Note on/off

Definition

In MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), 'note on' refers to a message that indicates a note should start playing, while 'note off' indicates that the note should stop. These messages are crucial for controlling musical notes and can specify not just when a note begins and ends, but also its velocity, which affects how loudly the note sounds. This plays a significant role in creating dynamic musical compositions and in the synchronization of performances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'note on' message typically includes a note number and velocity value, while the 'note off' message includes the note number but not the velocity.
2. These messages are essential for triggering sound samples in digital audio workstations and synthesizers, allowing for realistic playback of musical performances.
3. In live performance settings, musicians can use MIDI controllers to send note on/off messages in real-time, enabling them to create dynamic and interactive musical experiences.
4. MIDI operates over various channels (1-16), allowing for multiple instruments or sounds to be controlled independently using different note on/off commands.
5. The timing of note on/off messages is critical in ensuring that sounds are produced in sync, especially when multiple instruments are involved in a performance.

Review Questions

• How do note on/off messages work together to create musical phrases in MIDI compositions?
  • Note on/off messages are fundamental in constructing musical phrases by dictating when each note is played and when it stops. When a 'note on' message is sent, it triggers the sound to start playing at a specified velocity, while the corresponding 'note off' message indicates when that sound should cease. This interaction allows composers and performers to create rhythms, melodies, and harmonies by accurately timing these commands, making them essential for expressive music creation.
• Discuss the importance of velocity in relation to note on/off messages and how it affects the overall sound in a MIDI setup.
  • Velocity plays a crucial role alongside note on/off messages as it directly influences the loudness and timbre of each note played. When a 'note on' message is transmitted, the velocity value determines how forcefully the note is played, which can result in different tonal qualities. In a MIDI setup, varying velocities can add depth and emotion to music, allowing for expressive dynamics that mirror real-life performances by musicians.
• Evaluate the impact of timing accuracy of note on/off messages in a complex MIDI performance involving multiple instruments.
  • The timing accuracy of note on/off messages is vital in a complex MIDI performance because it ensures that all instruments are synchronized and producing sound cohesively. If one instrument's timing is off due to delayed or incorrect messages, it can disrupt the entire composition's rhythm and harmony. This precision allows musicians to layer sounds effectively and creates an engaging auditory experience that reflects professional-level performances. Additionally, accurate timing is essential when integrating live elements with pre-recorded tracks in dynamic performances.

Related terms

MIDI Message: A standardized digital communication protocol that transmits information about musical performance, including note on/off commands, control changes, and more.

Velocity: A measure of how fast a note is played, which influences its loudness and timbre in MIDI music production.

MIDI Controller: A device that sends MIDI data to control synthesizers and software, often used to trigger note on/off messages as part of music creation.