Automation of the plug-in’s user interface.
Cubase allows complete parameter automation of both VST Instruments and effects. In this way all controls of the plug-in can be moved about as if by a ‘ghost’ operator. In Cubase there are different possibilities to create and manipulate automation events: via Sysex or via the MIDI controller (also called CC=Continuous Controller). In this tutorial we will describe automation via a MIDI Controller.

About MIDI Controllers
MIDI Controllers always consist of a controller-number and one/two variables. The controller-number serves to differentiate the various controllers from one another. Many controllers have been standardised for the majority of MIDI instruments. For example: controller 0 for "Bank Select", controller 1 for “Modulation” and controller 7 for "Main Volume". In total there are 128 (0-127) controller numbers. Not included in these 128 controllers are a few special controllers such as "Pitchbend" or "Program Change".

The automation via MIDI controllers is very easy. Simply begin recording a MIDI track in which to store the automation data and move the control elements of the plug-in using the mouse. The individual MIDI control numbers of the user controls can be found in a table in your NI Software Handbook. REAKTOR and DYNAMO users can find detailed information here...

Tip: So that the MIDI track does not appear too complicated for later editing you can record your controllers onto separate MIDI tracks which all use the same output and MIDI port.