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Expanding UE5 Control Through MIDI Integration: APC40 Implementation Notes
The integration of the Akai APC40 MIDI controller with UE4 has evolved into a robust physical control system. What started as an experiment in mapping engine variables to physical controls has developed into a comprehensive interface solution.
System Architecture
The current implementation supports:
- 9 banks of 18 dials each
- 180 total variable controls
- 5 storage banks for different configurations
- Real-time UMG display integration
- Persistent storage and loading capabilities
Screen-Mapped Interface
Initial limitations in memorizing dial positions and variable assignments led to implementing screen-mapped feedback. This matching system correlates physical dial positions with on-screen indicators, addressing the cognitive load of remembering multiple control assignments.
The screen mapping provides:
- Direct visual feedback of dial positions
- Current bank status
- Active variable assignments
- Parameter ranges and values
Storage System
The five-bank storage system enables:
- Quick switching between different control configurations
- Persistent save states
- Multiple project configurations
- Rapid A/B testing of different parameter sets
Technical Implementation
The control surface communicates through:
- MIDI input/output channels
- UE4 variable binding system
- Custom serialization for storage
- Real-time parameter updates
Variable Management
Managing 180 variables required implementing:
- Hierarchical bank organization
- Quick bank switching mechanics
- Visual feedback systems
- Persistent variable tracking
Current Development
Hardware updates pending:
- Color-coded dial caps for improved visual reference
- Enhanced tactile feedback
- Bank identification through physical markers
Workflow Impact
This system has altered the development workflow by:
- Reducing iteration time
- Enabling real-time parameter adjustment
- Supporting rapid prototyping
- Allowing intuitive variable manipulation
The screen-mapping solution particularly improved the workflow by removing the mental overhead of tracking variable assignments, enabling focus on the actual parameter adjustments and their effects.
Next Steps
Development continues with focus on:
- Expanding storage capabilities
- Enhancing visual feedback systems
- Implementing additional control surfaces
- Refining the bank switching interface
The addition of color-coded dial caps will further enhance the physical interface, providing immediate visual reference for different parameter categories and banks.