FA-06, FA-07, FA-08: Using DAW Control Mode

The FA-06, FA-07, and FA-08 can be used with most computer-based digital audio workstations (DAWs), and can transfer both audio and MIDI using the built-in USB port on the back panel of the keyboard.

Additionally, the FA-06/07/08 has the ability to enable "DAW Control Mode." This provides even more functionality by allowing you to control the transport (Play / Stop / Fast Forward / Rewind) controls from the FA-06/07/08 as well as use many of the other controls on the FA-06/07/08 (pads, knobs, etc.) to control your DAW. You do not need to use DAW Control Mode when connecting to a computer, but it does provide additional functionality that is often useful.

Note: You first will need to install a USB Driver in your computer so it can communicate correctly with the FA-06/07/08. You can download the latest USB drivers for the FA-06/08 from our website here.

There are several "templates" available in the FA-06/07/08 for use with popular recording packages: 

• Logic Pro
• Sonar
• Cubase
• User

Three of these templates (Logic Pro, Sonar, and Cubase) use an industry standard protocol called "Mackie Control" to communicate with the DAW, so they can be used with other applications that support this same protocol. The "User" template is useful when your software does not support the "Mackie Control" protocol.

Update: The system version 2 update for the FA-series keyboard added support for Ableton Live to the DAW Control Mode. You can see more information on this in the version 2 update documentation here.

Setting up the FA-06/07/08 for DAW Control Mode

1. You can activate DAW Control Mode by pressing the DAW CONTROL button so it is lit, or when you connect a USB cable to your computer, the FA-06/08 will automatically ask if you would like to activate DAW Control Mode - just press the #6 "OK" button confirm.
2. Move the cursor to “CONTROL MAP” and use the dial to select the DAW software that you’re using.
3. Use the cursor </> buttons to select the “Controller” tab.
4. Turn the Local Switch “OFF.” This step is not required, but in most cases you will find it more useful to have the Local Switch set to "OFF" when recording with a computer-based application.

Setting up your Computer for use with DAW Control Mode on the FA-06/07/08

In your DAW software, open the project file that you want to control. Before you continue, confirm that the “FA-06 07 08” is selected as the MIDI input device and output device. For details on how to do this, refer to the owner’s manual of your DAW software.

Settings in LOGIC PRO

This explanation describes the procedure when using Logic Pro X. The procedure may differ for other
versions.

1. From the Logic Pro X menu, choose "Logic Pro X" - "Control Surfaces" -  "Setup" to open the setting screen.
2. From the menu, choose "New" - "Install."
3. From the Model list, choose “Mackie Control” and press “Add.”
4. Set the input port and the output port to “FA-06 07 08 DAW CTRL.”

Settings in SONAR

This explanation describes the procedure when using SONAR X2 Producer. The procedure may differ for
other versions.

1. From the SONAR menu, choose "Edit" -  "Preferences" - "MIDI Devices" to open the input/output device selection.
2. Add “FA-06 07 08 DAW CTRL” to the input devices and output devices.
3. In "Preferences", choose "MIDI Control Surfaces."
4. Press “Add new Controller/Surface” to access the control surface settings dialog box.
5. Choose “Mackie Control” as the control surface, and select “FA-06 08 DAW CTRL” as the input port and output port, and then press “OK.”

Settings in CUBASE

This explanation describes the procedure when using the Mac OS X version of Cubase 7. The procedure
may differ for other versions.

1. From the Cubase Devices menu, choose "Device Setup."
2. Press the " + " button located in the upper left of the dialog box, and choose “Mackie Control” from the pulldown menu.
3. Select “FA-06 07 08 DAW CTRL” as the MIDI input and MIDI output for Mackie Control.
4. In the left side of the dialog box, choose “MIDI Port Setup” to access the setting screen.
5. In “FA-06 07 08 DAW CTRL,” clear the check box from “In ‘ALL MIDI Inputs’.”

Here is a list of the functions that are available when using DAW control: