Category: MIDI Basics

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What is a MIDI Sequencer?

MIDI Sequencer

In the world of digital music production, a MIDI sequencer is an essential tool. It allows musicians and producers to create, edit, and play back music by managing MIDI data. This blog will focus on sequencer software for computers but will also touch on the fact that many keyboards come with built-in sequencers.

What is MIDI?

Before diving into MIDI sequencers, let’s briefly recap what MIDI is. MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate. It sends instructions on how to play notes, rather than the audio itself. This makes MIDI a powerful tool for composing and arranging music.

What is a MIDI Sequencer?

A MIDI sequencer is a device or software that records, edits, and plays back MIDI data. Think of it as a digital music sheet that can capture every note and expression you play on a MIDI instrument. Sequencers can be either hardware (like those built into some keyboards) or software that runs on a computer.

Software MIDI Sequencers

Software MIDI sequencers are applications you install on your computer. They offer a wide range of features and flexibility, making them popular among musicians and producers. Here are some key aspects of software MIDI sequencers:

  1. Recording: You can record MIDI data from your keyboard or other MIDI instruments directly into the sequencer. This captures the notes you play, along with velocity (how hard you hit the keys) and other performance nuances.
  2. Editing: Once recorded, MIDI data can be edited with precision. You can change notes, adjust timing, tweak velocities, and add or remove control changes. This level of detail allows you to perfect your performances and compositions.
  3. Playback: MIDI sequencers can play back your MIDI data through virtual instruments or external hardware. This lets you hear your compositions with different sounds and instruments.
  4. Arrangement: You can arrange your MIDI recordings into complete songs. Most sequencers support multiple tracks, so you can layer different instruments and parts to create complex arrangements.
  5. Integration: Software MIDI sequencers often integrate with digital audio workstations (DAWs), allowing you to combine MIDI sequencing with audio recording and production. This makes them powerful tools for music production.

Built-in Sequencers in Keyboards

Many modern keyboards come with built-in multi-track sequencers. These hardware sequencers offer similar functionalities to software sequencers, including recording, editing, and playback of MIDI data. While they might not offer the same depth of features as computer-based sequencers, they are convenient for live performances and on-the-go music creation. Here are a few advantages of built-in sequencers:

  1. Portability: You don’t need to carry a computer to use a built-in sequencer. Everything you need is within the keyboard, making it great for live performances and mobile music production.
  2. Ease of Use: Built-in sequencers are often designed to be user-friendly, allowing musicians to quickly record and arrange their music without needing to navigate complex software interfaces.
  3. Integration: Since the sequencer is part of the keyboard, integration with the instrument is seamless. You can easily access the sounds and features of the keyboard while using the sequencer.

MIDI SequencersWhy Use a MIDI Sequencer?

MIDI sequencers are invaluable for several reasons:

  • Creativity: They allow for experimentation with different arrangements, sounds, and compositions.
  • Precision: You can fine-tune every aspect of your performance, ensuring that your music sounds exactly how you want it.
  • Efficiency: Sequencers make it easy to record and edit music, saving time compared to manual methods.
  • Flexibility: With software sequencers, you can use a wide range of virtual instruments and plugins, expanding your sonic possibilities.

In conclusion, a MIDI sequencer is a powerful tool for any musician or producer. Whether you use software on a computer or the built-in sequencer in a keyboard, the ability to record, edit, and play back MIDI data opens up endless creative possibilities. Understanding and utilizing MIDI sequencers can significantly enhance your music-making process, allowing you to create more complex and polished compositions.

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Sending Program Changes With MIDI

When it comes to electronic music, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a game-changer. One of its powerful features is the ability to send program changes. This means you can switch instruments or sounds on your MIDI device with just a simple command. Let’s dive into how this works and why getting your MIDI connections right is crucial.

What are Program Changes?

Program changes are MIDI messages that tell your electronic instrument to switch to a different preset sound or instrument. For example, you could switch from a piano sound to a guitar sound on your synthesizer without physically touching the instrument. This is incredibly useful during live performances or when recording in a studio, as it allows for smooth transitions between different sounds.

