In order to help users of devices such as the controllers in the iCON QCon series, (iCON QCon Pro, iCON QCon Pro G2, iCON QCon Ex G2, iCON QCon Pro X, iCON QCon Pro XS), the Platform Series (Platform M+ and Platform X+) or single fader devices such as the iCON Platform Nano, many Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) manufacturers produce  ‘Remote Control Device’ manuals, (sometimes referred to as a ‘Mackie Control’ manual).

‘Why is this?’, you may ask.

In short, the answer is that the messages every DAW sends to generic control devices such as the Platform Nano or QCon Pro G2 are different. In other words, even though the language most used, (Mackie Control Protocol) in most cases is the same, the direction of travel of this ‘code’ can be differentiated from DAW to DAW.

Because this communication from the DAW is variable, the resulting functionality of the MIDI controller is therefore variable. This is usually not significant, but it can lead to confusion and some frustration, because the functionality of the same machine in one DAW is not the same as in another.

The QCon series and the Platform series, although fantastic in their own right, cannot alter or interpret these communications. It is worthwhile remembering that these are generic controllers and are not DAW-specific.  

Another note worth remembering is that, should your DAW send messages to a specific button, say the ‘Mixer’ button, that you find unhelpful i.e. it does not fulfill the function you think it should, you can usually re-program that button using the MIDI learn capability of your DAW. Please exercise caution with this and ensure you have researched how to do this within your DAW thoroughly, before proceeding. Remember; once you have re-programmed your button, it is usually the case that the DAW controller will retain the ‘memory’ of your re-programming indefinitely, (until such time as you over-write the function). Therefore, please exercise caution.

Please be clear; it is highly inadvisable to use the iMAP to re-program switchgear, unless you intend re-programming ALL switchgear, (all faders, knobs and buttons). You MUST have an in-depth understanding of your DAW’s MIDI messages in order to engage with this task. Your DAW manufacturer may be able to provide a list of these messages, although some do not publish this information to the public.

Given that current iCON controllers now support fifteen or so DAW’s, (if it’s Mackie Control it will run), producing and maintaining accompanying manuals for each DAW would be entirely impractical, (especially since when DAW manufacturers update their DAW’s, say from version 8 to version 9, this can change the landscape yet again).

Therefore, because we want our users to get the most out of their controllers and where possible, be able to use plug in control, control virtual instruments, use V pots/rotary controllers to control functions such as panning, use the onboard DAW EQ and Sends etc., we have produced a table of support materials users may find helpful.

Some documents are more in depth than others and it is possible that some may be cross-transferable i.e. if you are unable to find the specific information you seek in your own DAW’s documentation, you may well find helpful information in another document for a different DAW.

However, it is always best to seek this information direct from the source i.e. the DAW manufacturer’s main manual or support team for example.  

Please note, that this documentation is not about ‘how to set up your controller’.  Separate ‘set up guides’ on the site and in the DAW manufacturers manuals/online documentation will assist you with this. The document links below are to facilitate fuller use of the controllers once set up with the DAW of your choice.

Should you be aware of the location of a document that might be of use, (which must be hosted on the DAW manufacturer’s site or a known partner), please do let us know so we can include a link to it. Please submit a ticket with the title ‘Remote Control Device article’ and include a link to the document/page.

*Reaper and Bitwig benefit from use of scripts developed by third parties for use with the QCon Pro X/XS and the QCon G2/Ex which extend their functionality. Visit the product the pages to download and install (instructions are within the ‘Read Me’ files).