Help needed configuring Novation LaunchControl XL 3 with Retrologue 2 (MIDI Remote)

Cubase
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1

Hi Folx,

maybe somebody can help me out in setting up my Novation LaunchControly XL 3 with Cubase 15 Pro and especially the Retrologue 2.

While the standard configuration (like DAW Control and DAW Mixer) of the LaunchControl works out of the box, I want to use the LaunchControl with the Retrologue 2. The goal is to use the custom modes of the LaunchControl and assign the faders etc. to the elements of the Retrologue 2 so that I can use the LaunchControl to control the synthesizer.

By connecting the LaunchControl via USB, it immediately showed up in Cubase 15 Pro using the standard script. So I’m able to adjust the settings of the track or use the LaunchControl with the mixer in Cubase.

In the next step I’ve downloaded the Components app from Novation, created a new custom mode and set, for instance, the fader to sent CC 68 message to Cubase. I’ve uploaded the custom mode to the LaunchControl into bank 1. When I select the custom mode 1 on the LaunchControl by hitting first “Mode” and then the first button, the mode gets selected and the LCD display showes, that CC68 is being sent.

Now I’m struggling with the setup in Cubase.

When I open the Retrologue 2, right click on an element, select “Learn CC” and move the aforementioned fader with CC 68, nothing happens.

When I choose “MIDI Remote: Choose Mapping for: OSC Shape 1”, the MIDI Remote Mapping Assistant opens. At the same time the LaunchControl leaves the custom mode and falls back to the mode “DAW Mixer”. I may then override the predefined mappings but this alters the standard “DAW Control” mode. Also if I create a new mapping, this mapping overrides the standard “DAW Control”. The custom mode is totally ignored.

What am I missing here? Any suggestions?

I’m somewhat proficient with JavaScript, so writing my own script would be possible. But is this necessary and where should I start?

Thanks for any hints or advices.

2

Hi,

Then, using the MIDI remote, the MIDI data from MIDI controllers does not pass to the Cubase track. Therefore, you cannot use the MIDI Learn function. Use the Quick Control instead. In your case, probably the Focus Quick Controls would do the best job.

3

Hi Martin,

thanks for you answer. I didn’t know that MIDI Remote blocks the passing of CCs to the track.

Using QuickControls was not my goal since there are only 8 available and Retrologue and other synths have a lot more knobs.

Even further: This also means that the custom mode of the LaunchControl are in fact useless in Cubase. Am I right?

Thanks for your efforts.

4

Hi,

Then you have two options:

  1. Select different layout on the hardware. So if the hardware will send one MIDI Message set for MIDI Remote and another MIDI Message set for this other layout, MIDI Remote will not block these MIDI Messages.

  2. Create another page in the MIDI Remote. Don’t assign any function in MIDI Remote. In this case, Cubase will pass the MIDI data to the track and you can use the MIDI Learn function.