About midi – Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro User Manual

Page 29

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ABOUT MIDI

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a universal language that allows electronic
devices made by different manufacturers to communicate with one another. Although using
your Ground Control Pro doesn’t require a thorough knowledge of MIDI, it is helpful to
understand Channels, Program Changes, and Continuous Controllers.

Channels

MIDI Channels are like channels on your television. When you select a channel on your TV,
you only receive the broadcast transmitted on that particular channel. Similarly, when you select
the channel on a MIDI device, it will only respond to messages sent on that Channel. MIDI
messages can be transmitted on 16 different channels (1-16) through a single MIDI cable.

Program Changes

Your MIDI controlled devices have a series of programs which can be recalled from the front
panel. Programs can also be recalled by sending a MIDI Program Change command.

MIDI Program Changes select one of 128 different programs. Some manufacturers number
their programs starting with 1 (1-128), some start with 0 (0-127).

Continuous Controllers

Unlike Program Changes, which select an entire program, Continuous Controllers change only
selected parameters within a program. Also known as Control Changes, these messages are
frequently used to add expression to an effect by adjusting parameters like volume, mix,
reverb depth, delay time, or EQ to name a few.

There are 121 different MIDI Continuous Controllers, numbered 0 to 120. Each controller is
like a slider or a knob; it can transmit a “continuous” stream of values ranging from 0 (all the
way off) to 128 (all the way on).

The Ground Control has inputs for two pedals which you can define to send any MIDI
Continuous Controllers you wish. The position of your pedal is converted into a value from 0
to 127. Whenever the pedal is moved, the Ground Control transmits a Continuous Controller
message with the new value.

Each MIDI device supports Continuous Controllers differently, so you should consult the
manual for that device to determine which controller to use, and what parameters may be
controlled with it.

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