{"id":91030,"date":"2022-09-05T16:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-05T15:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=91030"},"modified":"2022-12-30T11:00:40","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T11:00:40","slug":"how-do-midi-controllers-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-do-midi-controllers-work\/","title":{"rendered":"MIDI controllers: What are they? How do they work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 style=\"user-select: auto;\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff; user-select: auto;\">MIDI controllers provide a hands-on workflow that allows musicians to compose music and change software instrument parameters.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine having the ability to test a melody in the context of a song, or experimenting with different sounds in a hands-on way&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI controllers make that possible, and still more! You can navigate <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/3-free-daws-for-recording\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your DAW<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and control multiple pieces of hardware with just one MIDI device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Forget about the mouse and keyboard and say hello to MIDI instruments with the following topics: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><\/strong><strong><a href=\"#what-is-midi\">What is MIDI?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><a href=\"#Using-MIDI\"><strong>Using MIDI in our music<\/strong> <strong>productions<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Composing-MIDI\">Composing with MIDI<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-Packs\">What are MIDI Packs?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><\/strong><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-controller\">How does a MIDI controller work?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#controller-connect\">How does a MIDI controller connect to a computer?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Midi-messages\">MIDI messages (MIDI files)<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-CC\">What is MIDI CC?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><a href=\"#MIDI-aftertouch\"><strong>How MIDI aftertouch<\/strong> <strong>works<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Velocity-sensitivity\">Velocity sensitivity in MIDI controllers<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#velocity-curves\">What are MIDI velocity curves?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MPE\">Multi Polyphonic Expression (MPE)<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#types-of-MIDI\">Different types of MIDI controller knobs<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-signal-chain\">How to create a MIDI signal chain<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-channels\">MIDI channels<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-Ports\">MIDI Ports: MIDI In, Thru, and Out<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-cables\">DIN MIDI cables vs USB Type B cables<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-interfaces\">MIDI interfaces<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#MIDI-2\">MIDI 2.0 vs MIDI 1.0<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#setup-time\">MIDI 2.0 reduces setup time<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#more-MIDI-channels\">MIDI has more MIDI channels<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#data-transfers\">Universal data transfers with MIDI 2.0<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><a href=\"#FAQs\"><strong>What can you do with a MIDI controller?<\/strong> <strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><a href=\"#future-of-MIDI\"><strong>The future of MIDI<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><a href=\"#common-messages\"><strong><\/strong><strong>What are the most common MIDI CC messages?<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"what-is-midi\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What is MIDI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI is a communication protocol that allows digital music gear to communicate in the same language.<em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI stands for <strong>M<\/strong>usical <strong>I<\/strong>nstrument <strong>D<\/strong>igital <strong>I<\/strong>nterface, and it allows musicians to integrate computers and digital music gear into one setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Using-MIDI\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Roland&#8217;s founder Ikutaro Kakehashi had the idea of a universal language that communicates a musical performance in a digital language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, MIDI has influenced the design of digital music gear ever since. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Using MIDI in our music<\/strong> <strong>productions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter the input, a MIDI controller sends digital data to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/5-best-laptops-for-music-production\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our computer<\/a><\/strong><\/span> that the computer and other digital music hardware can read and process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But this MIDI data doesn&#8217;t include an audio signal whatsoever. More specifically, MIDI information only includes data that describes our input &#8211; what note you pressed, what knob you adjusted, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/What-is-MIDI-The-MIDI-signal-chain-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92741 lazyload\" width=\"465\" height=\"348\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In a simple setup like the one in the image above, the sound source is a virtual instrument or software synthesizer on the computer.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, a MIDI controller allows you to get hands-on when writing music with software instruments and plugins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Change parameters like filter cutoff, write melodies and chords, or do both simultaneously!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, the MIDI controller will send data that tells our computer of these inputs and make the adjustments in the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Keyboard-breakdown-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92757 lazyload\" width=\"481\" height=\"270\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The image above features a 2-octave MIDI keyboard with four adjustable knobs. In this example the numbers represent the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Keys &#8211; note information<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Volume knob &#8211; parameter information<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Panning &#8211; parameter information<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Filter &#8211; parameter information<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Delay time &#8211; parameter information<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>While composing with the MIDI keyboard and a virtual instrument, the knobs (<strong>2 &#8211; 5<\/strong>) allow us to add expression to notes (<strong>1<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/MIDI-Mappings.