PT101 - Lesson 6a

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Questions and Answers

How can you test the setup of the MIDI track?

Record some notes and observe the meters (correct)

Adjust the monitor speaker volume

Click on the Track View selector

Play a virtual instrument

What action triggers a note in the Notes view?

Selecting a different Track View

Clicking on a note on the mini keyboard (correct)

Adjusting the tempo

Recording-enable the MIDI track

What happens when you select 'Notes' from the Track View selector menu?

Activates visual effects on the track

Triggers MIDI data creation by clicking on notes (correct)

Changes the color of the MIDI track

Adjusts the monitor speaker settings

How does a virtual instrument respond to MIDI data?

By creating audible sound Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of routing the output of a device or virtual instrument to monitor speakers?

To listen to the produced sound Signup and view all the answers

What role did the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM) play in the development of MIDI?

Promoting communication and collaboration between various music manufacturers Signup and view all the answers

Why was it initially challenging to integrate musical devices made by different manufacturers?

Each manufacturer had its unique way of designing musical devices Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant benefit of the MIDI standard for music technology?

Enabling flexible communication between various musical devices Signup and view all the answers

Why were software platforms in the early days limited to working with either audio or MIDI, but not both?

Technological constraints at that time Signup and view all the answers

Which two companies proposed the idea of connecting musical devices in a network at the 1981 NAMM convention?

Sequential Circuits and Roland Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished MIDI platforms in the early days, resulting in them being referred to as 'MIDI sequencers'?

Their exclusive focus on MIDI technology Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using MIDI Virtual Instruments over hardware counterparts?

They can be used multiple times in a single session. Signup and view all the answers

How are MIDI controllers commonly connected to computers according to the text?

Via a USB connection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about MIDI according to the text?

MIDI is audio. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between an Audio track and an Auxiliary Input track in Pro Tools?

An Auxiliary Input track has no sound on its own. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of track in Pro Tools can play back clips in the session?

Audio track Signup and view all the answers

How are MIDI Virtual Instruments typically set up in Pro Tools using an Auxiliary Input track?

By creating a Stereo Aux Input track and assigning it a descriptive name. Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does using an Auxiliary Input track provide when monitoring an external MIDI device's output?

It can host virtual instrument plug-ins. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tracks are more suitable in Pro Tools for monitoring external MIDI devices' output according to the text?

Auxiliary Input tracks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a MIDI track in Pro Tools?

To hold only MIDI clips Signup and view all the answers

Why do Virtual Instruments bring advantages over physical hardware sound modules?

They allow for multiple instances in a single session Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of selecting the desired MIDI channel when configuring a virtual instrument plug-in?

To choose which MIDI input source will trigger the virtual instrument Signup and view all the answers

In an Instrument track, what does the MIDI Velocity Meter display?

The energetic playing intensity of the MIDI instrument Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a virtual instrument plug-in is inserted into an Instrument track?

The MIDI Output selector changes to match the plug-in Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to control the volume level of an Instrument track from the audio volume fader?

To prevent audio distortion Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Inserts view in an Instrument track?

Allows selection of the desired virtual instrument plug-in Signup and view all the answers

What does selecting a specific MIDI output in an Instrument track enable you to do?

Direct the MIDI data flow to a specific destination Signup and view all the answers

How do Instrument tracks differ from traditional MIDI/Auxiliary Input track combinations?

Instrument tracks combine MIDI and audio capabilities in one track Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you click the MIDI Output selector in an Instrument track?

Changes where the MIDI data is being sent to Signup and view all the answers

Where does an external MIDI synthesizer hardware output get routed in comparison to a virtual instrument plug-in output in an Auxiliary Input track?

Output gets routed to a MIDI interface connected to a synthesizer module Signup and view all the answers

Why does adjusting an Instrument track's output level and pan matter?

To balance and position the audio produced by the virtual instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is an accurate comparison between MIDI and printed music in the text?

MIDI, like printed music, controls sound-producing devices but does not produce sound by itself. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a function of MIDI channels?

MIDI channels help direct specific MIDI data to different devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of MIDI Continuous Controllers mentioned in the text?

To create non-note data such as volume adjustments and pitch changes. Signup and view all the answers

How did early MIDI setups typically connect keyboard controllers with sound modules?

Via five-pin DIN connectors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the MIDI Thru port in a synthesizer module mentioned in the text?

To allow multiple devices to trigger sounds on a single keyboard controller. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using Virtual Instruments (VIs) over hardware sound modules?

Virtual Instruments are more cost-effective. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of MIDI, what does velocity refer to?

The speed at which notes are struck or played. Signup and view all the answers

How do various MIDI setups differ according to the text?

They connect controllers with different types of sound-generating devices. Signup and view all the answers

What role do Controllers play in MIDI setups as per the text?

Controllers enable interaction between performers and MIDI data. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Akai EWI and Moog Theremini according to the text?

They allow multiple devices to trigger sounds on a single keyboard controller. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MIDI Basics

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard for communicating musical information between devices
Developed in the early 1980s by companies like Sequential Circuits and Roland, and adopted by NAMM (National Association of Music Manufacturers)
Allows for musical devices of various types and manufacture to be used together in flexible ways

Understanding MIDI

MIDI is not audio; it's only information that controls an instrument
MIDI controls sound-producing devices in the same way printed music controls musicians
MIDI data is broken into different types, including:
- Channels: 16 MIDI channels allow specific data to be directed to specific devices
- Note Data: individual notes can be recorded and played back, including aspects such as pitch, timing, duration, and velocity
- Continuous Controllers: store other non-note data, like volume, pitch change, and expression
- Messages: affect a song globally, such as tempo, meter, and key

How Sound is Created with MIDI

Early MIDI setups: keyboard MIDI controllers connected to sound modules using a 5-pin DIN connector
Modern setups: MIDI controllers connected to computers via USB, controlling software synthesizers (Virtual Instruments)
Virtual Instruments bring advantages, including lower cost, ease of use within software DAWs, and ability to be used multiple times in a single session

MIDI and Instrument Tracks in Pro Tools

Two common ways to set up MIDI in Pro Tools:
1. MIDI track + Auxiliary Input track combination
2. Instrument track (combines MIDI track and Auxiliary Input track functions)
MIDI track: can record and play back MIDI data, but has no sound on its own
Auxiliary Input track: can host a virtual instrument plug-in, but cannot hold MIDI or audio clips
Instrument track: combines the functions of a MIDI track and an Auxiliary Input track

Setting up a MIDI Signal Flow

Create a MIDI track and assign it a descriptive name
Create an Auxiliary Input track and assign it a descriptive name
Launch a virtual instrument plug-in on the Auxiliary Input track
Connect the MIDI track to the virtual instrument plug-in
Route the output of the Auxiliary Input track to the audio outputs connected to monitor speakers

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Description

Explore the benefits of using MIDI Virtual Instruments over hardware sound modules in music production. Learn about the cost-effectiveness, ease of use within DAWs, and the flexibility of using a single plug-in multiple times in a session.