ben m
Joined: 15 Sep 2002
Posts: 337
Location: UK |
| Week 10 - Applications of Music Technology |
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If during the recording of a MIDI part the musician has problems accurately performing a simultaneous note/pitch bend, how may this be solved?
If a PC or MAC is used in a life performance with a sequencer, what would be more useful, lower latency settings or larger disk buffer settings?
How long (in seconds) would 1 bar of music at 100BPM last?
If a delay unit with no tap/tempo sync options is to be used, what is the relationship between the delay time in ms and the tempo of the track in bpm?
How would the above setup be used to create an eigth-note delay in a 120BPM track?
How would the above setup be used to create a quarter-note delay in a 80BPM track?
How woud a click track typically be used and routed in a live setup?
How could an electric guitar be used to create MIDI information?
What is digital amp modelling?
If digital amp modelling is used with no cabinet emulation, what will be the effect on the sound?
How could a digital amp modeller be used live with amp switching controlled by a sequencer?
How can digital amp/cab modellers be used live to reduce onstage sound levels?
When using loops that have been triggered from a sampler via MIDI, what implications does it have on the engineers choice of playback position?
When using true analogue hardware synths on tour, what issues may there be with tuning?
Why may it be useful to record a live performance onto multitrack rather than a stereo medium?
What is punching-in/out and how is it useful in studios with limited tracks?
Briefly explain how MIDI can be used to control the lighting and visual elements of a show including how MIDI information is converted.
How could a pitch-bend wheel be used to control lights in a 'xmas light' style in a live situation?
What problems are there with using MIDI for lighting control?
What is the MSC protocol?
Why should MSC not be used to control equipment such as pyrotechnics?
What do the MSC commands Go, Stop and Fire usually do?
How accurate in the time domain is MSC?
What 3 parts are there to a MTC command?
What is a Macro in MSC terms? |
Tue Nov 09, 2004 2:10 pm |
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Rico1210
Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 39
Location: Newcastle, UK |
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Hi,
answers for Applications of MT, some are a bit short i'm affraid 
If during the recording of a MIDI part the musician has problems accurately performing a simultaneous note/pitch bend, how may this be solved?
If a musician has problems accurately performing a simultaneous note/pitch bend during a recording, the moves can be recorded separately. They can then be both applied to the signal during playback to give the desired effect.
If a PC or MAC is used in a live performance with a sequencer, what would be more useful, lower latency settings or larger disk buffer settings?
If a PC or MAC were used in a live performance with a sequencer, lower latency settings would be more useful than larger disk buffer settings. Latency is delay in processing information, therefore will cause problems with timing.
How long (in seconds) would 1 bar of music at 100BPM last?
60 seconds divided by 100 = 0.6. Each beat will be 0.6 seconds long, times by the number of beats in a bar which i'm guessing is 4. 1 bar of music at 100BPM would last 2.4 seconds.
If a delay unit with no tap/tempo sync options is to be used, what is the relationship between the delay time in ms and the tempo of the track in bpm?
If a delay unit with no tap/tempo sync options is to be used, the relationship between the delay time in ms and the tempo of the track in bpm can be calculated in the following way. There are 60,000 milliseconds in 1 minute, divide this by the bpm to give the delay time in terms of quarter note delay.
How would the above setup be used to create an eigth-note delay in a 120BPM track?
60,000 milliseconds divided by 120bpm = 500milliseconds this gives a quarter-note delay in a 120bpm track. Divide this by two to give an eigth-note delay. 500 divided by 2 = 250milliseconds.
How would the above setup be used to create a quarter-note delay in a 80BPM track?
60,000 milliseconds divided by 80bpm = 750milliseconds which is a quarter note delay in a 80bpm track.
How woud a click track typically be used and routed in a live setup?
A click track provides an audible metronome that follows the changes in time signatures. It is important in live setup for instance classical, as it helps a conductor to be in sync with a musician playing an instrument. The click track can be routed to the headphones of any musician that requires it via foldback. The click track may have been pre recorded or can be generated using a sequencer.