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92758 lazyload\" width=\"486\" height=\"365\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We can change the volume of the sound (<strong>2<\/strong>) while playing, pan the signal left and right (<strong>3<\/strong>), clean the sound with a filter (<strong>4<\/strong>), and add a time delay (<strong>5<\/strong>) between the note press and sound generation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most MIDI controllers allow you to configure our setup how you like. But every controller is different, and some only have keys; some have keys and knobs; others have only pads; and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though some have pre-defined functionality, you can use <strong>MIDI mapping<\/strong> to route different controls to different parameters within a virtual instrument and our DAW. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, our creative process becomes more personal and expressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, MIDI&#8217;s biggest benefit is how it allows us to edit our performances one note at a time by adjusting their velocities, replace the virtual instrument providing the sound, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Composing-MIDI\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"enqT6YLp30\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/best-affordable-midi-keyboards-2022\/\">Affordable MIDI keyboards for beginner home studios in 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Affordable MIDI keyboards for beginner home studios in 2022&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/best-affordable-midi-keyboards-2022\/embed\/#?secret=enqT6YLp30\" data-secret=\"enqT6YLp30\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Composing with MIDI<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After we activate the record button, any note we play will draw a MIDI note in our DAWs&#8217; <strong>piano roll. <\/strong>These notes appear in timeline order based on the tempo and when we press the note. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/MIDI-piano-roll-Recording-with-MIDI-RouteNote-Blog.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92750 lazyload\" width=\"562\" height=\"224\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-Packs\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI notes are full of the MIDI information that represents what notes we&#8217;re pressing and how we&#8217;re pressing them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So when the metronome reaches the MIDI sequence the software processes the MIDI data and outputs the resulting sound of the virtual instrument on the channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>What are MIDI Packs?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI packs consist of chord progressions and melody lines in the MIDI language that piano rolls like the one above can interpret and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast to sample packs which include audio files, MIDI packs only include MIDI notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore MIDI packs are easy ways to utilize MIDI in our music &#8211; without using a controller. Simply download a MIDI pack and insert it into our project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A MIDI pack can include but is not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Looping&nbsp;chord progressions<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Melody lines <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Basslines&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Drum patterns<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI packs allow beginner producers and composers to jump right into making music with chords, drums, and melodies with no knowledge of music theory. Again, just drag and drop &#8211; and we&#8217;re away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-controller\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of aiding beginners, more experienced producers can find inspiration in MIDI packs too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How does a MIDI controller work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"controller-connect\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>To understand what data a MIDI controller sends data to computers, let&#8217;s break down the essential elements of MIDI controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>How does a MIDI controller connect to a computer?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A USB Type B cable, sometimes known as <strong>MIDI over USB cable<\/strong>, allows us to connect a MIDI signal chain to our computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MIDI-over-USB-cable-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92806 lazyload\" width=\"321\" height=\"321\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Midi-messages\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/different-types-of-audio-cables\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USB cables are digital cables<\/a><\/strong><\/span> that enable MIDI devices and computers to communicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI messages (MIDI files)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI messages are the data packages that inform our software instruments what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These MIDI messages hold information about the notes we&#8217;re pressing, what parameters we&#8217;re pressing, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we discussed earlier, these MIDI files do not contain any information about how a track, channel, or instrument sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore MIDI files are instructionional messages that tell our virtual instrument or DAW how to behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI files only contain information about how we&#8217;re using the MIDI hardware &#8211; what notes we&#8217;re pressing, what parameters we&#8217;re adjusting, and how much we&#8217;re adjusting them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then our computer reads and executes the commands in these files by playing equivalent notes or adjusting settings based on our commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/digital-vs-analog-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">analog equipment relies on&nbsp;electrical current<\/a><\/strong><\/span> to distribute parameter change information, MIDI controllers rely on MIDI files for this information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some examples of data that a MIDI file may contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-CC\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>Note duration<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Note velocity (how fast and how much pressure)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Global controls: play, record, stop<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pitch bend<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Modulation amount<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>What is MIDI CC?