MUSC 108. Introduction to Music Technology - Fall 2013

05Lab9 - SMF Refinements

[Overview] [Syllabus]

Going For Baroque

The data entry is done. Now you need to think about performance issues, like where the performers are located on stage, what the relative volume of each instrument is in relation to the others, the dynamics of each instrument individually and as a group, and where the players decide to speed up and slow down.

This lab will deal with the first two issues, seating arrangement and balance of the instruments. Dynamics and tempo changes will be covered in future labs.

Seating Arrangement (Pan Control Messages)

Determine the seating arrangement of the four players and adjust the Pan Control messages accordingly. The pan control setting is currently 64 (center) for all instruments.

• Do you want the basso continuo instruments to set near each other?
• Do you want the continuo instruments to be in the center or off the side?
• Do you want the flute and oboe to sit side by side with the continuo on on the other side?
• Do you want the flute and oboe to be right and left of the continuo?
• etc.

Instrument balance (Volume Control Messages)

Determine the relative volume of each instrument is in relation to the others. The volume control setting is currently 100 for all instruments.

• The harpsichord is a relatively soft instrument and should be heard but should stay in the background and not overpower the other instruments.
• The three solo instruments should match in volume when you listen.

Experiment in MIDIDisplay

Add the Reset All Controllers Message

Open the GFB tab and copy A1:D269 into MIDIDisplay.

Add the Reset All Controllers messages directly into MIDIDisplay. Remember to:

• use tab instead of space between numbers
• use Bn 120 0 for the patch change command

Add Patch Change Messages

Add the Patch Change messages directly into MIDIDisplay. Remember to:

• use tab instead of space between numbers
• use Cn pp 0 (pp is patch number and data2 is zero) Contrary to the SMF, MIDIDisplay requires a two byte patch change command.

Play

Play enough to verify that the instruments are correct.

Add Pan Control Messages

If you were facing the four players they would be seated left to right in front of you. Decide on their seating arrangement and then pan them accordingly. Here are a few possible seating arrangements. You're free to invent your own.

Add the Pan Control messages directly into MIDIDisplay. Remember to:

• use tab instead of space between numbers
• use Bn 10 dd (dd is 0-127) for Pan Control messages. Zero is hard left, 64 is center, and 127 is hard right.

Play

Experiment with the Pan settings until you're satisfied.

Add Volume Control Messages

Add the Volume Control messages directly into MIDIDisplay. Remember to:

• use tab instead of space between numbers
• use Bn 10 dd (dd is 0-127) for Volume Control messages

Play

Work on combinations of different instruments playing.

HINT: Setting the track volume to zero is the same as the Mute button. Here are some possible combinations to try.

Update The Volume and Pan Settings in the SMF

Open the SMF tab and update your volume, pan, and patch settings in each track. Export a new SMF.

Save

Save it as GoingForBaroque.mid.

Play

Play your finished SMF.

We'll add tempo changes to GFB in Unit 6 labs.

[Overview] [Syllabus]