Appendix – Glossary
163
Waldorf Q User’s Manual
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, LFO 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.
Program Change
These are MIDI messages that switch sound
programs. Program numbers 1 through 128 can be
changed via program change messages.
Release
An envelope parameter. The term "Release" describes
the descent rate of an envelope to its minimum value
after a trigger is terminated. The Release phase begins
immediately after the trigger is terminated, regardless
of the envelope's current status. For instance, the
Release phase may be initiated during the Attack
phase.
Resonance
Resonance is an important filter parameter. It
emphasizes a narrow bandwidth around the filter
cutoff frequency by amplifying these frequencies.
This is one of the most popular methods of
manipulating sounds. If you substantially increase the
resonance, i.e to a level where the filter begins self-
oscillation, then it will generate a relatively clean sine
oscillation.
Sustain
An envelope parameter. The term "Sustain" describes
the level of an envelope that remains constant after it
has run through the Attack and Decay phases. Sustain
lasts until the trigger is terminated.
System Exclusive Data
System exclusive data allow access to the heart of a
MIDI device. They enable access to data and
functions that no other MIDI messages are able to
address. "Exclusive" in this context means that these
data pertain only to one device type or model. Every
device has unique system exclusive data. The most
common applications for SysEx data include transfer
of entire memories and complete control of a device
via a computer.
Trigger
A trigger is a signal that activates events. Trigger
signals are very diverse. For instance, a MIDI note or
an audio signal can be used as triggers. The events a
trigger can initiate are also very diverse. A common
application for a trigger is when it is used to start an
envelope.
VCA
VCA is the acronym for voltage-controlled amplifier.
A VCA is a component that influences the volume
level of a sound via a control voltage. This is often
generated by an envelope or an LFO.
