MIDI CC Guide
Understanding Continuous Controller (CC) messages: how to route, control, and automate synthesizer parameters in real-time.
# What is MIDI CC?
While standard MIDI Note messages trigger sounds on and off at specific pitches, MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages are used to transmit real-time parameter changes. This allows you to modulate synthesizer parameters like filter sweep, resonance, envelope decay, or delay time dynamically while the sequence is playing.
Every MIDI CC message consists of two key numbers:
- CC Controller Number (0 to 127): Identifies which parameter is being targeted (e.g., CC 74 target cutoff, CC 7 targets volume).
- CC Value (0 to 127): The current setting of that target parameter (e.g., a volume level of 100 or a closed filter cutoff of 0).
# Standard MIDI CC Mappings
Although modern digital synths allow you to assign CC targets to any dial, the MIDI protocol reserves several key controllers for specific parameters. Below are the industry-standard mappings supported by most hardware:
| CC Number | Standard Name | Common Behavior / Description |
|---|---|---|
| CC 1 | Modulation Wheel | Controls vibrato, filter depth, or other expressive modulations. |
| CC 5 | Portamento Time | Sets the glide rate between consecutive notes. |
| CC 7 | Channel Volume | Main output level control for the specific instrument channel. |
| CC 10 | Pan | Determines spatial placement in the stereo field (0 = left, 127 = right). |
| CC 11 | Expression | Secondary volume attenuator for dynamic swells and crescendos. |
| CC 64 | Sustain Pedal | Holds notes after release key is lifted (0-63 = off, 64-127 = on). |
| CC 71 | Filter Resonance | Adjusts the feedback level of the filter cutoff peak. |
| CC 74 | Filter Cutoff (Brightness) | Opens or closes the synth filter frequency, shaping brightness. |
| CC 91 | Reverb Send Level | Controls the amount of signal routed to the global reverb processor. |
# Mappings in the Synths Catalog
Many synthesizers utilize custom, device-specific MIDI CC layouts. For example, a Moog Minitaur targets Filter Decay on CC 19, whereas a Novation Bass Station II maps it to CC 81.
To make mapping external hardware seamless, you can use our built-in resources:
1. Browse Synth Profiles
Visit the Synths Catalog to search for your instrument model. Every catalog profile shows complete diagrams of MIDI CC channels for sliders, knobs, and envelopes.
2. Auto-Load Knobs in App
Within the Sequencer App, click the settings gear (⚙️) on any track and select your synthesizer profile. This loads named CC encoder sliders automatically.
# Automating CC in closeby.one
Once your synthesizer CC profile is loaded, closeby.one lets you animate those values in three ways:
- Manual Knobs: Tweak the encoder dials on the right panel to send live CC parameter adjustments to your synth.
- Step Modulation Lane: Double-click a step on the sequencer grid to open the CC modulation tab, then draw parameter offsets on the grid timeline for that specific step.
- Math Modulators: Write custom algebraic formulas (e.g. `sin(t/4) * 64 + 64`) inside the parameter panel to generate automatic LFO waves and sweep controls.
Ready to start sequencing?
Open the step sequencer app, map your synth profile, and automate filter modulations over MIDI.
Open Sequencer ⚡