SEQUENCING CLASSICAL MIDI TUTORIAL

3. KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT

It will save you a lot of heartache if you fully familiarise yourself with the equipment you will be using before attempting to program any sequences. This includes all your midi instruments and most importantly your sequencer software.

If you need to, set up your midi instruments so that they are ready to receive multi-timbral information. Most sequencers will send out program changes so you won't need to set up voices on midi channels. If you are using more than one midi instrument then make sure that you have them connected up appropriately and that you have set up the midi channel receivers you wish to use for each instrument. A little handy tip here: make a note of the master volume settings of each instrument and any mixer settings so that you can retain the correct levels for each sequence you play. Its far better doing it this way than altering volume changes over midi for each sequence. If you set up a standard setting on your sequences then life becomes a lot easier.

Whatever sequencer you are using it is vital that you know its operations inside out. The best advise here is READ THE MANUAL! Experiment with your sequencer in operations such as cut, copy and paste. You will need to understand how to input notes both through midi and step inputting with the mouse or cursor keys. If your sequencer has a logical editor learn how to use it now. It will be invaluable for all those crescendo's and diminuendo's! Learn how to read the grid/step editor if it has one although your best tool for classical sequences is a score editor. If your sequencer doesn't possess a score editor then learn all you can about the editors it does use.

A basic understanding of midi is invaluable. You will need to know a few control codes and how best to use them. Unless you are thinking of sequencing a piece with very unusual sounds that need to be patched in to your instruments you won't need to know anything about SysEx data. There are plenty of good books around to help the beginner understand a little of midi.

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