MIDI triggering in Steinberg Cubase

In this guide, you'll learn how to use MIDI notes in Cubase to trigger LFOs in ShaperBox (ReverbShaper, TimeShaper, DriveShaper, NoiseShaper, FilterShaper Core, LiquidShaper, CrushShaper, VolumeShaper, PanShaper, WidthShaper), FilterShaper XL, MidiShaper, PanCake and Nicky Romero Kickstart.

When this technique is used, the LFO will play from the beginning every time a MIDI note is received. Thus, the LFO can be triggered in any rhythm you like — sidechain your bassline to a non-4/4 kick drum pattern, for example.


1. Enable MIDI Trigger mode

In ShaperBox 1, VolumeShaper 4 or PanShaper 1, select a 'MIDI Triggered' or 'MIDI 1-Shot' triggering mode. In ShaperBox 2, set the MIDI Trigger mode to 'On' or 'On (1-shot)'.



2. Set up a MIDI Track

Insert a MIDI Track, create a MIDI clip, then draw or record MIDI notes in the rhythm with which you want to trigger the Cableguys plugin.

Any note will work, except when ShaperBox or ShaperBox 2's Wave-switching MIDI Trigger option is enabled, in which case only C notes will retrigger the LFO Wave.



3. Route the MIDI track

On the MIDI track, set the Output to the Cableguys plugin.

Now the Wave/LFO will retrigger with each incoming MIDI note.