response. It transmits MIDI on up to 16 MIDI channels simultaneously, enabling
polyphonic pitch bend and the other expressive modulations available via 5D
Touch.
The receiving instruments that you use must be
multi-timbral
for you to
experience the full expressive capabilities of the Seaboard Block. They should
have a pitch bend range of at least +/- one octave and be able to respond to
aftertouch.
Note
: a
multi-timbral
software or hardware instrument is one that can play
multiple sounds at the same time by using multiple MIDI channels. Here, we’re
using those extra channels for note-by-note expression as opposed to different
sounds.
6.1 Multidimensional Polyphonic
Expression
The Seaboard Block supports MPE (multidimensional polyphonic expression), a
protocol for using standard MIDI messages to communicate with and enable
the operation of multidimensional instruments such as the Seaboard Block and
the Lightpad Block. MPE-capable devices can control multiple parameters of
each note independently such as pitch, timbre, and other nuances when used
within MPE-compatible software like Equator. MPE accomplishes this by
spreading MIDI data that pertain to each note across a range of MIDI channels
and reserving one channel (usually the lowest) for global MIDI messages such
as program change, pedal state, and fader positions. These global messages
affect all notes equally. Since each note gets its own channel, it’s effectively its
own sound “program” – even though you still see a single preset on-screen –
