Midi cc

Definition

MIDI CC, or MIDI Continuous Controller, refers to a set of messages used in the MIDI protocol to convey real-time control information for various parameters in electronic music. This includes adjusting elements like volume, pan, effects, and other characteristics of sound generated by synthesizers, samplers, and digital audio workstations. By using MIDI CC, musicians can manipulate sounds dynamically during performance or recording.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MIDI CC messages can range from CC 0 to CC 127, allowing for a wide array of controls for different functions.
2. Common uses for MIDI CC include controlling aspects like modulation depth, expression levels, and filter cutoff frequencies in synthesizers.
3. MIDI CC can be recorded and edited in most digital audio workstations, giving musicians flexibility in shaping their sound.
4. Each MIDI CC number corresponds to a different parameter, and these assignments can often be customized according to the user's needs.
5. Some MIDI controllers come with faders and knobs specifically designed to send MIDI CC messages, making it easier to adjust sounds live.

Review Questions

• How do MIDI CC messages enhance the creative possibilities for musicians using electronic instruments?
  • MIDI CC messages allow musicians to manipulate sound parameters in real-time during performances or recordings. This enhances creativity by enabling dynamic changes such as adjusting volume, panning, or effects without stopping the music. With the ability to automate these changes or perform them live, artists can create more expressive and intricate soundscapes.
• Discuss the relationship between MIDI CC and automation in digital audio workstations. How does this integration affect music production?
  • MIDI CC plays a critical role in automation within digital audio workstations by allowing specific parameters to be controlled over time. Musicians can record their movements on MIDI controllers as automation data, which then reflects changes in the mix or sound without needing constant manual adjustments. This integration streamlines the production process, making it easier to create complex sound environments while maintaining a high level of control over each element.
• Evaluate the impact of customizable MIDI CC assignments on a musician's workflow and performance capabilities.
  • Customizable MIDI CC assignments significantly improve a musician's workflow by allowing them to tailor controls to their specific needs. This flexibility means that musicians can assign crucial parameters to easily accessible knobs or faders, enhancing live performance efficiency. The ability to adapt MIDI CC settings ensures that musicians can respond quickly during performances and experiment with different sounds without being limited by preset configurations.

Related terms

MIDI: A technical standard that allows a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and synchronize with each other.

Automation: The process of using control data to automate changes in parameters over time, allowing for dynamic adjustments in mix or sound without manual intervention.

Control Change: A specific type of MIDI message that is used to modify the parameters of an instrument or software via the MIDI CC numbers.