Cubase: MIDI Remote

The MIDI Remote method uses Steinberg's MIDI Remote API, available in Cubase 13 and later. It provides bi-directional selected channel control and command mapping through dedicated MetaGrid Pro controller surface scripts.

Install the Scripts via MetaServer

Step 1: Open MetaServer

Open MetaServer → Integrations → Cubase (or Nuendo).

Step 2: Install the MIDI Remote Section

In the Integration Components card, find the MIDI Remote section. Click Install MetaGrid Pro MIDI Remote scripts.

MetaServer copies the Selected Channel and Commands scripts directly into Documents/Steinberg/Cubase/MIDI Remote/Driver Scripts/Local/ for every detected Cubase version. The Integration Components rows turn green once installation finishes.

Step 3: Restart Cubase

If Cubase is running, quit and reopen it so the new scripts appear in MIDI Remote Manager.

Add the Selected Channel Surface

The Selected Channel script controls track parameters (volume, pan, sends, solo, mute, record enable, write) with bi-directional feedback. When you change tracks in Cubase, MetaGrid Pro updates automatically.

Step 1: Open MIDI Remote Manager

In Cubase, go to Studio → MIDI Remote Manager.

Step 2: Add the Surface

Click Add Surface. In the dialog, select MetaGrid Pro as the vendor and Selected Channel as the model.

Step 3: Assign Ports

Set both input and output ports to Metasystem - Cubase Sync - In/Out (Mac) or the corresponding LoopMIDI ports (Windows).

Step 4: Activate

Click Activate MIDI Controller Surface.

Add the Commands Surface

The Commands script handles all command assignments — transport, editing, navigation, and any Cubase function accessible through the command system.

Step 1: Open MIDI Remote Manager

Go to Studio → MIDI Remote Manager again.

Step 2: Add the Surface

Click Add Surface. Select MetaGrid Pro as the vendor and Commands as the model.

Step 3: Assign Ports

Set both input and output ports to Metasystem - Cubase - In/Out (Mac) or the corresponding LoopMIDI ports (Windows).

Step 4: Activate

Click Activate MIDI Controller Surface.

Verify the Setup

Open the MIDI Remote Manager. Both surfaces should be listed:

• Selected Channel — input and output ports set to Metasystem Cubase Sync
• Commands — input port set to Metasystem Cubase

LE/PLE Macros

LE and PLE macros still require Generic Remote devices, even when using MIDI Remote for everything else. See LE Macros and PLE & Scene Macros.

Pro Tip: MIDI Remote and Generic Remote coexist without conflict. Use MIDI Remote for commands and selected channel, and Generic Remote only for LE/PLE macro slots.