How to Use Rock Band Controllers (And More) with GarageBand, Mac
Bill Pendry wanted to use his PlayStation 3 Rock Band controllers with GarageBand on the Mac, so he’s posted step-by-step instructions to do just that. The secret formula: a wonderful utility that helps you use HID-compatible game controllers on the Mac, sans drivers.
GamePad Companion (US$15 shareware)
Of course, the nice thing here is that the basic steps apply to other controllers, just in case Rock Band doesn’t float your boat (or rock your socks, or whatever).
I ended up choosing kick, snare, two toms and one cymbal, since the other cymbal I wanted was in a inactive area of the keyboard. I re-mapped the keys in GPC, switched back to GB and gave it a try. Success! Samples were triggered correctly, the fast key repeat rate didn’t cause any problems, and latency was basically nil.
The results:
And step by step instructions:
GarageRockBand [billpendry.com blog]
More good news: Bill has updated the post with information on Xbox 360 controller possibilities. Generic Xbox controllers work just find via the Wireless Gaming Receiver. No word yet on the Rock Band controllers, though, and I think they do a little more than the standard controllers. Anyone got an Xbox 360 and a Mac who can tell us if it works?
Previously:
Game Day: Use Rock Band Drums as MIDI Controller - Windows, Yes, Mac, Soon? (and I guess we got our answer!)
9 Comments
Leave a CommentPatrick Mueller
XBox Rockband Strat controller plugged into my MacBook shows up in System Profiler as:
Harmonix Guitar for Xbox 360:
Version: 1.03
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Harmonix Music
Product ID: 0×0002
Serial Number: 006B0712
Vendor ID: 0×1bad
Howdja like that VendorId? hehe
GamePad Controller, however, does not appear to recognize it.
OK, dammit, how do I read this thing, and turn it into MIDI??? How???
December 11, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
Bill Pendry
You’ve installed the XBox 360 Controller Driver for Mac OS X?
December 11, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
kprrt » How to Use Rock Band Controllers (And More) with GarageBand, Mac
[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerptBill Pendry wanted to use his PlayStation 3 Rock Band controllers with GarageBand on the Mac, so he’s posted step-by-step instructions to do just that. The secret formula: a wonderful utility that helps you use HID-compatible game … [...]
December 12, 2007 @ 12:10 am
Collin Mel
hrrm, can’t see the Xbox version with Connect360 either.
December 12, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Martin
Let me guess…The controlers isn´t velocity sensitive? If they are, i´ll buy one of those drum kits tonight! (Never mind the stores are closed! I´ll break in :D)
December 13, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Codeflex
I have an Intel Mac running Leopard, and an Xbox360 version of Rockband. So far, Gamepad Companion doesnt recognize it, and neither does the Xbox 360 controllers driver. Anyone know of anything yet? I’m dying to use the drums in garageband
December 26, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
Patrick
I have 10.4.11 OS X and the Microsoft drums, they’re recognized in System Profiler, but Game Companion doesn’t recognize them. Looks like Microsoft will do anything to keep their products from working on Macs (See: Microsoft Zune)
January 18, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
VICTORY
Can anyone give us an update on this?
I just sent in my xbox 360 for repair (ROD)
now i want to give this a try.
I have an 10.4.11 OS with intel Imac
January 19, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
matt
I just googled it today and found a youtube site that showed new downloads for mac. I downloaded a driver for mac that shows, and responds to, my xbox 360 rockband drums in system preferences. However, I don’t know how to make Battery or Live find the midi interface.
Any help yet??
Please.
February 16, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
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