Setting Up MIDI Connections

Before you can send program changes, you need to ensure your MIDI devices are connected correctly. MIDI devices typically have MIDI In, MIDI Out, and sometimes MIDI Thru ports. Here’s a simple way to understand them:

  • MIDI In: Receives MIDI data from another device.
  • MIDI Out: Sends MIDI data to another device.
  • MIDI Thru: Passes MIDI data received at MIDI In to another device (used for daisy-chaining multiple devices).

It’s essential to connect the MIDI Out of your controller (like a keyboard) to the MIDI In of your sound module or synthesizer. If these connections are incorrect, your devices won’t communicate, and no program changes will happen.

Sending Program Changes

Once your devices are connected, sending a program change is straightforward. Most MIDI controllers have buttons or dials that can send program change messages. Many devices manage and send program change MIDI messages automatically in the background, when you select the desired sound.

For example, if you want to switch to a piano sound, you might select program number 1. If you want a guitar sound, you might choose program number 25. The specific numbers can vary based on the General MIDI standard or the specific setup of your device.

Using the Learn Function

Many modern MIDI software and keyboards come with a “learn” function. This feature makes mapping MIDI controls to specific software parameters incredibly easy. Here’s how it works:

  1. Activate Learn Mode: In your software (like a digital audio workstation or DAW), find the MIDI learn function. It’s often a button labeled “Learn” or “MIDI Learn.”
  2.  Select the Control: Click on the software parameter you want to control (e.g., volume slider, effect knob). In this case we want the patch/program selector.
  3.  Move the Control: Move the corresponding control on your MIDI device (e.g., turn a knob, press a button). The software detects this movement and maps the control to the selected parameter.

This process ensures that your MIDI controller and software are perfectly in sync, making it easier to control your music.

Why It’s Important

Getting your MIDI connections right and understanding how to send program changes can significantly enhance your music-making process. It ensures that your instruments respond correctly to your commands, whether you’re performing live or working in a studio. Additionally, using the learn function simplifies the setup process and makes it easier to customize your controls.

In summary, sending program changes with MIDI opens up a world of possibilities for musicians. By connecting your devices correctly and utilizing features like the learn function, you can streamline your workflow and focus more on creating great music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, mastering these MIDI basics is essential for taking your music to the next level.

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What is General MIDI?

General MIDI

Imagine being able to connect different musical instruments, like keyboards, synthesizers, and computers, so they can all talk to each other. That’s exactly what MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, does. It’s like a common language that these devices use to communicate. But today, let’s talk about a specific part of this language called General MIDI. 

 Understanding MIDI 

Before we dive into General MIDI, let’s quickly understand MIDI. MIDI is a system that sends instructions to electronic instruments. For example, when you press a key on a MIDI keyboard, it doesn’t actually make a sound. Instead, it sends a message to another device, like a computer or a synthesizer, telling it which note to play, how long to play it, and how loud it should be. 

 What is General MIDI? 

General MIDI (often abbreviated as GM) is a standard that makes MIDI even more useful and consistent. It was introduced in 1991 to ensure that MIDI instruments and software can work together smoothly. GM does this by setting specific rules for how musical instruments should behave and sound. 

Key Features of General MIDI 

  1. Instrument Standardization: In General MIDI, there are 128 standard sounds or “instruments” assigned to specific numbers. For example, program number 1 is always a piano, number 25 is a guitar, and number 49 is a string ensemble. This means that no matter what GM-compatible device you use, program number 1 will always sound like a piano. This consistency is really helpful when sharing music files with others or using different devices.

 

  1. Percussion Channel: General MIDI reserves one of the 16 available channels (channel 10) just for percussion instruments like drums. Each key on a MIDI keyboard is mapped to a specific drum sound. So, hitting a particular key will always produce the same drum sound on any GM-compatible device.

 

  1. Polyphony: GM requires that a device can play at least 24 notes at the same time. This is called polyphony. It’s important for creating rich and complex music, especially when using multiple instruments or chords.

 

  1. Standardized Control Changes: GM also defines certain controls, like volume, pan (which speaker the sound comes from), and modulation (vibrato effects). This helps ensure that music sounds the same, no matter which GM device plays it.

