POUNDING
← Gamepad MIDI
Pounding Systems
Documentation

Getting Started Guide

This guide will help you get up and running with Gamepad MIDI quickly. We'll walk through your first launch, connecting a gamepad, and creating your first MIDI mapping.

First Launch

  1. Start the Application

    • Launch Gamepad MIDI from your Start Menu (Windows), Applications folder (macOS), or application launcher (Linux)

  2. Main Window Appears

    • The application window shows a gamepad visualization in the center
    • A MIDI device selector at the top
    • A mapping editor panel on the right side
    • The Pounding Systems logo at the bottom

  3. Check for Updates (optional)

    • If an update is available, a notification will appear at the top
    • You can download updates or dismiss the notification

Connecting Your Gamepad

Wired Connection (USB)

  1. Plug in Your Controller

    • Connect your gamepad to a USB port
    • Wait a moment for your operating system to recognize it

  2. Verify Detection

    • The gamepad visualization should activate
    • Controls will highlight as you press buttons or move sticks
    • If the gamepad isn't detected, see Troubleshooting

Wireless Connection (Bluetooth)

  1. Enable Pairing Mode

    • Put your gamepad into pairing mode (consult your controller's manual)
    • Usually involves holding the sync/pair button

  2. Pair with Your Computer

    • Windows: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Add Bluetooth device
    • macOS: System Preferences → Bluetooth → Connect
    • Linux: Use your system's Bluetooth manager

  3. Verify Detection

    • Launch or restart Gamepad MIDI
    • The gamepad visualization should activate when connected

Supported Controllers

Gamepad MIDI works with most modern game controllers:

  • Xbox One / Xbox Series controllers
  • PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
  • Most generic USB/Bluetooth gamepads

Selecting a MIDI Output Device

At the top of the application, you'll see the MIDI device selector.

Virtual MIDI Device (Recommended)

On macOS and Linux, and on Windows after restart:

  • The dropdown will show "Gamepad MIDI" as an option
  • This is a virtual MIDI device created by the application
  • Select it to send MIDI to other applications

Hardware MIDI Device

If you have MIDI hardware connected:

  • Your hardware devices will appear in the dropdown
  • Select the device you want to send MIDI to
  • This is useful for controlling hardware synthesizers or MIDI-equipped instruments

No Device Selected

If no device is selected:

  • MIDI messages will not be sent
  • You can still create mappings and test the interface
  • Select a device when you're ready to use MIDI

Understanding the Interface

Left Panel: Gamepad Visualization

This area shows a visual representation of your gamepad:

  • Analog Sticks - Show position in real-time
  • Buttons - Highlight when pressed
  • Triggers - Show analog position
  • D-Pad - Highlights direction when pressed
  • Touchpad (if available) - Shows finger positions
  • Gyroscope/Accelerometer (if available) - Visual indicators

Right Panel: Mapping Editor

This panel contains tabs for different control groups:

  • Left Stick - Left analog stick axes
  • Right Stick - Right analog stick axes
  • L Shoulder - Left trigger and shoulder button
  • R Shoulder - Right trigger and shoulder button
  • D-Pad - Directional pad buttons
  • Face Buttons - A, B, X, Y buttons (or equivalent)
  • Touchpad - Touchpad axes and button
  • Gyroscope - Motion sensor X and Y axes
  • Accelerometer - Acceleration sensor X and Y axes
  • System - Smoothing and other settings

Menu Bar (Mapping Editor)

At the top of the mapping editor:

  • Presets menu - Save, load, and manage mapping presets
  • Always on Top checkbox - Keep the window above other applications

Creating Your First MIDI Mapping

Let's create a simple mapping to control a parameter in your DAW.

Step 1: Open the Mapping Editor

The mapping editor is already visible on the right side of the window.

Step 2: Select a Control Group

  1. Click on one of the tabs in the mapping editor
  2. For this example, click "Left Stick"

Step 3: Add a Mapping

  1. Find the control you want to map (e.g., "Left Stick X")
  2. Click the "Add Mapping" button next to that control
  3. A mapping dialog will appear

Step 4: Configure the MIDI Message

In the mapping dialog:

  1. MIDI Type: Choose "Control Change (CC)"
  2. Channel: Select channel 1 (default)
  3. CC Number: Choose a CC number (e.g., CC 1 for modulation)
  4. Min Value: Set to 0
  5. Max Value: Set to 127
  6. Click "OK" to save

Step 5: Test the Mapping

  1. Move the left stick horizontally
  2. The mapped control item will show the current MIDI value
  3. If your DAW is open and receiving MIDI, the parameter should move

Congratulations! You've created your first MIDI mapping.

Testing in Your DAW

Now let's verify that your DAW receives the MIDI messages.

Step 1: Configure Your DAW

In Your DAW:

  1. Open MIDI preferences/settings
  2. Enable "Gamepad MIDI" as a MIDI input device
  3. Some DAWs require you to create a MIDI track or enable MIDI learn

Step 2: MIDI Learn

Most DAWs support MIDI learn:

  1. In Your DAW:

    • Select a parameter (e.g., filter cutoff on a synth)
    • Enable MIDI learn (often a right-click option or dedicated button)

  2. In Gamepad MIDI:

    • Move the gamepad control you mapped
    • The parameter should link automatically

  3. Test:

    • Move the gamepad control
    • The parameter should respond in real-time

Common DAWs

Ableton Live:

  • Enable "Gamepad MIDI" in Preferences → Link/Tempo/MIDI → Input
  • Use MIDI Map Mode (Cmd/Ctrl + M) to map parameters

Logic Pro:

  • Logic automatically detects "Gamepad MIDI"
  • Use Smart Controls or MIDI learn to map parameters

FL Studio:

  • Enable "Gamepad MIDI" in Options → MIDI Settings
  • Right-click any knob → Link to controller

Bitwig Studio:

  • Enable "Gamepad MIDI" in Settings → Controllers
  • Use MIDI learn by right-clicking parameters

Saving Your Configuration

Once you've created mappings you like:

  1. Click "Presets" in the Mapping Editor Menu
  2. Select "Create New Preset"
  3. Enter a name (e.g., "My First Preset")
  4. Click "OK"

Your mappings are now saved and will persist between application launches.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics:

Quick Tips

  • Multiple Mappings: You can assign multiple MIDI messages to a single control
  • Visual Feedback: Controls highlight when activated, helping you see what's working
  • Smoothing: Adjust smoothing in the System tab if controls feel too sensitive or sluggish
  • Presets: Create different presets for different workflows or DAWs
  • Always on Top: Enable this to keep Gamepad MIDI visible while working in your DAW

Common Questions

Q: My gamepad isn't detected. What do I do?
A: See the Troubleshooting Guide for gamepad detection issues.

Q: Can I map buttons to notes instead of CCs?
A: Yes! In the mapping dialog, choose "Note" instead of "Control Change". See the MIDI Mapping Guide.

Q: How many mappings can I create?
A: You can create unlimited mappings. Each control can have multiple MIDI mappings.

Q: Will my mappings be saved when I close the app?
A: Yes, mappings are automatically saved. You can also save them as presets for easy switching.

Ready to dive deeper? Continue to the MIDI Mapping Guide to learn about all the mapping options available.