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E-MU Systems
Programming Basics
MIDI Channels & Real-time Controls
MIDI Channels
&
Real-time
Controls
The MIDI real-time controllers may seem confusing at first, but they are
really very simple once you understand them. You already know that there
are 16 MIDI channels per MIDI cable. Each MIDI channel uses three basic
types of messages; note on/off, preset changes, and continuous controller
messages. MK-6 can also send real-time control information, which simply
means control occurring in real-time or “live.” Real-time control sources
include such things as controller knobs, pitch wheels, modulation wheels,
control pedals and aftertouch. These are used to add more expression or
control.
The front panel control knobs send out real-time controller information on
separate continuous controller numbers. There is a set of 32 continuous
controller numbers for each MIDI channel. Some continuous controllers,
such as modulation wheel, volume, and pan have standardized numbers.
For example, volume is usually sent on continuous controller #7. The front
panel controller knobs on are pre-programmed to control the MK-6.
The following MIDI
controls are automatically routed
in MK-6:
Pitch Wheel
pwh
Modulation Wheel
01
Pedal
04
Volume
07
Pan
10
Expression
11
Any MIDI controller can be routed to any modulation destination. First,
you have to know which controller numbers your keyboard transmits. Most
modern MIDI keyboards let you select a controller number for each control
on the keyboard. For example, it may let you select a number from 0-31 for
the data slider. The realtime controller numbers that the keyboard
transmits must match the numbers MK-6 is receiving, otherwise nothing
will happen when you move the controls.
Suppose you wanted to send the four data knobs on another keyboard via
MIDI to MK-6. MK-6 can handle up to 16 MIDI controllers (A-P) of your
choosing. “MIDI A-P” are simply names for the internal connections that
link external MIDI continuous controllers to the PatchCord section of MK-
6. There are two parts to the connection. First, MIDI controller numbers are
assigned to the letters A-P in the Controllers menu. Next, the letters A-P are
connected to synthesizer control parameters in the PatchCord section of
the Preset Edit menu. The PatchCord Amount scales the amount of each
controller by a positive or negative value.
The factory presets have the MIDI A-P controls connected to standard
synthesizer functions (marked on the front panel). By choosing any four of
the 16 standard functions, the four sliders on your keyboard will work the
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 16
Program
Change
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 3
Program
Change
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 2
Program
Change
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 1
Program
Change
