Sequencing and MIDI

Question 1

What is Step Sequencing?

Answer 1

In step sequencing, the notes are entered into a sequencer’s memory one at a time onto a grid or series of buttons.

Question 2

When were Step Sequencers introduced?

Answer 2

Step sequencers were built into a number of popular analogue synths during the 1970s

Question 3

What Genres use Sequencing?

Answer 3

All Genres use elements of Sequencing, Dance Music like EDM and House use sequencing

Question 4

What are the differences between analogue and digital sequencer’s?

Answer 4

Earlier sequencer’s sent CV/Gate signals to trigger notes on a synthesiser. Later Sequencer’s made in the 1970’s used computer memory as well as vintage control, we call these later sequencer’s digital sequencer’s

Question 5

Defining MIDI

Answer 5

MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It’s a way to connect devices that make and control sound — such as synthesizers, samplers, and computers — so that they can communicate with each other, using MIDI messages.

Question 6

When was MIDI Introduced?

Answer 6

MIDI Was introduced in 1983, and became the common language used by electronic musical instruments to communicate with each other.

Question 7

MIDI Controller Changes Table

Answer 7

1 - Modulation - Continuous
7 - Volume - Continuous
10 - Pan - Continuous
11 - Expression - Continuous
64 - Sustain - Switched
65 - Portamento - Switched
121 - Reset All - Switched

Question 8

What is the difference between Continuous and Switched?

Answer 8

A continuous controller is one that sends values in the range 0-127 to indicate a position.
A switch controller is one that sends only the values 0 or 127 to indicate released vs pressed.

Question 9

What is the Purpose of MIDI

Answer 9

MIDI is the standard to transmit and store music

MIDI does not transmit recorded sounds

It includes musical notes, timings and pitch information

Question 10

Common MIDI Controller Types

Answer 10

Keyboards, Drum and percussion controllers and experimental controllers

Question 11

What are analog sequencer used for?

Answer 11

It can be used to create and arrange patterns of notes and rhythms, and to control the timing and duration of individual events.

Question 12

What are the two wheels which are found on MIDI Keyboards

Answer 12

The Modulation wheel controls any setting that you set it too in your DAW, it could control a delay, The other wheel is for changing the pitch of the notes played. (Pitch Bend)

Question 13

Sequencers Today..

Answer 13

Today the term “sequencer” is often used to describe software. However, hardware sequencers still exist.

Question 14

What is a Software Sequencer

Answer 14

Software sequencer is a class of application software providing a functionality of music sequencer, and often provided as one feature of the DAW or the integrated music authoring environments.

Question 15

What Hardware make use of a step sequencer?

Answer 15

Drum Machines make use of step sequencers allowing users to program drum patterns easily.
Synthesisers use step sequencing to allow the user to make a rhythmic, Melodic sequence of music.

Question 16

Difference between step and real time sequencing?

Answer 16

Real Time sequencing refers to musicians playing their instrument in real time.
Step Sequencing refers to inputting notes into a piece of hardware like a drum machine in order to produce a sequence of notes

Question 17

Limitations of Real Time Sequencing

Answer 17

Real Time Sequencing can face a few issues, not being in accurate time or the dynamics of the recording may not sound great.

Question 18

Limitations of Step Sequencing

Answer 18

Step Sequencing will sound great, you often have quite a-lot of control over step sequencing. Controls let you have control over the velocity of notes and you can also make minimal edits to the note placement to avoid it sounding robotic like.

Question 19

How Step Sequencing has evolved.

Answer 19

Over time step sequencers have gone from being Hardware to being incorporated into Digital Audio Workstations. Now DAWs support Sequencers, its hard not to come across them.

Question 20

General Term of Sequencing

Answer 20

A sequence in music is exactly what the word implies: a string of notes played in succession.