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI CC stands for &#8216;<strong>Continuous Controller<\/strong>&#8216;, and there are <strong>127 CC messages<\/strong> that you can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From CC#0, CC#1, CC#2\u2026 all the way up to CC#127, controllers use these numbered messages to represent <strong>parameter changes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, these numbers represent specific DAW or instrument parameters and expressions. To clarify, MIDI CC individual messages represent specific different settings and instrument characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So it&#8217;s MIDI CC messages that allow us to control elements like volume (<strong>CC#7<\/strong>), panning (<strong>CC#10<\/strong>), and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/What-is-MIDI-CC-message-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92738 lazyload\" width=\"470\" height=\"352\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-aftertouch\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, when adjusting the position of a knob or fader; pressing a pad or key; or even pressing a button, our controller sends a MIDI CC message telling our DAW what to do in response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>How MIDI aftertouch<\/strong> <strong>works<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon pressing a key we&#8217;re applying pressure to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you stab a key or hold it down, our controller sends MIDI data that informs our computer of that pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that data is called <strong>MIDI Aftertouch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there are two types of MIDI aftertouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Channel aftertouch<\/strong> is the most common. It refers to the amount of pressure that you can apply to all keys at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, <strong>polyphonic aftertouch<\/strong> is specific to every individual note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Polyphonic-aftertouch-vs-channel-aftertouch-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92739 lazyload\" width=\"541\" height=\"405\"\/><figcaption>Polyphonic aftertouch also concerns flat\/sharp notes, though we&#8217;ve left them unmarked.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, polyphonic aftertouch messages contain both a note number and data about the pressure amount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, channel aftertouch messages only contain information on the amount of pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Channel aftertouch data doesn&#8217;t contain a note number because it concerns all notes at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tips - What is aftertouch? \/\/ Novation\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aYHUp8SYu-k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, channel aftertouch is found in all MIDI controllers while polyphonic aftertouch isn&#8217;t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Velocity-sensitivity\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Polyphonic aftertouch needs a mechanism that is more expensive than channel aftertouch, so it&#8217;s not usually found in entry-level controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, aftertouch data allows our computer to receive pressure information about the note or notes we\u2019re pressing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Velocity sensitivity in MIDI controllers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Velocity sensitivity enables our computer\/DAW to respond to the force and speed (intensity) that you press a key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To illustrate, pressing a key gently generates a softer sound while pressing it harder generates a stronger sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Velocity-sensitivity-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92740 lazyload\" width=\"569\" height=\"426\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Touch-sensitive keys<\/strong> allow us to utilize this technology in our MIDI setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In effect, velocity sensitivity and touch-sensitive keys allow you to play virtual instruments closer to how you would a real one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, inside a piano hammers strike thin strings once you press one or multiple keys. Then, the strings vibrate and generate sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How hard you press a key dictates how strong the hammers will strike the strings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, MIDI keyboards use sensors that measure note velocity. In fact, MIDI keyboards use 2 sensors to measure velocity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One sensor tells the computer <strong>which key you have struck<\/strong>, and the second sensor tells the computer <strong>how fast you struck the key<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to be confused with aftertouch which is pressure sensitivity, velocity-sensitive sensors only measure the speed at which you press a note. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then a value between <strong>0 \u2013 127<\/strong> is sent to our computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"velocity-curves\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>127 = full velocity <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>0 = low velocity<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Striking a key as fast as you can likely sends the highest CC#127 message. On the other hand, striking a key slowly will send a lower CC message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>What are MIDI velocity curves?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>What if I told you that you could retain a level of absolute control over note velocity? Let&#8217;s talk about <strong>velocity curves<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Velocity curves are a selection of pre-defined velocities that you can select between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By choosing a pre-defined velocity curve, our MIDI controller will output a predetermined velocity no matter how fast you strike a key as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Velocity-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"92747\" data-link=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=92747\" class=\"wp-image-92747 lazyload\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Velocity curve 1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Velocity-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"92746\" data-link=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=92746\" class=\"wp-image-92746 lazyload\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Velocity curve 2<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Velocity-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"92748\" data-link=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=92748\" class=\"wp-image-92748 lazyload\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Velocity curve 3<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Velocity-4-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"92749\" data-link=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=92749\" class=\"wp-image-92749 lazyload\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Velocity curve 4<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Above are four examples of pre-defined velocity curves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Velocity curve 1 has an even rise to full velocity. However, velocity curve 2 has a more impactful &#8211; harder &#8211; rise to full velocity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Velocity curve 3 is the hardest velocity curve with an almost immediate rise while the final curve has the slowest rise of them all, making it the softest velocity curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MPE\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a soft velocity outputs softer notes no matter how hard you press a key. In contrast, a harder velocity outputs a hard note no matter how soft you press a note. