What are NRPN's and how can I implement them?

[JR#97]

I have a Fostex VM200 digital mixer that I use as the MIDI control surface for Nuendo. I have the User Control Change table maxed out and I still have about 100 controls I'd like to add but can't because the table is full. I read in a review of the unit that you can use NRPN's to get around the user table limit. What the hell are NRPN's? I'm imagining I can use NRPN's via a sequencer or something to control the VM200, but I want it the other way around... using NRPN's via the VM200 to control Nuendo. Anybody? Bueller? Bueller?

[drstawl]

I can only speak for the Sound Canvas- but this MIDI lingo extends across many equipment platforms.

A NRPN is a "Non-Registered Parameter #"

There is a specific command that a particular MIDI device will expect to let it know that a NRPN command is coming up and then the syntax at that point gets device specific.

[reflex kid]

Ok, in simple terms, all midi devices respond to certain controller numbers in the same way (VERY broad statement!) ...for example , velocity or pitch bend. NRPN's are just other controllers which are unique to certain midi devices or synths and used to access other control functions, for example NPRN 75 might control which waveform a synth selects. By sending it a value on controller 75 it might change from triangle to sine for example. In order to find out what each NRPN does to a synth or other bit of kit, i'm afraid you need to read the manual. Or you could just play about and see what happens........
Hope it helps.
Regardz