MIDI

MIDI is essentially an electronic protocol for telling gear (software or hardware) what to do. The computer assigns a series of numbers from 1-127 to the different notes of the scale. This allows you to write a linear sequence of notes (often in the form of a piano or keyboard roll) in a sequencer. You can make the synthesizer or sampler play back what you want.

There are midi notes (keys or pads), and midi controllers (sliders and knobs). MIDI notes play synth notes, launch clips, and do other things that can be accomplished by a singular button press. MIDI controllers are used for things like faders, lfo speed, or filter cutoff frequency.

MIDI is a common way of sequencing songs. The composer writes midi notes in a sequence and the synth, drum machine, or sampler plays the song as composed.

It is important to distinguish between midi and audio. Midi unto itself does not make sounds, it is merely instructions for whatever it is being sent to. For example, you can feed the same midi information into different synth's and they will play the same notes with completely different sounds. This is an advantage to working with midi files because it allows more flexibility to change the tone of the melody, line, or beat as you retain the same pattern.

...the breakdown

There are several different ways to create or play sounds in an electronic music environment. These techniques have been around for a long time and even today's most excitingly modern technology is most often just a re-iteration of these basic theories. By learning these techniques, you will overcome any one synth or program and be able to jump into any new environment knowing exactly what to look for.

You need to know about the following:

the difference between MIDI and audio waveforms
sampling
theories of synthesis
-- oscillator
-- LFO
-- filter
-- envelope
-- routing (modulation)
-- frequency modulation
how to implement EQ and compression

Each of the above topics stands to be elaborated upon at great length. I will use this list as an outline for my first posts.

secret of the whomp

I've decided to begin this blog as a resource to those who are interested in pursuing the art and science of electronic music and the blossoming scenes that evolve around it. In particular, I will address and reveal the tricks and techniques that so effectively shroud electronic music in mystery. I will discuss production techniques, the tools necessary, and how to effectively implement them. This intended as a resource for everyone, as well as a means for community building and discussion.