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, we can use velocity curves to manage the loudness of our output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is a more recent set of MIDI protocols that allows virtual instruments to behave closer to their acoustic counterparts.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"types-of-MIDI\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Not yet a universal feature on all controllers, MPE&#8217;s goal is to allow players to have the same spontaneous expression that they could have on real instruments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, we can physically modulate the timbre, pitch, and amplitude of a sound at once as we can on a string instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Different types of MIDI controller knobs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Knobs that have a 360-degree rotation are known as<strong> encoders<\/strong>. These knobs have an \u201cendless\u201d range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But knobs that have a 270-degree rotation are known as <strong>pots<\/strong> (<strong>potentiometers<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/MIDI-knob-types-RouteNote-Blog-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92760 lazyload\" width=\"389\" height=\"389\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Encoder knobs, having endless rotation, allow for more creative freedom when adjusting parameters on a virtual instrument.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-signal-chain\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Potentiometers are equally useful, but endless encoders are far less restrictive when adjusting macros and other settings.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How to create a MIDI signal chain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So far we have discussed MIDI in the context of a simple setup made up of a computer and one MIDI controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-channels\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>But MIDI allows us to create an entire signal chain of MIDI-enabled equipment like synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines that can communicate with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore we can include two or more pieces of MIDI-enabled hardware in one setup. Here&#8217;s how it works&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI channels<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Because MIDI can coordinate musical gestures between multiple instruments at once through a single connection, a way of organizing those communication channels is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a total of 16 communication channels per stream of MIDI data, and they&#8217;re called <strong>MIDI channels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-Ports\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>We allocate one MIDI channel to either <strong>send <\/strong><em>or<\/em><strong> receive<\/strong> MIDI data for each device in our MIDI signal chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, MIDI channels are a critical element when connecting multiple MIDI devices into one signal chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI Ports: MIDI In, Thru, and Out<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI ports allow us to connect our MIDI devices together, and MIDI information travels in one direction per MIDI port. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So when connecting our MIDI signal chain, there are three ports available to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>MIDI In<\/strong><br \/>The MIDI In port receives MIDI information.<\/li><li><strong>MIDI Out <\/strong><br \/>MIDI Out sends MIDI information.<\/li><li><strong>MIDI Thru<\/strong><br \/>This final port sends the same MIDI information to multiple devices.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI Thru allows us to control all 16 MIDI channels with different devices allocated to them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-cables\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, we&#8217;d connect the MIDI Thru of one device to the MIDI In of the next device in the chain. As a result, we&#8217;re duplicating the MIDI data and sending the copy down the signal chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But in a simpler setup, we must connect the output of the device sending MIDI information to the input of the receiving device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>DIN MIDI cables vs USB Type B cables<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As we discussed earlier, we need a USB Type B cable to connect a MIDI controller to a computer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But we need a different kind of cable to send MIDI data from one MIDI device to another via In, Out, and Thru MIDI ports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5-pin DIN cables allow us to connect our MIDI devices together with In, Out, and Thru ports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-DIN-MIDI-cable-RouteNote-Blog-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92805 lazyload\" width=\"363\" height=\"363\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-interfaces\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>These cables transport MIDI messages between devices that instruct each device how to behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, to connect our MIDI signal chain to our computer we need a MIDI interface that can act as the middle man. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI interfaces<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we need an audio interface with DIN MIDI ports to connect our MIDI signal chain to our computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These allow us to send MIDI information in and back out out of our computer via our interface&#8217;s USB connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Audio-interface-5-DIN-MIDI-Ports-RouteNote-Blog-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92807 lazyload\" width=\"417\" height=\"235\"\/><figcaption>Audio interface 5-DIN MIDI Ports  &#8211; RouteNote Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, a MIDI interface is a perfect companion when working with external MIDI hardware. