PS5 DualSense
Check buttons, sticks and triggers with the free bridge first. Pro adds supported DualSense configuration, including touchpad XY and adaptive-trigger feedback.
Explore adaptive triggersWindows desktop · Gamepad to MIDI
Turn your gamepad into a MIDI controller on Windows.
Play notes from buttons. Move an effect with a trigger. Use the controller you already own with Ableton Live, Resolume or another MIDI-capable app.
Universal Controller MIDI runs alongside your host. Try the core bridge free, then choose Pro when you need custom mappings and presets.
Windows routing uses an existing MIDI output, such as a loopMIDI port. Check your controller and route before upgrading.
Build around your controller and your host.
Start with the inputs you want to perform with. A button can play a note; an analog trigger can send a continuous CC. Advanced inputs and feedback depend on the controller model and connection.
Xbox gamepads
Use a button for a note and an analog trigger for an effect sweep. Check the model you own with the free download; layouts and available inputs vary between controllers.
See an Ableton mapping workflowAbleton and other DAWs
Send MIDI notes to an instrument or learn a CC to a parameter. UCM runs as a standalone app, so the bridge does not require Max for Live.
Compare standalone and Max for LiveResolume and visual software
Map MIDI messages to visual controls in your receiving app. Pro also includes OSC output when your rig calls for an address-based network destination.
Explore OSC outputCheck compatibility free. Build your mapping with Pro.
The free bridge checks the basic connection. Choose Pro for the full custom mapping editor and preset library. The paid editor is separate from that free compatibility check.
Free
Free
Find out whether your controller and MIDI destination work together.
- Core gamepad-to-MIDI bridge
- Default MIDI note and CC mappings
- Check controller detection and basic output
Pro
Recommended AUD89 before applicable tax one-time
Create the controller layout your music or visual rig needs.
- Full custom mapping editor
- Curves, latch behaviour and conditional layers
- Local preset library
- OSC output configuration
- Supported DualSense touchpad and adaptive-trigger settings
Listed Pro price checked on 22 October 2026. See current pricing and purchase terms.
What you need on Windows
The current Windows download is an x64 desktop app packaged as a ZIP. Extract the complete app folder before opening Universal Controller MIDI.exe; keep its supporting files together.
- A Windows PC that can run the x64 build. Use the free download to check your particular system and controller.
- A connected gamepad. Windows and the bridge must detect the inputs you intend to use.
- A MIDI route into your destination. For app-to-app routing, create an output such as a loopMIDI port and select it in UCM. Enable that route as an input in your DAW or visual app.
UCM opens an existing Windows MIDI output. It does not install a bundled native virtual-port driver. Get loopMIDI from its developer for a virtual routing option.
Use the download page for the current Windows package. For mapping concepts, see button-to-note and trigger-to-CC.
Windows gamepad MIDI questions
Can I use a gamepad as a MIDI controller on Windows?
Yes. Universal Controller MIDI reads a connected gamepad and converts its inputs into MIDI notes and CC messages. Your DAW or visual application receives those messages through a MIDI input. Start with the free download to check your controller and the default mapping.
Do I need loopMIDI?
For routing into another Windows application, Universal Controller MIDI needs an existing MIDI output connected to that application’s input. A loopMIDI virtual port is one option. Create the port, select the route in the bridge and enable it in the destination. The app does not create a native Windows virtual MIDI port automatically.
What does the free version include?
The free version provides the core gamepad-to-MIDI bridge with default note and CC mappings. Use it to check detection and basic MIDI output. Pro unlocks the full custom mapping editor, preset library and additional configuration, including OSC output.
Can I use it with Ableton Live or Resolume?
Yes. Both applications accept MIDI input. Enable your routing port in the destination, then assign the messages to an instrument or parameter. Pro also includes OSC output for a visual workflow that needs it. You still configure the receiving application’s mappings.
Does this require Max for Live?
No. Universal Controller MIDI is a standalone desktop app. It sends MIDI to the input you enable in your destination, so a Max for Live device is not required for the bridge.
Is the Windows download an installer?
The current Windows release is a ZIP containing the x64 application and its supporting files. Extract the entire folder before opening Universal Controller MIDI.exe. Use the download page for the current Windows package.
Put your gamepad to work.
Check the free bridge on your Windows rig. When you are ready to create your own mappings, Pro gives you the editor, presets and OSC configuration.
Comparing options? Read the gamepad MIDI buyer’s guide, PadMap comparison or TouchOSC comparison.