Appendix
121
Blofeld User´s Manual
MIDI Thru has a special function. It allows the sender to
transmit to several receivers. It routes the incoming signal
to the next device without modifying it. Another device is
simply connected to this jack, thus creating a chain
through which the sender can address a number of
receivers. Of course it is desirable for the sender to be
able to address each device individually. Consequently,
there is a rule which is applied to ensure each device
responds accordingly.
MIDI Channel
This is a very important element of most messages. A
receiver can only respond to incoming messages if its
receive channel is set to the same channel as the one the
sender is using to transmit data. Subsequently, the sender
can address specific receivers individually. MIDI
Channels 1 through 16 are available for this purpose.
MIDI Clock
The MIDI Clock message determines the tempo of a piece
of music. It serves to synchronize processes based on
time.
Modulation
A modulation influences or changes a sound-shaping
component via a modulation source. Modulation sources
include envelopes, LFOs or MIDI messages. The
modulation destination is sound-shaping component such
as a filter or a VCA.
Note on / Note off
This is the most important MIDI message. It determines
the pitch and velocity of every generated note. The time
of arrival is simultaneously the start time of the note. Its
pitch is derived from the note number, which lies
between 0 and 127. The velocity lies between 1 and 127.
A value of 0 for velocity is similar to "Note Off".
Panning
The process of changing the signal's position within the
stereo panorama.
Pitchbend
Pitchbend is a MIDI message. Although pitchbend
messages are similar in function to control change
messages, they are a distinct type of message. The reason
for this distinction is that the resolution of a pitchbend
message is substantially higher than that of a conventional
Controller message. The human ear is exceptionally
sensitive to deviations in pitch, so the higher resolution is
used because it relays pitchbend information more
accurately.