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether we&#8217;re connecting a synth, a sequencer, a drum machine, or all of the above, a MIDI interface becomes the central communication hub between all of our MIDI devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"MIDI-2\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"D593GJQL2T\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-do-audio-interfaces-work-why-are-they-important\/\">How do audio interfaces work? Recording professional audio at home<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;How do audio interfaces work? Recording professional audio at home&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-do-audio-interfaces-work-why-are-they-important\/embed\/#?secret=D593GJQL2T\" data-secret=\"D593GJQL2T\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>MIDI 2.0 vs MIDI 1.0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Back in 2020, MIDI got a huge upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though everything we have discussed is still relevant to today&#8217;s MIDI controllers, the <strong>MIDI 2.0 <\/strong>spec was released after 40 years of MIDI 1.0 allowing musicians like you &amp; I to bring our ideas to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"setup-time\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that MIDI 1.0 was unaltered for so long speaks volumes about the creative power it offers musicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some clever computer people from companies like Apple, Google, Native Instruments, and Ableton upgraded MIDI into more of a powerhouse!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI 2.0 reduces setup time<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With MIDI 1.0 devices, communication goes one way \u2013 from the controller to the computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that we have to \u201cactivate\u201d the controllers by manually setting the MIDI channel that the controller communicates with the computer through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But MIDI 2.0 has <strong>bidirectional communication<\/strong> that allows our computer and controller to communicate in a two-way conversation (if you will) and it&#8217;s an automated process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, the first major upgrade that MIDI 2.0 brings is auto communication between devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This all works via a MIDI 2.0 communication process called <strong>MIDI CI<\/strong> (<strong>capability inquiry<\/strong>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the diagram below to see the automatic communication processes in MIDI 2.0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-MIDI-2.0-works-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92766 lazyload\" width=\"506\" height=\"506\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Another of these communication processes is <strong>Protocol Negotiation<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protocol Negotiation is actually the first protocol that a MIDI 2.0 device carries out, determining whether a connected device has is a MIDI 1.0 or 2.0 device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if the connected device only has MIDI 1.0 capabilities, our 2.0 device will communicate as a 1.0 device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to Protocol Negotiation, MIDI 2.0 devices undergo <strong>Profile Configuration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To combat the time taken to set up our controller in our DAW, assign its features to corresponding knobs and faders in our software, and the rest&#8230; MIDI 2.0 does all of this automatically!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"more-MIDI-channels\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>If we\u2019re using a mixer control surface, 2.0 will automatically configure our hardware towards our DAW mixer and you can jump straight in and start making music!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, this means our control surface is automatically configured to any plugins that you can use its faders, knobs, and buttons with too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>MIDI has more MIDI channels<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As discussed earlier, MIDI 1.0 has 16 MIDI channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But MIDI 2.0 has a whopping <strong>256 MIDI channels! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/what-is-bit-depth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MIDI 1.0\u2019s 7-bit, MIDI 2.0&#8217;s 32-bit resolution<\/a><\/strong><\/span> also makes complicated communication much more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"data-transfers\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, the parameter limits of MIDI 2.0 are in the 1000&#8217;s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we discussed earlier, MIDI 1.0 has a parameter limit between 0 \u2013 127. Therefore, we can make much more expressive adjustments to instruments with knobs and faders on on our MIDI controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Universal data transfers with MIDI 2.0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Up until now, musicians on Apple systems have needed adapters to utilize MIDI controllers in their creative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, finally, MIDI packets are now universally transportable across USB, Apple\u2019s Lightning Bolt, ethernet, and any other means of digital transport!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, we can utilize \u2018plug and play\u2018 functionality with our MIDI controllers at any time, anywhere!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introduction to MIDI 2 0\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/klun6WMxryU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"FAQs\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What can you do with a MIDI controller?<\/strong> <strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than using our mouse and keyboard to search for instruments and effects or enter musical notes and DAW commands, MIDI controllers provide a physical interface to do all of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, MIDI controllers allow you to control software instruments and DAW parameters with physical buttons, faders, and knobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Are MIDI controllers necessary for making music?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No, MIDI controllers aren&#8217;t necessary for music production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But a MIDI controller will simplify our workflow, making music production all the more enjoyable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result of a streamlined workflow, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/home-recording-studio-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our home studio<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/home-recording-studio-basics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">s<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/span> have more of a professional edge too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Why use a MIDI controller?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI controllers are so popular for a multitude of reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, MIDI file sizes are much smaller than audio files like WAV files. Therefore computers can process them faster with very low latency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondly, MIDI files allow you to interact with the music we&#8217;re making. With a controller, you can physically play those melodies and chords in our head and record them in our DAW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, a MIDI controller allows you to navigate through our DAW seamlessly. No longer would you need to use our computer mouse and keyboard for almost anything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, MIDI controllers allow you to control the volume of channels, channel panning, effect parameters like wet\/dry, resonance, attack and release times, and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find the full list of mappable parameters at the end of the article!