Setting up MIDI Controller Play/Stop Controls in Cubase

My Donner DMK-25 MIDI controller isn’t listed in Cubase’s MIDI Remote Manager. How do I use the Play and Stop buttons on the keyboard to control Cubase? – Robbie

Paul Andrews of Audio Support explains how he helped his client solve this issue:

During a recent remote support session, I helped my client diagnose that the wrong USB-C cable was the cause of his MIDI controller not being recognised by Windows. In the second half of that remote support session, we moved on to answering Robbie’s question about assigning the transport buttons of the keyboard to control Cubase.

The process for setting up a remote MIDI device in Cubase is explained in the manual.

Whilst speaking via WhatsApp and using AnyDesk remote desktop, I guided Robbie through the steps in the manual to set up a new MIDI remote device. Unfortunately, we found a problem when trying to select the DMK-25 from the list of MIDI remote scripts provided by Cubase.

There were no MIDI controller scripts from the manufacturer Donner. The reason for that is that Cubase 12 is older than the DMK-25, so no script was written for the unit when Cubase 12 was released.

Robbie asked if an update to Cubase would be the solution. I explained to Robbie that he could pay to update Cubase but that in my experience Cubase 13 and 14 are poor releases full of bugs and we would likely create more problems in his setup that was currently running smoothly.

The simpler solution would be to find and install a patch script written for the DMK.

A quick Google search found one on the Steinberg Forums provided by the user Fatspan. Thanks Fatspan!

I guided Robbie through downloading and installing the script. Once installed, we could see that the MIDI remote functions were active and the transport buttons of the DMK-25 controlled the transport bar in Cubase.

Robbie was pleased that the solution was simple and didn’t require an update to Cubase.

If you need help diagnosing problems with MIDI controllers, Cubase or any other aspect of music technology, please get in touch.

Categories: Cubase, Cubase control surfaces, Cubase setting up external hardware, Remote Support

Recent Reviews

    
 
 
         
   Laura Forrest-Hay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul reinstalled all my lost sample libraries, streamlined the storage on my computer so it works faster and fixed my corrupted disk. it took us a couple of sessions and he was friendly and patient throughout. He never made me feel stupid and never over-explained stuff I already knew - in fact he boosted my confidence. Would highly recommend. I've put him on speed dial!
  
 
        
   MrMattkitt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was brilliant, listened to the issues I had on Cubase and my home studio, worked methodically through potential problems and  sorted everything. Amazing service, down to earth and explained everything so I
could understand. I am a very happy song writer once again thanks to Paul! Will be using Paul again in the future and highly recommend. Thanks Paul.
  
 
        
   Ciarán Hanna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Honestly, if you're in any way stuck in a creative block because of the gear you have, you've more questions than answers about what the best setup should be for your flow, or even if you have very nuanced problems in your DAW/with your gear, the service Paul provides is second to none. Besides being an extremely nice guy, he knows his stuff and takes the time to understand what you want to get out of each session and makes sure all is good to go! Can't recommend him enough!
  
 
        
   Trudie Brogan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great service. Paul is so knowledgeable and I learned so much. Totally recommend.
  
 
        
   Cottin Ulysse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was fantastic, he solved my problem in less than 30mn, and he is a lovely guy. I really recommend him.
  
 
        
   Justin Bikram 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul provided as stellar service, worth every penny. I came to him with a genuine issue that was affecting my Logic Pro 11 album project regarding drums and midi maps and he solved my problem most efficiently.  He was patient, courteous, quick thinking and highly knowledgeable. I will certainly consider using the service again and thoroughly recommend Audio Support -
Thank you Paul - you are a star :)
  
 
        
   josh fulford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working in Reaper.
Super knowledgeable, friendly, speaks in easy to understand terms.
Paul is helping us DAW newbies get in the game. Paul got my lost plugin files working again as well as showed me how to find missing wave files for projects that were loading incorrectly. Keep this man on speed dial.
  
 
        
   Richard Grant 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul fixed in around half an hour some midi keyboard/controller problems I have been trying to solve but have had to live with for around two years! He is very knowledgeable and patient and the Any Desk link worked perfectly. I wish I had found his website sooner and wouldn't hesitate to call on his services again.
Rick Grant
  
 
        
   Paul B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was excellent in helping me diagnose and resolve a problem I had on Logic Pro 12 file issues
  
 
        
   William Schrul 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul really helped get my Cubase up and running again.  He really knows his stuff, and I'll definitely look him up again when I'm stuck.  Thanks!!!
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 160 reviews

Let’s Get Your System Running Smoothly.

No automated tickets, no waiting queues — just one-to-one help from an experienced music technology specialist. I’ll connect to your system remotely, identify the issue, and guide you through the fix.

Request Consultation

Setting up MIDI Controller Play/Stop Controls in Cubase

Root Cause / Concept

Outcome

Intervention Risk

Recent Reviews

Let’s Get Your System Running Smoothly.

Related Case Studies

Why does my MIDI keyboard delete tracks in Cubase?

Why does EZdrummer play wrong notes with Logic Drummer MIDI?

How do I fix MIDI timing drift with multiple hardware synths?

Soundiron Quadral 3 plays fine in Kontakt in Logic Pro, then after a while it stops, says Quadral doesn't support Kontakt and asks for a serial number. I can't find a serial anywhere in Native Access or my Native Instruments account. What's wrong?