Why don't my MIDI keyboard's knobs work in GarageBand?

GarageBand has no MIDI learn. Out of the box it only responds to the keys, the pitch and mod wheels, the sustain pedal and, on many keyboards, one knob or fader set to volume (MIDI CC 7). Other knobs and faders send messages GarageBand ignores, unless the keyboard ships a GarageBand control script.

Can I assign knobs to GarageBand's Smart Controls?

Not inside GarageBand on Mac. Logic Pro can (Learn Assignment). In GarageBand you need either a keyboard with its own GarageBand script, or a helper app such as KnobLink that connects the knobs to Smart Controls for you.

Guide · GarageBand on Mac

MIDI keyboard knobs not working in GarageBand? Here's why, and how to fix it.

Q: Does this work on iPad or iPhone?

GarageBand for iOS handles MIDI keyboards differently and has no way for another app to move its controls. This guide is for GarageBand on Mac.

You plug in a MIDI keyboard, the keys play, but turning a knob or moving a fader does nothing. It isn't your keyboard. GarageBand simply doesn't listen to most of them.

Why it happens

GarageBand has no MIDI learn, the feature other music apps use to link a knob to a control. Out of the box it only responds to:

Keys and pads (notes), the pitch and mod wheels, and the sustain pedal.
One volume control: many keyboards send MIDI CC 7 from one knob or fader, which GarageBand uses as the selected track's volume.

Everything else (the eight knobs, the fader bank, the play and record buttons) sends messages GarageBand ignores. That's why so many forum threads end with "you need Logic Pro".

Three ways to make them work

Check for a GarageBand script from your keyboard's maker. A few newer models ship one, for example the Akai MPK mini IV and the Novation Launchkey MK4. If yours has one and you're happy with it, you're done.
Switch to Logic Pro. It has Learn Assignment, so you can map any knob, but it costs $199 and is a big step up from GarageBand.
Use KnobLink (Mac, $12 once). It connects your knobs to GarageBand's Smart Controls (the on-screen instrument knobs like drawbars, filter, drive and reverb), your faders to track volume, and the transport buttons to Play, Stop, Record and Cycle. It recognises 50+ keyboards on its own and learns any other in about 30 seconds.

Setting it up with KnobLink

Download KnobLink and open it. The first time, macOS asks you to confirm: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Open Anyway. Step-by-step pictures.
Plug in your keyboard. KnobLink shows it on screen. Find yours on the supported keyboards list.
Allow instrument knobs once in Accessibility, then restart GarageBand. In GarageBand, press B to show Smart Controls and turn a knob.

Popular keyboards

Questions

Can I assign knobs to Smart Controls inside GarageBand?

Not on Mac. GarageBand has no way to learn a knob. Logic Pro can; in GarageBand you need a keyboard script or a helper app like KnobLink.

Does this work on iPad or iPhone?

No. GarageBand for iOS doesn't let other apps move its controls. This guide is for GarageBand on Mac.

Is KnobLink free?

It's $12 once ($9 launch price until 1 November), for up to 3 of your Macs, with a 14-day refund. You can download it first and see your keyboard recognised before you buy.

Buy Download