A program change message is usually transmitted from a controller keyboard or MIDI sequencer, as this provides the most convenient route for a program
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change message to be sent to a sound-producing device. If you are using a MIDI sequencer with its own built-in sound source or virtual instruments, then the process is just the same.
Transmitting a program change message from a controller keyboard
One of the simplest ways to transmit a program change message is from a controller keyboard. This is normally done by pressing one of the numbered buttons that is used to change the keyboard’s internal sounds. If you are using a dedicated controller keyboard with no internal sounds, you may have to select a special program change mode and then type in a number. Sometimes this is done by using specified notes on the actual keyboard itself. As soon as this button is pressed, a program change message gets sent out from the controller keyboard.
Fig. 5.10.2 – Program change buttons are usually located above the keyboard.
In order for a keyboard to successfully transmit a program change message to another MIDI device, it will need to be connected to it and the MIDI chan- nels on each device will need to correspond. You may also need to check if the program change option on the keyboard is enabled and that it is not fil- tered out on the sound source (see MIDI filters, p. 133).
A program change message can be transmitted from a controller keyboard to a sound-producing device to select a different sound.
Using a sequencer to transmit a program change message
MIDI sequencers also allow you to output program change messages to any sound sources used by the computer. This provides a quick and easy way of changing sounds from within the sequencer.
M I D I s e q u e n c i n g e x e r c i s e s
MIDI filters
Most sound-producing devices have a MIDI filter that allows you to choose whether they actually receive program changes or not. Always make sure this is set up correctly if you want the device to respond to program changes. Located on most Arrange windows will be a program change parameter box for each individual sequencer track. This will allow you to send out a program change message to the sound source used by that track.
Program change can make it easier for you to select the sounds you want to use.
Another advantage of using program change within a sequencer is that all your sound assignments are stored within the song.
Fig. 5.10.3 – Sending a program change message from the Arrange window in Cubase.
Different numbering systems
Be aware that some MIDI devices start their program change numbering sys- tem from 0, while others start from 1. This basically means if you’re using two separate devices that don’t match up, your numbering system will be one number out. For example, sending out program change number 1 from a sequencer may dial up sound number 2 on an external sound module.
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Fig. 5.10.4 – MIDI filter.
Fig. 5.10.5 – MIDI data selected in the Arrange window.
4. Select a MIDI part and open the List editor. We recommend using the List- style editor as it provides a very accurate way of displaying and entering pro- gram change information. Inside the List edit window you will often find a display filter that will allow you to choose the type of MIDI data you want to see. Make sure you can view other types of MIDI data other than just notes.
Fig. 5.10.6 – MIDI filter.
5. Insert a program change. Look at the tools you have available. The pencil will allow you to draw changes onto the screen. The rubber will allow you
Automatically changing sounds throughout a song
1. Create or load in a MIDI sequence:
● Create a new project and record a sequence of MIDI notes
● Use the data from a previous exercise
● Load in a project you’ve already started
● Load a tutorial file from our CD.
Whatever method of starting you choose, make sure you have at least one MIDI track with eight bars worth of music assigned to a sound source. 2. Make sure that you are viewing the main Arrange window. Most sequencers
open up on this page as default.
3. Locate the song position to bar 1. This is where we are going to insert the first program change message.
M I D I s e q u e n c i n g e x e r c i s e s
to delete program changes. Use the pencil tool to insert the program change at the selected song position.You may first have to choose the type of data you want to insert from a menu or simply click on the program change icon.
Fig. 5.10.7 – Program change message inserted at bar 1.
6. Choose the program change number. The program change number you choose will determine the instrument that gets selected. Sometimes you will have to edit the number after it has been inserted into the list. 7. Locate the song position to bar 5.
8. Insert another program change. Using the pencil tool insert another program change at the selected song position. Choose a different sound from bar 5.
Fig. 5.10.8 – Two program change messages displayed in a list.
9. Set up a cycle. Setting up a temporary cycle within the sequencer will make it easier to hear the transition between the two sounds.
10. Locate back to the beginning of the song and press Play. You should now hear the MIDI data playing back. As the song position reaches bar 5, the sound should change and when it reaches bar 1 the sound should change again.
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Bright piano Trumpet
Fig. 5.10.9 – Program change messages displayed on the Arrange window.
Changing the sound does not affect the MIDI data in any way – it simply allows you to play it back using a different sound.
Remaining on the last sound selected
When sending out a program change message from a sequencer in this way, the sound source will remain on the last message received, so if you stop the sequencer at bar 6, for example, the sound will remain a trumpet until it passes bar 1 again.
Fig. 5.10.10 – Note and program change data placed on separate tracks.
If you have several tracks routed to the same MIDI channel, such as all the drums on MIDI channel 10, a program change will change the sound for all these tracks.