Potentially useful MIDI & Music links!Kurzweil K2000 Patches - An FTP site full o' K2k patches and samples.
Ex. The master keyboard is split at C3. Notes played at or below C3 are sent to MIDI channel 1, notes above C3 are sent to channel 2. A synth set to receive on MIDI channel 1 plays a bass sound, while a sampler on channel 2 plays a grand piano sample. Two handed rhythm section! Many keyboards allow for more than one split point. This is useful for live peformance where the keyboard player has to do organ, piano, brass, lead, bass, etc.
MIDI data is recorded and played back by a hardware or software sequencer. Sequencers store the the information at specific measures, beats, and clock ticks. The sequencer runs at a user specified tempo and time signature. You play the notes on a MIDI keyboard (or other controller) and the computer records them in sequence. Makes sense, eh? Notes can also be entered in step time. Step time means that you can enter notes and durations without recording them 'live'. These processes can be repeated to build multiple 'tracks'. Many sequencers often use the multitrack tape recorder metaphor as an interface. Tape recorder-like buttons contol play, record, rewind, etc. Punch ins & out can be programmed or done live. Tracks can be copied, muted, transposed, split, merged, looped ...well you get the idea. This method of digitally storing a 'performance' means data can be edited off-line. Patches can be changed, clunkers fixed, tempo adjusted, timing tweaked, etc.
There are many other types of MIDI messages controlling things like volume, modulation, pitch bend, sustain, etc. Another type of MIDI message is System Exclusive or SysEx. This type of message is for talking to specific brands and models of equipment. It is useful for storing parameters or programs from your synth, sampler, drum machine, etc. Software known as editor/librarians make use of SysEx to allow remote programming of your synthesizers.
Ex. You need to tweak some sounds in your rack mounted synth module. The module has four buttons, one knob, a 2 line LCD display... and about 627 program parameters. Instead, load up your editor software and access the module through MIDI. Your computer becomes the 'front end' for the module. The patch data can be displayed and modified in a more organized, intuitive fashion.
MIDI is not limited to controlling synthesizers. It is also being used to control audio effects processors, automated mixers, stage lighting, amplifiers,
and many other pieces of awe inspiring techno-wizardry.
MTC (MIDI Time Code) is used to sync sequencers, multitrack recorders, and video.
MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is being used to remotely control tape machines.
This means you can control an entire studio with your computer. Pretty cool, huh?
© Copyright 1995 MIDIWerks Consulting. All rights reserved.
Top of page
MIDIWerks Home Page