When there are more active notes in a Zone than available Channels, two or more notes will have to share the same Channel. Two messages control the division of MIDI Channel space into sub-spaces called Zones, so that multi-timbral playing is still possible using only one physical MIDI interface.
This allows unique Control Change and Pitch Bend messages to be addressed to that particular note.Ī Registered Parameter Number is used to establish the range of Channels used for sending or receiving notes. Wherever possible, every sounding note is temporarily assigned its own MIDI Channel between its Note On and Note Off. This will enable richer communication between increasingly expressive MIDI hardware and software. These proposed MPE conventions define a way of distributing polyphonic music over a group of MIDI Channels, making multiple parameters of different notes separately controllable. The following specifications are from the MIDI Manufacturers Association MPE Specification document: These aspects are now addressed in the new MIDI MPE spec, allowing expanded creative opportunities for live and studio musicians, while maintaining compatibility with standard MIDI. One big issue has been the ability to have expressive gestures applied separately to individual notes, which newer multi-expressive keyboards require. While alternate MIDI controllers, such as pad controllers for sticks and fingers, wind controllers, ribbons, joysticks, control surfaces, and apps for smart phones, have all been successfully integrated, newer technologies and keyboards have placed expanded demands on the original spec. While MIDI has come a long way since its introduction in 1983, the growth of alternate controllers has stretched the original spec. Roger Linn Design LinnStrument MIDI Performance Controller
MPE allows each note to have its own MIDI channel so that those parameters can operate independently per note. Normally, channel-wide MIDI messages like pitch bend are applied to all notes on a single channel.
If you’re a musician you likely know what MIDI is (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), but do you know what MPE is or how it will affect you and your music making? MPE, which stands for MIDI Polyphonic Expression, is a method of using MIDI that allows multidimensional controllers (MDCs), such as the Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board Pro 4 and the LinnStrument, to control multiple parameters (such as pitch bend, vibrato, timbre, volume) of every single note separately when using MPE-compatible software.