Does the velocity need to be 0 for a note to be played again?
Does the Velocity Need to be 0 for a Note to be Played Again?
The MIDI Standard: Velocity 0 as Note Off
The MIDI standard, which governs the communication protocol for electronic musical instruments and software, provides guidelines for how MIDI notes should be interpreted. According to the MIDI standard, a MIDI Note On message with a velocity of 0 is considered a Note Off message. This means that when a MIDI note is triggered with a velocity of 0, it is intended to stop the playback of the note, similar to a traditional note-off event.
Variations in Software and Devices
While the MIDI standard defines the behavior of a MIDI note with a velocity of 0, different software and devices may implement this behavior in various ways. One notable example is the behavior of MDrummer, a virtual drum instrument. In previous versions of MDrummer, setting the velocity of a MIDI note to 0 would trigger random loops. However, it is important to note that the current version of MDrummer may not exhibit this behavior as expected.
Reaper’s Interpretation
Reaper, a popular digital audio workstation (DAW), may handle MIDI notes with a velocity of 0 differently. In some cases, setting the velocity of a MIDI note to 0 in Reaper may not result in the note being played again. Instead, the note may simply disappear, without producing any audible output. It is important to be aware of this behavior when working with MIDI notes in Reaper.
Alternative Approaches and Workarounds
In situations where the goal is to play a note again rather than stopping it, there may be alternative approaches or workarounds. One option is to mute the note instead of setting its velocity to 0. By muting the note, you can achieve a similar effect of temporarily silencing the note and then playing it again when desired. Exploring the specific functionalities and capabilities of the software or device being used can provide insight into alternative methods to achieve the desired result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MIDI standard considers a MIDI Note On message with a velocity of 0 as a Note Off event. However, the interpretation and consequences of using a velocity of 0 can vary depending on the software or device being used. It is important to consult the documentation and guidelines of the specific software or device to understand how it handles MIDI note velocities and to explore alternative approaches or workarounds if needed.
Sources:
- “Note On Velocity 0 is valid as note off?” – Bome Forum (https://forum.bome.com/t/note-on-velocity-0-is-valid-as-note-off/3992)
- “How can I change the velocity of a note being played?” – VI-CONTROL (https://vi-control.net/community/threads/how-can-i-change-the-velocity-of-a-note-being-played.50548/)
- “Velocity 0 = Note Off” – Cockos Incorporated Forums (https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=232615)
FAQs
What does it mean for a MIDI note to have a velocity of 0?
Is setting the velocity to 0 the only way to stop a MIDI note from playing?
Can setting the velocity to 0 cause a note to be played again?
In some cases, setting the velocity of a MIDI note to 0 may not cause the note to be played again. Certain software or devices may interpret a velocity of 0 as a command to silence the note without triggering its playback again.
Are there variations in how different software handles a velocity of 0?
What are some alternative methods to achieve the desired functionality?
Can a MIDI note with a velocity of 0 trigger specific actions or functionalities?
Yes, in certain software or devices, a MIDI note with a velocity of 0 can trigger specific actions or functionalities. For example, some virtual instruments or sequencers may interpret a velocity of 0 as a command to initiate specific effects, loops, or other musical events.
Does the behavior of a velocity of 0 vary depending on the MIDI instrument or sound module?
The behavior of a velocity of 0 can vary depending on the specific MIDI instrument or sound module being used. Different instruments or modules may handle MIDI note velocities differently, and it is advisable to consult the documentation or guidelines provided by the manufacturer to understand their specific behavior.
Are there any limitations or considerations when working with a velocity of 0?
When working with a velocity of 0, it is important to consider the specific limitations or behaviors of the software or device being used. Some applications or devices may have restrictions or specific requirements regarding the use of velocity values, and understanding these limitations can help ensure the desired results are achieved.