Appendix
211
Iridium Manual
channel is set to the same channel as the one the sender is
using to transmit data. Consequently, 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
Modulation influences or changes a sound-shaping com-
ponent via a modulation source. Modulation sources inclu-
de envelopes, LFOs, or MIDI messages. The modulation
destination is a sound-shaping component such as a filter
or an amplifier.
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 messa-
ges 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 devi-
ations 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 pro-
gram 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 immedia-
tely after the trigger is terminated, regardless of the enve-
