User`s guide

Chapter 3: Pro Tools Concepts 13
A single MIDI cable can transmit a separate
set of messages for each of 16 channels.
These 16 channels correspond to separate
MIDI devices or to multiple channels
within a single device (if the device is multi-
timbral). Each channel represents a discreet
instrument sound; for instance, bass on
channel 1, piano on channel 2 and drums
on channel 10. Similar to a multitrack tape
recorder, a MIDI sequencer can record
complex arrangements—even using a sin-
gle multi-timbral keyboard.
MIDI Terms
The following are some basic MIDI terms:
MIDI Interface Hardware that allows com-
puters to connect to and communicate
with MIDI devices.
MIDI Device Any keyboard, sound module,
effects device or other equipment that can
send or receive MIDI information.
MIDI Controller Any MIDI device that trans-
mits MIDI performance data. These include
keyboards, MIDI guitar controllers, MIDI
wind instruments, and others. Controllers
transmit MIDI from their MIDI OUT ports.
MIDI Control Surface Any device, such as
the Mackie HUI, that uses a MIDI connec-
tion to send control messages to a software
program, but is not generally used to
record MIDI information.
MIDI Sound Source Any MIDI instrument
that plays back in your arrangements.
Sound sources receive MIDI from their
MIDI IN ports.
Multi-timbral The capability of playing sev-
eral different instrument sounds (such as
piano, bass, and drums) simultaneously on
separate channels. This makes it possible
for a single MIDI sound source to play back
entire arrangements.
MIDI Channel Up to 16 channels of MIDI
performance data can be transmitted on a
single MIDI cable. The channel number
separates the different messages so your
sound sources can receive the right ones.
Program Change Event A MIDI command
that tells a sound source which sound
patch to use. The MIDI protocol lets you
choose from a range of 128 patches.
Bank Select Message A MIDI command
that specifies the bank of patches from
which to choose. Many devices have more
than 128 patches and Bank Select messages
provide a means of accessing them.
Local Control A controller setting found on
most MIDI keyboards that allows them to
play their own sound source. Disabling “lo-
cal control” ensures that a device’s internal
sound source is only played by external
MIDI messages.
When using Pro Tools, “local control”
should usually be disabled. When “local
control” is off, your keyboard still trans-
mits data to its MIDI OUT port.
Continuous Controller Events MIDI instruc-
tions that allow real-time changes to notes
that are currently sounding. These include
pitch bend, modulation, volume, pan, and
many others.
System Exclusive Data MIDI data com-
monly used for sending and retrieving
patch parameter information for storage
purposes.