How could an electric guitar be used to create MIDI information?
An electric guitar can be used to create MIDI information by connecting an audio to MIDI convertor. The converter changes pitch bends into control information.
Digital amp modelling uses a device that re-creates the unique sounds of different speaker cabinets and amplifiers. It can be applied to any sound to enable it to take on the characteristics of a particular type of amplifier/speaker cabinet.
If digital amp modelling is used with no cabinet emulation, what will be the effect on the sound?
If digital amp modelling is used with no cabinet emulation the sound produced will have no distortion. The sound will be passed through unchanged.
How could a digital amp modeller be used live with amp switching controlled by a sequencer?
A sequencer could be set to change the functions of the digital amp modeller using MIDI messages throughout the performance.
How can digital amp/cab modellers be used live to reduce onstage sound levels?
When a digital amp/cab modeller is used the instrument is connected using Direct Input to the mixing desk, therefore there is no amplifier needed on stage. This will reduce the sound levels.
When using loops that have been triggered from a sampler via MIDI, what implications does it have on the engineers choice of playback position?
When using loops that have been triggered from a sampler via MIDI the engineers choice of playback position must be at a point where the loops are triggered. This is the start of the sequence or a position where all loops are simultaniously tiggered. If a playback position is chosen that does not correspond to a loop trigger point, the loop will not play until the sequence reaches next trigger point.
When using true analogue hardware synths on tour, what issues may there be with tuning?
The synthesisers tend to drift out of tune if used continuously in a lengthy performance. This is because of the heat generated.
Why may it be useful to record a live performance onto multitrack rather than a stereo medium?
It may be useful to record a live performance onto multitrack rather than a stereo medium as tracks can be added/removed or edited later with ease. There is flexibility when mixing the tracks to amplify certain instruments.
What is punching-in/out and how is it useful in studios with limited tracks?
Punching -in/out is when part of a track is re-recorded over the original. A few bars of an instrumental recording may need to be re-recorded, rather than record the whole track again only a section will be recorded over the original bars. It is useful in studios with limited tracks as a separate track is not needed to record the instrument again.
Briefly explain how MIDI can be used to control the lighting and visual elements of a show including how MIDI information is converted.
MIDI messages can be used to control the lighting and visual elements of a show as MIDI data is control information. MIDI messages can be sent to lighting devices that control on, off, and brightness settings. Control change messages would be used to achieve this or MIDI Show Control (MSC).
How could a pitch-bend wheel be used to control lights in a 'xmas light' style in a live situation?
A pitch bend wheel could be used to control flashing lights in a 'xmas light' style. The pitch bend could be used to increase or decrease the speed that the lights flash.
What problems are there with using MIDI for lighting control?
Problems with delay may be encountered when using MIDI for lighting control as i assume that a lot of information must be sent to the devices. This will take up a lot of the MIDI bandwidth.
What is the MSC protocol?
MIDI Show Control (MSC) is used to synchronise lightning and other non-musical effects such as animations to a live musical performance. MIDI Show Control uses system exclusive messages to send commands to devices such as electronic lighting systems. It enables one device (a computer) to control various different non-musical effects, rather than have multiple control panels.
Why should MSC not be used to control equipment such as pyrotechnics?
MSC should not be used to control equipment such as pyrotechnics because of the dangers involved in using this type of equipment. Pyrotechnics always be physically controlled by an individual and not by an electronic system in case something goes wrong.
What do the MSC commands Go, Stop and Fire usually do?
The Go command starts a transition. The transition time is determined by the cue in the device itself. Transitions run until complete. A cue number is specified to identify the device to run, otherwise the next cue number in numerical order will trigger if no cue number is given.
The Stop command halts a transition. A cue number is specified to identify the device to stop, otherwise all devices will stop if no cue number is given.
The Fire command triggers a preprogrammed macro. Macros are either programmed at the Controlled Device, or loaded via MIDI file dump facilities.
How accurate in the time domain is MSC?
