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What Is A Midi Sequencer?
Brief History Of Midi Sequencers
Midi Sequencer Guidelines
Midi Sequencer Features
Multi-Timbral Instruments
Software Sequencers

MIDI Sequencing Basics
by H. M. Sowards

This page is for beginning to intermediate MIDI users who would like to understand a bit more about how MIDI sequencing works. A page of tips for advanced MIDI users is in the works for the future... but I wouldn't start holding your breath... I'm really busy at the moment!

WHAT IS A MIDI SEQUENCER?

A MIDI sequencer is similar to a multi-track audio tape recorder in that it stores
a musical performance. It even has similar controls: PLAY, RECORD, STOP &
PAUSE. However, a MIDI recorder does not record sound. It records data about
each note that is played. This information includes notelength, pitch, pitch bend, and
velocity. MIDI data can then be edited and manipulated in many ways (i.e. copy, paste, cut, quantize, etc.) that are impossible on a conventional tape recorder. Since only information about each note is being recorded and not the actual sound itself, you can
play back MIDI recorded tracks at slower or faster temps and not get a change in pitch. Possible advantages of this is being able to record a difficult part at a slower tempo
and then speed it up to the desired tempo upon playback. Sequencers come in a variety
of forms: Onboard (internal) Sequencer which built directly into a synthesizer or sampler, Off-board (external-dedicated) Sequencer which is a stand alone unit used only for sequencing, and the Software (virtual) Sequencer which is a program that runs on your home computer ( this is the most popular type of sequencer at the moment ).

BRIEF HISTORY OF MIDI SEQUENCERS

Berfore the induction of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in 1982, there
were analog sequencers. They would spit out pre-programmed voltages to a sound
generator to produce a series of notes. The patterns they played were liimited and
there were not any editing or manipulation capabilities. The early digital sequencers
before MIDI were a blend of the "then new" digital technologies and old analog (voltage) technology. They had a digital memory and control voltage inputs. They were more
acurate and in tune than the analog sequencers, but still very limited with no editing or synching capabilities.

Before MIDI there were many compatibility problems... Brand X's sequencer might not work with Brand Y's synthesizer... This limited musicians to sticking to one brand for
their electronic music gear. Then the MIDI protocol came along. The MIDI protocol
got all different electronic misc devices manufactured by different companies speaking the same language. This allows musicians to mix and match the brands of equipment they use to fit their needs. It also allows for third parties to create all sorts of utilities and
software for MIDI .

MIDI SEQUENCER GUIDELINES

Types of data that MIDI sequencers record
NOTE LENGTH	how long each key is held down
KEY VELOCITY	the speed that the key is pressed. The range of attack velocities are (1 - 127)
PITCH	What pitch is the note... based on the MIDI note numbers (21 - 108) Which corresponds to the 88 keys of a grand piano.
MIDI CHANNEL	the channel that each device is transmitting or recognizes
AFTER TOUCH	how hard the keys are pressed
CONTROLLER DATA	data such as sustain, modulation, pan, pitch bend etc.
PROGRAM / PATCH CHANGES	sound change information.

Most sequencers these days have multiple tracks... though some only have a couple. Multiple tracking is possible on those devices by merging tracks

MIDI data is associated with a specific MIDI channel. (i.e. Drum part may be recorded on channel 16, Strings may be on channel 15, Piano on channel 14... and so on)

Resolution: how many parts the sequencer divides a quarter note into. The higher the resolution, the more acurate the sequencer playback will be. A resolution of 96 parts per quarter note is a good minimum standard.

MIDI SEQUENCER FEATURES

Quantization: used to correct minute rythmic errors... or add swing or shuffle
to a specific phrase. Quantizing a track to a chosen note value (quarter, eighth, triplet,
etc.) will line notes in the track to the neares multiple of that note value.

Step-time input: Allows you to enter notes one at a time while the computer
waits for you to enter in the next one. This is very useful for difficult passages that are impossible to play live. On software sequencers you will see a variation of this type of step-time input called a "grid" or "matrix" editor. This allows you to "draw" in the notes
and note lengths you want.

Punch-in recording: This allows you to re-record a specified amount of
measures anywhere in the middle of a song.

Looping: Used to repeat a specified section. You can choose the beginning
and end points of the loop and the number of times you want it iterated.

MIDI event filtering: You can specify to your sequencer to filter out certain
MIDI event information... such as pitch bend, velocity, modulation, sysex...etc. This
allows you to save memory if the parts you are recording do not require those pieces
of data.

Transposition: Self explanatory. You can choose what key
track(s)/measures/notes are transposed to.

Patch Changing: Allows you to tell the sequencer to change patches (sounds)
on a particular synthesizer or channel during playback.

Song Position Pointer: Allows you to start playback of a song in the middle.
The sequencer will send out a message telling all external devices where it is starting the song and the machines will then follow.

MULTI-TIMBRAL INSTRUMENTS

A Multi-timbral synthesizer is an instrument that will play more htan one sound at once on different MIDI channels. This is a good alternative to using many different synthesizers that will only play one voice and one channel at a time.A good example of a Multi-timbral synth would be the K2000 which allows you to play up to 16 instruments
at a time and gives you 64 note polyphony.

SOFTWARE SEQUENCERS

Software sequencers are programs you can run on your home computer.

The advantages of a software sequencer include: More memory, more intensive editing features, Graphical display.

Besides the software for your computer, you will need a MIDI interface for your
computer. For the PC most sound cards have MIDI capabilities and just need the
correct cable to plug into the joystick port on the back of your soundcard. However, if your PC doesn't have a sound card then you will need to get a MIDI card. The most common is the Roland MPU-401 or a MPU-401 compatible card. This card is a circuit board that you install in your computer that has a MIDI IN and OUT port that sit outside the chassy of the computer. For the MAC, the MIDI interface usually plugs straight into
the printer port.

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HOME * MUSIC COURSES * MIDI SEQUENCING

HOTLINKS for MIDI SEQUENCING COURSES

SHOP for Various MIDI & ACCESSORIES

MUSIC PROMOTION

Skyrocket Your Music Career Discover How To Make Millions Without A Record Deal NOTE READING

Read Ledger Line Notes Fast! Learn To Read Ledger Line Notes - Easily And Quickly! PIANO

HOTLINKS for
MIDI SEQUENCING COURSES

SHOP for Various
MIDI & ACCESSORIES

Skyrocket Your Music Career
Discover How To Make Millions Without A Record Deal

NOTE READING

Read Ledger Line Notes Fast!
Learn To Read Ledger Line Notes - Easily And Quickly!

PIANO