Music Tech Exam 1

Computer, Audio Speakers/Monitors, Headphones, External Hardrives, Printer....

DAW (digital audio workstation), Music Notation, Virtual Instruments, Various other media-based program, etc.

Convert electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Amplifier built into the housing of the speaker cabinet

Requires an external amp.

(Roland Monitors are active, front wall monitors are passive)

Allows MIDI data to get in and out of the computer.

Allows audio access in and out of the computer

Performance tool for MIDI data. MIDI equipped instruments.

An electronic instrument capable of producing sound by generating electric signals of different frequencies

Keyboard Synthesizers and Sound Modules

1. # of keys

2. Size of Keys

3. Action

4.Expression wheels (pitch bend and modulation)

5. Doubles as a MIDI Keyboard Controller.

1. It IS a synth

2. Table-top based synth

3.all the same sound generating abilities as keyboard synth.

4. Lacks keyboard hardware

5. Cannot be used as a MIDI controller (a performance tool)

NO proprietary hardware

-Virtual Instrument (V.I.)

-Software Synth

-Software must reside in a host computer

A value for a particular function that CAN be changed

1. Program (patch) mode

2. Combination (Performance) Mode

3. Global (System) Mode

4. Edit Mode

-Playback mode for individual program/patch sounds

-Programs: Individual instrument sounds.

-Banks: programs are stored in the regions of the synth called banks

-NO MORE than 128 different patches are located in a single bank.

-Random Access Memory

-Banks A-D

-Newly created/edited sounds can be stored, permanently altered, and saved in RAM banks

-Read Only memory

-Only plays the preset programs. These CAN'T be altered and saved in a ROM bank.

-A set bank of patches that is consistent with other synthesizers (of other brands)

-GM enables manufacturers to build synths and sounds modules that exhibit a degree of compatibility.

Different programs that are combined together to created a unique sound. Up to 8 different patches can be used in this unique performance.

1. Layer: Multiple programs sounding simultaneously. Thick sound.

2. Split: Different program sounding depending on the key range on the keyboard.

3. Velocity Switch (VSW): A different program will sound depending on how fast you stick the keys

Allows one program (patch) to be assigned to each of the 16 MIDI channels (aka sequence mode).

When a device contains multi-mode.

-A 16-part MT device can play up to 16 different patches simultaneously and independently.

-Only possible with MIDI sequencer.

KORG X50 - is a 62 voice Polyphonic Synth. 62 voices can be played at the same time.

Major parameters can be adjusted that effect the entire synthesizer including all programs and combinations

Ex: Master tuning, transposition of keys, setting MIDI functions.

Think opposite of Global Mode

-Makes edits to individual patches and individual combinations

-Plays a musical excerpt for a selected program or combination

DEMO: helps demonstrate the musical potential of the synth. Marketing tool.

-Acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface

-A standard system and digital language that allows electronic devices (even from dif manufacturers) to be connected together and communicate as part of a unified system.

-Communicates Musical performance Info

-Digital Data

-1s and 0s

-Binary Code.

Note information (pitch, volume/velocity, play, release), Pitch Bend, Modulation, sustain, any musical expression.

-MPI generated by MIDI Messages

-MIDI does not create sound

-MIDI does not transmit sound

-MIDI can be used as a remote control for synths to perform. synth performs after receiving MIDI messages.

-Dave Smith

-1983

-MIDI Manufacturers Association (Write full name for test)

-Governing body for all things MIDI

Must perform at least ONE of two functions

1. Must be able to generate and transmit MIDI messages

2. OR must be able to receive and respond to MIDI messages. (Sound module?)

Sequencing, lighting, picture to sounds, etc.

A device designed to generate and transmit MIDI messages (Data)

-Keyboard controllers, wind, guitar, drum pad MIDI controllers, etc.

-lighting mixers, audio mixers, etc

Dumb Controller: functions as a MIDI controller but CANT generate their own sound. only generates and transmits data.

-ONLY receives and responds to MIDI data

-ex: SOUND MODULE, VI and software synths.

-MIDI Cable

Sockets:

-MIDI out (MIDI going out form master controller)

-MIDI in (Receives MIDI from master controller)

-MIDI thru routes data from master controller to another slave device.

-Several MIDI instruments linked is called a "Daisy chain"

- Digital info based on binary code

1. Note-on

2. Note-off

3. Patch change

4. Control Change

5. Pitch bend

6. Channel Aftertouch

7. Poly Aftertouch

-2 sub-messages: Pitch and Velocity

-MIDI only allows for 128 possible notes.

-MIDI uses numbers identify pitch and note.

-Middle is MIDI note number 60

-Created based on the speed of pressing a key. Can be used to control volume and timbre.

has just 1 sub-message: patch number. 128 possible numbers

2 sub-messages

1. Type of control change

2. Value Control Change. (Often created by a peripheral device such as modulation wheel, sustain pedal, etc)

2 sub messages to receive a higher resolution

Sensors built into the MIDI controller that detect when additional pressure is being applied to the keyboard keys after the initial attack.

Channel: Keys as a whole

Poly: sensors beneath each key?

TOTAL of 16 MIDI channels

- MIDI messages can be assigned to any one or more of the 16 MIDI channels