User guide

Tracktion 4 Reference Manual
10
Each MIDI clip in Tracktion can be assigned a MIDI channel, and it is this channel that the MIDI
events in the clip will be broadcast on. To make sure that a MIDI clip is played by the piano, therefore,
you would simply set the MIDI channel for the clip to match the piano’s channel.
There are 16 MIDI channels available for every physical MIDI output. It is not a rule, but it is conven-
tion that MIDI channel 10 is used for percussion.
Working With MIDI In Tracktion
You can enter MIDI into Tracktion either by recording a performance from a MIDI controller keyboard,
or by entering the notes by hand. In addition, Tracktion features a handy hybrid of these two approach-
es, called “step editing.” You will learn about MIDI editing in Chapter Four, and about recording MIDI in
Chapter Five.
Because MIDI data merely controls an instrument, if you want to hear the MIDI data you will need a
MIDI instrument capable of turning to the note instructions into sounds.
There are two types of MIDI instrument you can use with Tracktion:
Hardware Instruments
You can use all kinds of external MIDI equipment with Tracktion. Tracktion can control and record
your hardware synthesisers and drum machines, in addition to calling up patches on hardware effects
processors.
Software Instruments
Tracktion can support the use of software instruments (often referred to as soft synths). The most
common type of software instruments are VST instruments, or VSTis. There are many VSTis available
both for purchase and for free. Tracktion even ships with some to get you started. The exibility and
ease of use of these virtual synthesisers can stand in stark contrast to expensive, bulky, and often ddly
external equipment. As the quality of available VSTis grows ever closer to parity with classic hardware
instruments, more and more musicians are adopting software synthesis as an important part of their
sonic arsenal.