Appendix
APPENDIX
MIDI Background
MIDI Channels & Continuous Controllers
MIDI continuous controllers may seem confusing at first, but they are really very simple once you understand them. You probably already know that there are 16 MIDI channels per MIDI cable. Information on a MIDI channel will only be received by an instrument set to receive that channel. MIDI channels are usually associated with different sounds. In this way, up to 16 sounds per MIDI cable can be separately controlled.
Each MIDI channels uses three basic types of messages; note on/off, preset changes, and continuous controller messages. When you play the keyboard, the Xboard transmits information about which notes were played and how hard.
The Xboard can also send continuous controller information from its 16 knobs, pitch and mod. wheels as well as aftertouch from the keyboard (key pressure applied after the notes have been pressed). These controls are used to add more expression or control.
The controller knobs send out information on separate continuous controller numbers. There is a set of 128 continuous controller numbers
Normally, the Xboard controller knobs and wheels transmit on a single MIDI channel, but each of the 16 knobs and wheels can be programmed to transmit on a different MIDI channel if you so desire. See page 50 for more information.
MIDI
Channel 1
Note |
On/Off |
Program
Change
Continuous Controllers
MIDI
Channel 2
Note |
On/Off |
Program
Change
Continuous Controllers
MIDI
Channel 3
Note |
On/Off |
Program
Change
Continuous Controllers
MIDI
Channel 16
Note |
On/Off |
Program
Change
Continuous
Controllers
64 |