 

Why is General MIDI Important? 

General MIDI makes it easy to create, share, and play music across different devices without worrying about compatibility issues. If you compose a song on a GM keyboard and save it as a MIDI file, you can share that file with someone else who has a GM-compatible device, and it will sound almost the same. This standardization has made MIDI incredibly popular in the music industry, from professional studios to home setups. 

 

Real-Life Examples

 

– Learning and Practicing: Many music teachers use GM keyboards to teach students. Students can practice at home on their own GM keyboards, and the sounds will be the same as in their lessons. 

– Gaming and Software: Video game composers often use GM because it ensures the music will sound right on any system that supports it. 

– Home Recording: Hobbyist musicians use GM in their home studios to create music that sounds professional and can be easily shared with others. 

 

In conclusion, General MIDI is like a universal translator for electronic musical instruments. It ensures that no matter what device you use, the music will sound

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The History of MIDI – “Hey, remember the 80’s”?

History of MIDIHere’s a couple of cool videos if you’re interested in learning, or in some cases “reliving” many of the key events and technology that made MIDI a standard in the musical world.

30th Anniversary of MIDI

Computer Music History – Apple Computer and Midi Interface (1987)

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MIDI Polyphony and Multi-timbrality

Korg Oasys
Korg Oasys

What is Polyphony?

Polyphony is simply the number of notes that a keyboard or device can be playing at any one time. So, for example, if you press two keys at the same time, you’re using 2 notes of polyphony. Simple, right? Well… not exactly.

Another way to use two notes of polyphony would be to hold the sustain pedal and hit the same note twice in a row.

Additionally, playing a note in a “Combi” mode (where sounds are layered or stacked on each other to make rich tones) allows you to use up many polyphony notes with every single key press.

Polyphony is also used when running a sequencer or record function, playing a keyboard’s on-board drums, using the song or style arranger, etc.

So, you can see it is important to understand the ramification and how polyphony fits into your playing style and available equipment.

What is Multi-timbrality?

Being “multi-timbral” can be related to polyphony, but is actually the ability to play multiple types of sounds at the same time.  So, you want to play a bass line with the left hand and piano with the right? You’ll need multi-tembral capabilities in your keyboard.

Many times the different sounds are separated onto different MIDI channels and can be manipulated on a channel by channel basis. But often, as seen in many lower prices models, the keyboards are not multi-timbral and can only play one sound type at a time.

Obviously the more use you make of your keyboard’s multi-tembral features, the more available polyphony you will need.

Why should I care?

Polyphony is very important. The last thing you want to do is to get home with your wonderful new keyboard or sound module, start playing and discover it can only play 16 notes at a time. 16 note polyphony.  If you find that to be the case, you might as well throw your sustain pedal out the window. You won’t be using it.

It’s like this… you have 10 fingers. if each finger plays two notes (in a run or in repetitive strokes) and your polyphony is 16 notes, you’re 4 notes over the limit right away. The keyboard will start to shut off previous notes to compensate for the new ones.  Although sometimes it’s okay, this usually sounds bad and ruins your musical experience.

Some lower end keyboards can be in the 8 to 30 polyphony range (or less). Most higher end keyboards these days come in 64 to 128 note polyphony. This is pretty good for playing individual instruments that aren’t layered and many pad/synth or multi-layered sounds.  But if you’re going to be doing any major composing or orchestrating, you may likely need even more.

What can I do about it?

If you are stuck with a keyboard or sound module that has a low limit for polyphony or you find you are pushing the limits of what it can output, there are couple things you can do.

1. Get another sound unit. Purchase an additional sound module or keyboard and connect them using MIDI. This will double (or more) the polyphony available to you. Plus, it’s always fun to get new gear.

2. See if your sound module is expandable. Often you can buy cartridges or expansion chips that will increase the functionality of your existing device.

3. If you’re making complex arrangements and running out of notes, you may need to record some of your tracks into a computer, converting the notes into audio waveforms. This will allow you to shut those notes off in your arrangement and free up some polyphony.

If anyone has any suggestions, or more Polyphony tips, please comment below.

