midi control message

[foreverain4]

hello,
i have been involved in recording via computer for a couple years now. up til now i have been doing all processing in the computer. i am wanting to start doing some more real time mixing and tracking with my 3 adats and mackie 32 8. i have two dual engine processors that i will be using, the digitech s100, and the zoom 1204. i have a jlcooper sync box that translates between smpte, midi time code and adat. is there any way to send control messages via midi to the processors from say, cakewalk, or some other sequencing software? or is the midi capabilities on these units only for receiving from a foot controller or something?

thanx

 

[FenderTL5]

hello,
.. is there any way to send control messages via midi to the processors from say, cakewalk, or some other sequencing software? or is the midi capabilities on these units only for receiving from a foot controller or something?

thanx

This is a feature I don't hear/read much talk about in home recording circles.

There could be exceptions but, if it has MIDI inputs it should respond to controller data. If you check the owner's manual on the processors there should be a list of controllers.
Utilizing controller data in some cases will give you more control than allowed from the face of the unit or foot switch.

There are some basic ones, such as "Control 7". It's the master volume on every box I own. You can put the control data into Cakewalk very easily> Cakewalk also allows for "control fills" or a series of controllers. Example, You can set up a synth fade out with the control 7 and never touch a mixer fader. You set the start point, end point, beginning and ending values..enter. It's done. The same can be done with reverb levels and the "mix" value.. provided the SFX unit allows controller data.

Ed

 

[foreverain4]

thanx for you reply, didnt think i would get one on this topic. both units have midi in, but it did not say much in the manuals (recently downloaded) about sending control messages. i will have to mess with it a little more. does anyone know of an online resource that i could read a bit more about it?

 

[FenderTL5]

it did not say much in the manuals (recently downloaded) about sending control messages.

Obviously every manufacturer writes their documentation differently. I can't recall ever seeing a section in a manual dedicated to using control data. Most of the time the controller data will be in the specifications in the rear of the manual. If the manual has a section called "MIDI Implementation" it will be there. Again, no real specifics on how to use it just a list of controllers and the corresponding function. It may look something like this:

controls 0-127/1-128
0-bank select
1-modulation
2-breath controller
3-undefined
4-pedal hold
5-Portamento
6-unused
7-master volume
..etc

You asked about an online source for info.. Here is a link to some basic MIDI information on the Cakewalk site. It does mention controllers, albiet briefly. If I find more detailed info I'll post it as well.

http://www.cakewalk.com/Tips/MIDI.htm