under one thumb.
Play GarageBand's instruments from the pad
InputConfig makes a virtual MIDI port named InputConfig whenever it runs, and GarageBand listens to every MIDI source on its own, so there is nothing to set up in GarageBand.
- You: Activate the built-in MIDI: Drum Pad preset, or give face buttons MIDI Note outputs, and create a Software Instrument track.
- InputConfig: Sends a note on the InputConfig port for each press. On the Drum Pad preset, holding a button rolls, because turbo is on.
- Check: Press a face button and the instrument plays.
- Bend and modulate. A stick can bend pitch, and the right stick can send the modulation wheel (CC 1).
- Metronome. K on a stick click.
- One preset for both. Transport rows and note rows can share a preset.
GarageBand follows notes, pitch bend and the modulation wheel, which is what a gamepad instrument needs. For mapping knobs, Logic Pro has Learn Assignment. Activate the Drum Pad preset, add an instrument track, and the pad plays.
Get it in two clicks
- Get InputConfig free on the Mac App Store, open it, and click Smart Preset Maker on the welcome screen.
- Search for GarageBand and pick it. The layout is created as a preset in your sidebar, named and ready.
- Press Activate. Every row can be changed afterwards: the editor's Scan button rebinds any control the moment you touch it.
Every binding, as a table
| Controller | Sends | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| A / Cross | Space | Play / Stop (Space) |
| B / Circle | R | Record (R) |
| X / Square | Return | Return to start (Enter) |
| Y / Triangle | C | Cycle (C) |
| Left stick left | Left | Rewind (Left) |
| Left stick right | Right | Forward (Right) |
| Right stick down | Scroll down | Scroll down |
| Right stick up | Scroll up | Scroll up |
| LB / L1 | Command (Left), Z | Undo |
| RB / R1 | Command (Left), S | Save |
| D-pad up | Command (Left), = | Zoom in |
| D-pad down | Command (Left), - | Zoom out |
Button names follow the Xbox / PlayStation pair shown in the editor, so A / Cross is the bottom face button on either pad. On a Switch Pro Controller the bottom button is labeled B; the mapping still fires on position.
Questions
Can a game controller play instruments in GarageBand?
Yes, through InputConfig's virtual MIDI port. GarageBand picks it up by itself.
Does GarageBand have MIDI learn for knobs?
No. It follows notes, pitch bend and the modulation wheel, which is what a gamepad instrument needs. For mapping knobs, Logic Pro has Learn Assignment.
Related
Completely free. You don't have to make an account, there are no subscriptions, and nothing is locked. Optimized for Apple silicon. Open source on GitHub.
Updated