 

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What is quantization?

imageFor musicians who work in recording or producing realm, quantization is an issue that comes up frequently. As for me, I deal with it on some level in almost every recording project I create.

So what is quantization anyway? Well, the long answer is “It depends on who you ask”.

  • An online dictionary will tell you:
    The process of converting, or digitizing, the almost infinitely variable amplitude of an analog waveform to one of a finite series of discrete levels.
  • Audio-technicians might tell you:
    Quantization is the process of converting a continuous analog audio signal to a digital signal with discrete numerical values. Example: In a compact disc, an analog recording is converted to a digital signal sampled at 44,100Hz and quantized with 16-bits of data per sample.
  • A physicist will tell you:
    To apply quantum mechanics or the quantum theory to something.

However, for a recording artist or musician, the meaning of quantization is a little bit different. I define it as: “Making music mathematically perfect.”

In other words, when a person plays a keyboard, drums, bass, sax, etc. into a recording device, the recorded performance usually lacks precision in timing to some degree. Although it may sound good, each note is likely not placed exactly in the correct spot in time. To record something with absolute mathematical precision would be nearly impossible for any human.

quantize

Enter Computers. So to compensate for the lack of timing precision, computers can come along behind us and make sure all of our timing is adjusted, lined up, and perfect. This is the act of quantizing.

Quantizing is done very easily when working with MIDI note data. Since MIDI notes each have a definite start and end time, all the computer has to do is recalculate the note data so that each note starts at the correct time and presto, you have perfect timing.

However, the process is not so straight forward when working with non-MIDI audio (voice, guitar, etc). When there is not a precise start time to the note, it is more difficult for quantizing software to know where to put each note in time. Waveform quantizing software has to basically guess where the individual notes are. As technology gets better, these programs are getting more and more accurate, but there is still some element of guesswork when trying to quantize waveforms.

 

The Quantizing Challenge

Nearly every recording software available today has a quantizing option built in and a ton of settings to go with it. The problem that many people fall into is that they think quantization will fix their timing problems in general. But let me be honest, if you can’t play with the beat at least to a pretty decent level of accuracy, don’t think the quantize button is going to fix it. For Quantize to work, you have to get the notes at least CLOSE to where they go in the timeline.

Most of the time you can choose if you want the computer to quantize the notes immediately as you’re recording, or later when you go back to edit. But either way you are going to tell the software you want to snap the notes to the nearest 8th note (1/16 note, 1/2 note, etc.), so you have to be a good enough player to be able to place the notes pretty close to the correct time. If you are too sloppy, you’ll have notes shifting to the wrong places and the final product will sound horrible.

 

The Quantizing Catch – Should we?

Now that we are on the same page as to what quantizing is and how to do it, the big question on everyone’s mind is “Should we even do it in the first place?” First you go through and play in your parts, and then go back and correct all your timing mistakes with quantization. After all, it does seem a little like cheating, doesn’t it? That actually is a very good question… “Should we?”

I think it comes down to personal taste and style. Computer music done for the electronica scene will not doubt be heavily quantized. In fact often the programs used for this genre don’t even give an option to shut off quantize. Country, blues, gospel, opera or classical would be expected not to use this timing correction process, but I’m sure many do.

I remember hearing a Bruce Hornsby song where there was an orchestra and of course a piano part over the top of what sounded like a very synthetic drum track. In that case, I would assume the drums were heavily quantized and the rest was probably not. But who knows.

Personally, I don’t mind the rhythm tracks (bass, drums, etc.) to be mathematically perfect, but I prefer the humanness of the main instruments. The slight timing nuances of the players gives the music more life for me. That why I prefer live music to recordings anyway. But being a computer music buff, I also appreciate the heavily quantized sounds of the industrial music scene as well.

Tell me what you think. Do you have any quantizing tips, tricks, or stories? What do you think sounds best?

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Create Bass Lines from Drum Tracks (MIDI Tutorial)

I posted a new YouTube tutorial online. Check it out.

Have you ever wondered how to make a great bass line from scratch? Here’s one suggestion. This technique will allow you to create a great sounding bass line to go behind your song using nothing but a MIDI editor and a drum track.