MIDI and sequencing

Question 1

List 3 things that describe sequencing.

Answer 1

• A method of controlling musical performance
• A method of storing a musical performance
• Analogous to sheet music/score notation

Question 2

Build on the idea that a sequencer controls a musical performance.

Answer 2

It communicates realtime music data to synthesiser.

Does not describe sound or audio content.

Question 3

Build on the idea that a sequencer stores a musical performance.

Answer 3

Like audio recording, sequences can be saved. Unlike audio, stored sequences can also be edited.

Question 4

Build on the idea that a sequencer is analogous to sheet music/score notation.

Answer 4

Tells performers (e.g. synthesisers) what to play
 (e.g. notes, timing, rhythm, pitch, loudness, etc.)
Sequencers use a wide variety of UIs / digital notations 
to enable the visualisation and manipulation of music.

Question 5

List 2 examples of early sequencers

Answer 5

• Piano roll

- Early analogue synths that used control voltage (CV)

Question 6

Describe MIDI In, Out and Thru

Answer 6

MIDI In - receives input to the device
MIDI Out - sends output from a device
MIDI Thru – outputs the input (copies)

Question 7

What are MIDI messages?

Answer 7

“8”-bit binary chunks (e.g. MIDI bytes) 
often shown in hexadecimal

Question 8

List the advantages of MIDI.

Answer 8

• Captures a live performance
• Can be created/edited digitally
• MIDI files are extremely small (5-300KB)
• Simple standard - quite easy to program
• Ubiquitous - universal, widely compatible

Question 9

List the disadvantages of MIDI.

Answer 9

• Slow transmission rate
• Timing precision issues
• Limited expressivity

Question 10

Describe a hardware based/MIDI recorder sequencer.

Answer 10

• ‘Tape recorder’ paradigm
• Record / playback MIDI
• Can be used to layer tracks
• Very limited editing
(easier to re-record)


Question 11

Describe a step/pattern based sequencer.

Answer 11

e. g. Patterns of 16 steps
- Digital step sequencers
able to store and sequence
multiple patterns, and
control multiple parameters
- Also came with pre-loaded
 patterns – now familiar!
- Complex edits cumbersome
- Used for progressive styles

Question 12

Give examples of early sequencer software.

Answer 12

Fairlight CMI Series II (1979)

MIDI sequencers - Steinberg Cubase and Notator (now logic) 1980s.

Question 13

Describe the Atari ST.

Answer 13

1985 - 512KB or 1MB floppy drive. Integrated MIDI ports

Made it an ideal choice for home and semi-pro music making and also made it into some pro studios

Question 14

Describe the Amiga 500

Answer 14

1987 - 512KB or 1MB RAM, floppy drive. Powerful, 256 colour graphics. 4 Chn., 8(+6)-bit Digital Audio. Digital sample-based synthesis. Tracker-style sequencers

Question 15

What are the features of a traditional/linear timeline DAW/sequencer?

Answer 15

e. g. protools, logic
- Oriented around Arrange Window
- Based on recording a live performance
- Designed for live musicians / performers / producers
- Linear musical structure (one, unbroken long piece)

Question 16

What are the features of a Loop/Pattern based DAW/sequencer?

Answer 16

e. g. ableton live, FL studio
- Oriented around Mixer / Loop or Pattern
- Based on building a composition gradually
- Designed for computer musicians / composers
- Non-linear musical structure (short chunks of music)