MIDI Show Control is very accurate in the time domain as it is synchronised to a musical performance and therefore must be in time. MIDI Show Control has its own timecode system that is closely related to MIDI TimeCode.
What 3 parts are there to a MTC command?
Should this read MSC? The 3 parts to a MIDI Show Control command are Device ID, Command format and Data. The Device ID is used to identify which piece of equipment the message corresponds to ie 1 could be the lighting system, 2 could be video etc. The range of allowed ID numbers is 0 - 111 inclusive. It is possible to have two or more controllers set to the same individual ID number, which means that both controllers always respond to the same message with that ID number, and you completely lose individual control over each. The Command format identifies what type of device the message is intended for ie. Lighting, Video etc. There are general categories of device that include Lighting, Sound, Machinery, Video, Projection which all contain specific device options. This means that a device will only respond to a message that is intended for it ie. a projector won't respond to a command format of lighting, it will just ignore it. Below the general categories are defined values for specific device types, for example Lighting category contains 'Moving Lights', 'Colour Changers', 'Strobes', 'Lasers' and 'Chasers'. The Data section of the message contains timecode information and system exclusive data which is determined by the manufacturer of the device.
What is a Macro in MSC terms?
A Macro is a set of commands used in MIDI Show Control to instruct devices to perform a number of preprogrammed movements or intructions. The Macros themselves are either programmed at the Controlled Device, or loaded via MIDI file dump. |
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Sun Nov 14, 2004 3:00 pm |
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seanm
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
Posts: 20
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| week 10 task |
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hi ben please find etc
If during the recording of a MIDI part the musician has problems accurately performing a simultaneous note/pitch bend, how may this be solved?
This can be solved by simply recording the notes first and then recording the controller information (pitch bend) afterwards.
If a PC or MAC is used in a life performance with a sequencer, what would be more useful, lower latency settings or larger disk buffer settings?
Lower latency settings.
How long (in seconds) would 1 bar of music at 100BPM last?
This depends on the time signature
In 4/4 time 100 beats per minute is 0.6 seconds for every beat. Therefore one bar lasts 2.41 seconds.
In 3/4 time 100 beats per minute is still 0.6 seconds for every beat but there are only 3 beats to a bar so a bar would last for 1.8 seconds.
If a delay unit with no tap/tempo sync options is to be used, what is the relationship between the delay time in ms and the tempo of the track in bpm?
A quarter note delay time in milliseconds can be calculated by dividing the number of milliseconds in a minute (60,000) by the bpms. Other delay times can then be calculated for any note value.
How would the above setup be used to create an eigth-note delay in a 120BPM track?
A quarter note at 120bpms=60,000/120=500ms. Therefore an eighth note delay is half that value =250ms as an eight note is half as long as a quarter note.
How would the above setup be used to create a quarter-note delay in a 80BPM track?
60,000/80=750ms
How would a click track typically be used and routed in a live setup?
A click would be used to enable live instrumentalists (typically the drummer but possibly others ) to keep time with any midi (inc MSC) or pre-recorded audio parts. A click would be routed to headphones via the pa aux sends.
How could an electric guitar be used to create MIDI information?
To produce midi information from a guitar the most common method is a split pick-up, which is effectively one pick-up per string. When the string is played a specially designed circuit measures the frequency of the note generated and sends it to a small processor, which then generates a midi signal.
What is digital amp modelling?
Digital amp modelling is the use of mathematical models to produce the sonic characteristics of particular amplifier and cabinet (including miking characteristics) models.
If digital amp modelling is used with no cabinet emulation, what will be the effect on the sound?
The sound will include the amp emulation without a speaker emulation. As a result a major part of the effect is missing. There might be occasions where this is desirable for instance when a modelling amps effects section is desired along with the DI impedance matching capabilities of many such hardware/software.
How could a digital amp modeller be used live with amp switching controlled by a sequencer?
Modelling amps can be controlled via midi. Therefore amp switching can be midi controlled during playback of a sequencer. Modelling amps can also be controlled via write/read automation in some audio/midi sequences, when used in “insert” or “send” effect mode.