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>A time before MIDI controllers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before MIDI, musicians played multiple instruments and then had to go through endless recordings until they got it just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sounds like it could take days, right? It did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI was created to allow musicians to control more than one electronic instrument with a singular keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allowed them to manipulate and control sounds from various instruments in one place. MIDI is an innovative tool that has saved a lot of people a lot of time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to these revelations, people could create music at home \u2013 rather than pay an arm and a leg to hire a recording studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"future-of-MIDI\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Though music production was and is fairly expensive to get into, it&#8217;s now much more accessible because of MIDI and digital audio in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Final thoughts:<\/strong> <strong>the future of MIDI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before MIDI came to be, music production could often be a little more tedious. With MIDI, we can control more than one electronic instrument with just one controller!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Digital audio and thus MIDI 1.0 allowed people from all over to make music anywhere at any time.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And MIDI 2.0 has been a welcome upgrade to what was an already awesome music composition and production tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But room has been left for developers to design new MIDI messages in the future. And these can be implemented easily into the MIDI language!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that applications for devices that we couldn\u2019t dream of today can be easily used tomorrow inside the MIDI language that we\u2019re comfortable with now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"6t56qviBgp\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/what-is-digital-audio\/\">What is digital audio? A complete guide for artists<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;What is digital audio? A complete guide for artists&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/what-is-digital-audio\/embed\/#?secret=6t56qviBgp\" data-secret=\"6t56qviBgp\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"common-messages\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What are the most common MIDI CC messages?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can assign certain parameters where a CC message is &#8216;undefined&#8217; in our software instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>CC#1 = Modulation wheel<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#2 = Breath Control<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#7 = Volume<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#10 = Pan<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#11 = Expression<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#64 = Sustain Pedal (on\/off)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#65 = Portamento (on\/off)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#71 = Resonance (filter)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>CC#74 = Frequency Cutoff (filter)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Full list of MIDI CC messages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>CC#0 = Bank Select (MSB)<\/li><li>CC#1 = Modulation Wheel<\/li><li>CC#2 = Breath controller<\/li><li>CC#3 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#4 = Foot Pedal (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#5 = Portamento Time (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#6 = Data Entry (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#7 = Volume (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#8 = Balance (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#9 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#10 = Pan position (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#11 =Expression (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#12 = Effect Control 1 (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#13 = Effect Control 2 (MSB\/most significant byte)<\/li><li>CC#14 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#15 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#16-19 = General Purpose<\/li><li>CC#20-31 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#32-63 = Controller 0-31<\/li><li>CC#64 = Hold Pedal (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#65 = Portamento (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#66 = Sostenuto Pedal (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#67 = Soft Pedal (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#68 = Legato Pedal (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#69 = Hold 2 Pedal (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#70 = Sound Variation<\/li><li>CC#71 = Resonance<\/li><li>CC#72 = Sound Release Time<\/li><li>CC#73 = Sound Attack Time<\/li><li>CC#74 = Frequency Cutoff<\/li><li>CC#75 = Sound Control 6<\/li><li>CC#76 = Sound Control 7<\/li><li>CC#77 = Sound Control 8<\/li><li>CC#78 = Sound Control 9<\/li><li>CC#79 = Sound Control 10<\/li><li>CC#80 = Decay<\/li><li>CC#81 = Hi Pass Filter Frequency<\/li><li>CC#82 = General Purpose Button 3 (on\/off) Roland Tone level 3<\/li><li>CC#83 = General Purpose Button 4 (on\/off) Roland Tone level 4<\/li><li>CC#84 = Portamento Amount<\/li><li>CC#85-90 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#91 = Reverb Level<\/li><li>CC#92 = Tremolo Level<\/li><li>CC#93 = Chorus Level<\/li><li>CC#94 = Detune Level<\/li><li>CC#95 = Phaser Level<\/li><li>CC#96 = Data Button increment<\/li><li>CC#97 = Data Button decrement<\/li><li>CC#98 = Non-registered Parameter (LSB)<\/li><li>CC#99 = Non-registered Parameter (MSB)<\/li><li>CC#100 = Registered Parameter (LSB)<\/li><li>CC#101 = Registered Parameter (MSB)<\/li><li>CC#102-119 = Undefined<\/li><li>CC#120 = All Sound Off<\/li><li>CC#121 = All Controllers Off<\/li><li>CC#122 = Local Keyboard (on\/off)<\/li><li>CC#123 = All Notes Off<\/li><li>CC#124 = Omni Mode Off<\/li><li>CC#125 = Omni Mode On<\/li><li>CC#126 = Mono Operation<\/li><li>CC#127 = Poly Mode<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/create.routenote.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Looking for sounds to map to your MIDI controller? You&#8217;ll find thousands of royalty-free sounds on RouteNote Create that you can download and keep forever!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Digital audio has made music production all the more accessible. MIDI contrtollers provide a physical interface betwen you &#038; your digital audio workstation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":92763,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8879],"tags":[845],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.4.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>MIDI controllers: What are they? 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