Subject:MIDI Controller

Posted by: oddboy

Date:12/5/2002 7:48:59 PM

Is there a list anywhere of what control messages acid recognizes and what it doesnt?

Does it recognizes patch name changes?
Tempo?

I can deleate all the "red" text in the list editor and it has no impact

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: dkistner

Date:12/8/2002 9:56:34 AM

I just noticed this unanswered a few days down on the list. I can't answer this, but I'd like the answer too. So I replied so it would sort back to the top of the list.

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/8/2002 12:03:18 PM

This depends on the synth. ACID passes all control changes to the synth (or external port) that a MIDI track is assigned to. If the synth support is, then the synth will respond to it.

There is no tempo CC msg. Tempo is conveyed in MIDI through MIDI Clock msgs. ACID does not listen to MIDI Clock msgs. Tempo stamps in a standard MIDI file are ignored other than for informational purposes. ACID's tempo is controlled by the app tempo setting and tempo markers in the project.

Patch name are part of the MIDI file, if any. Even then, these are only "helpers". ACID uses default GM names when displaying patch names in the List Editor. These are derinved from the bank:prg change information that is associated to a particular channel. ACID will pass bank:Prg change msgs directly to the external MIDI port or the softsynth assigned to the MIDI track.

Peter

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: oddboy

Date:12/8/2002 11:45:07 PM

Do you know how I would assign a patch change to the NI pro 53 or FM7?

Actually have it change from one patch in the verse to another in the chorus.

Or even being able to control the patches at all in the ni synths

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: dkistner

Date:12/9/2002 1:52:11 PM

Peter, midi controller messages have been a big source of confusion for me because so many of the docs with programs I have that support midi controller messages refer me to the "synth manual," which I take it is whatever external (hardware) synth one is using. But is there a standard set of midi controllers that function in a particular (predictable) way for purposes of outputting midi to an audio file on a computer? And a good list/tutorial somewhere that would help enlighten people new to midi who are trying to do simple things like alter expression and velocity values?

I've bought books on midi that talk all around the issue of controlling midi but don't provide the actual controller values or any clue as to how they might be adjusted to effect more expressive performances. It's more like "You can do so much with midi! Here's a general idea of what you can do..." but no specifics, no real-world step-by-step examples.

I have no external hardware and therefore no "synth manual." I have VSTis that I use to output audio from VSTi hosts directly to wave files. I want to be able to control notes so they aren't all played the same way. I have a scoring program that allows one to add midi controller messages and effect changes in them to follow certain user-definable parameter curves. But it refers me to the "synth manual" for what those controllers are.

In other words, what I'm looking for is specific information and real-world examples. If it's the VSTis that respond to the controller messages, is there a basic set that they all use? I know this is beyond Acid's realm, but if you or anyone else knows of any good resources to enlighten the bewildered, we'd sure be in your debt. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling like I don't have the secret password.

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/9/2002 2:56:36 PM

You might want to check out

http://www.kvr-vst.com

They have a list of CC's for different VSTis and a general list. Also, midi.org has some general information available.

Most VSTis list either in their manuals or help files which CC's do what (beyond the standard ones like Pan/Volume/Expression) and which are listened to or ignored.

The DLS synth in ACID is GM1 compatible, so you should be able to look up on midi.org for some GM specific information. I will suggest to our FAQ team to post a GM FAQ on controller msgs.

Peter

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/9/2002 2:57:28 PM

You have to insert the patch/program change using the MIDI list editor in ACID at the time you want. Make sure that you insert an initial patch change at time zero, or the synth will use the last patch change it recieved later in the song when you start from time zero

Peter

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: SonicJG

Date:12/9/2002 3:09:12 PM

oddboy-

Does this work for what you're trying to do?
1. Call up a MIDI file's properties
2. Go to the List Editor page
3. Choose Insert Event.
4. Choose Patch, and select the patch you want?

HTH,
Joel

Subject:RE: MIDI Controller

Reply by: dkistner

Date:12/9/2002 3:13:41 PM

Peter, thank you. This is very helpful. And the info page you suggest would also be very helpful.

Happy holidays, all.