How can digital amp/cab modellers be used live to reduce onstage sound levels?
By providing amp/speaker and miking characteristics without the need for onstage amps and cabinets. The amp/cab modeller being connected directly to the pa via the mixer.
When using loops that have been triggered from a sampler via MIDI, what implications does it have on the engineers choice of playback position?
Playback positions are limited in that the engineer cannot start the sequence from any “mid” point of required loops, as under these circumstances the loops will not be triggered.
When using true analogue hardware synths on tour, what issues may there be with tuning?
The tuning of analogue hardware synths is very sensitive and will drift during extended use due to the effects of heat. An analogue hardware synths tuning will also be affected by the constant movement and temperature changes involved during touring.
Why may it be useful to record a live performance onto multitrack rather than a stereo medium?
To facilitate overdubs at a later stage and to assist in separation of instruments during mixing.
What is punching-in/out and how is it useful in studios with limited tracks?
Punching in/out is a method of replacing sections of recorded material. In a studio with limited tracks it can be useful for making the most efficient use of the tracks available. For instance if a guitar solo takes place during a passage where there is no singing the solo could be inserted into the vocal track at the appropriate point by punching in/out.
Briefly explain how MIDI can be used to control the lighting and visual elements of a show including how MIDI information is converted.
Midi can be used to control lighting and visual elements of a live show using Midi Show Control (MSC). Midi show control is a serial computer protocol for theatrical control systems used to exchange cue execution data. MSC uses a single universal real time system exclusive ID number for all show commands (transmissions from controller to controlled devices) Midi show control uses timecode which is consistent with midi time code.
How could a pitch-bend wheel be used to control lights in a 'xmas light' style in a live situation?
Xmas style light implies a rhythmic flashing of lights. A pitch bend wheel could transmit control change data controlling the on-off of the lights.
What problems are there with using MIDI for lighting control?
Windows XP running MSC software cannot synchronise lighting cues to a cd sound source.
What is the MSC protocol?
MSC or Midi show control is a subset of midi which, uses system exclusive messages to send non-musical commands to devices such as lights and other non-musical devices used in live shows.
Why should MSC not be used to control equipment such as pyrotechnics?
MSC should never be used to control equipment, which might be dangerous. Cueing or programming errors triggering pyrotechnics at the wrong time would be extremely dangerous and possibly life threatening.
What do the MSC commands Go, Stop and Fire usually do?
Go commands trigger the transition to a fade. The transition time being dictated by the cue in the controlled device. If no cue number is specified, the next cue number in the numerical sequence is triggered.
Fire triggers a pre-programmed keyboard macro.
Stop halts currently running transitions. If no cue number is specified, all running transitions stop. If a cue number is specified, only that single specific transition stops.
How accurate in the time domain is MSC?
MSC commands are accurate to within 1/30th of a second.
What 3 parts are there to a MTC command?
Midi time code is a system exclusive message containing quarter frame messages, full messages and midi cueing messages.
Quarter frame messages are sent when the tape is considered to be running. There are four quarter frame messages sent for each frame. The fact they are regular is for synchronisation purposes. Receiving devices can simply count them to find out how fast “time is running”. Each quarter frame also contains a small portion of an entire timecode word and when eight such messages have arrived, the receiver can decode them and find out the absolute time (in hours, minutes, seconds and frames). This ensures that synch is happening to frame accuracy.
Full messages are sent whenever a device goes from stop to start, or when for example a tape is wound or rewound to a specific position. Such messages contain a full timecode word, including frame rate and time code format.
Midi cueing messages contain a code for an action to be performed at a certain frame and include the specific frame (coded as in a full message). A number of such actions are pre-specified, such as punch in, punch out, start and stop.
What is a Macro in MSC terms?
A macro is simply a programmed set of commands. In MSC terms this would mean a sequence of pre-programmed lighting controls. Macros are either programmed at the controlled device or loaded via midi dump using any method applicable to the controlled device. |
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Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:10 pm |
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