XY Controller

Two Axes. Sixteen Controllers.

Control two MIDI parameters simultaneously by moving a crosshair across the X and Y axes. Up to 16 controllers can live inside a single XY pad — each with its own color, value range, and MIDI channel. Switch between them instantly to create a flexible sound-design surface in one object.

Drag the crosshair. Switch controllers. Recall snapshots. Try different skins.

X: CC7

Y: CC1

open_withcrop_landscape

X: 0Y: 127

X: 127Y: 127

X: 0Y: 0

X: 127Y: 0

Appearance

Live Parameter Output

Real-time MIDI CC values sent to your software as you move the crosshair.

X: CC7

VOL

Y: CC1

MOD

Capabilities

Precision Control, Built In

The XY Controller combines expressive gestures with precise parameter control — giving you both performance freedom and studio accuracy.

tune

Up to 16 Controllers

Define up to 16 CC controllers inside a single XY pad and switch between them instantly. Each controller can have its own CC number, MIDI channel, value range, and visual style.

palette

Per-Controller Colors

Assign a unique color to every controller. The crosshair, motion traces, and UI accents automatically reflect the active controller.

lock

X/Y Axis Lock

Lock movement to the X or Y axis to adjust one parameter at a time — perfect for precise tweaks during performance or automation.

swap_vert

Custom Value Ranges

Set custom start and end values for each CC. Use full ranges (0–127), reversed ranges, or limit movement to a specific parameter window.

save

Local Snapshots

Save and recall crosshair positions instantly. Four snapshot slots (A–D) let you jump between modulation states with a single tap.

touch_app

Tap or Drag

Choose how the controller responds: tap to jump to a position, or drag for continuous movement.

Performance Examples

Real-World XY Control

Real-world scenarios where two-axis control transforms your workflow.

Filter Morphing

Sweep cutoff and resonance together to create evolving filter movement.

XCutoff

YResonance

Expression Control

Control dynamics and expression together for more natural orchestral phrasing.

XCC1 Dynamics

YCC11 Expression

Spatial Movement

Move sound across the stereo field while shaping depth with reverb.

XPan

YReverb Send

Articulation Blending

Blend between playing styles on both axes for smooth articulation transitions.

XSustain ↔ Tremolo

YLegato ↔ Marcato

Sound Design

Shape modulation depth and effect mix with a single gesture.

XMod Depth

YEffect Mix

Live Performance

Control filter sweeps and delay feedback for expressive live effects.

XFilter Cutoff

YDelay Feedback

XY controllers turn two parameters into a single expressive gesture.

Customization

Make It Yours

Appearance

Crosshair Types

Choose from multiple crosshair styles — circle, target, dot, or classic crosshair — and adjust the size to match your precision needs.

Style Presets

Apply a global style to the entire XY pad, or give each controller its own look. The crosshair automatically reflects the active controller’s color.

Interface

Display Options

Show or hide UI elements like the top bar, position indicators, CC selector, and snapshot pads — tailoring the interface to your workflow.

Trace Lines

Optional X/Y trace lines follow the crosshair, using the active controller’s color for quick visual feedback.

Workflow

Snapshot Integration

Integrate with Snapshot objects to save and recall XY positions instantly. Local snapshots store individual controller states, while global snapshots capture the entire pad.

XY Controller customization in MetaGrid Pro

Shape Your Sound

Download MetaGrid Pro and unlock expressive two-axis control for your instruments and effects.

Download MetaGrid Pro