Novation remote25sl User Guide
MIDI TUTORIAL
MIDI Messages
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Channel Messages
All of the different types of MIDI messages outlined so far include information detailing which MIDI channel
was used when the message was transmitted. MIDI channel messages will only affect receiving devices
using the same MIDI channel. For example, a Pitch Bend message sent using MIDI channel 1 would have
no effect at all if it were received on a synthesizer set to respond on MIDI channel 2.
was used when the message was transmitted. MIDI channel messages will only affect receiving devices
using the same MIDI channel. For example, a Pitch Bend message sent using MIDI channel 1 would have
no effect at all if it were received on a synthesizer set to respond on MIDI channel 2.
Some MIDI messages do not include any MIDI channel information defined in them. Some examples of
these are :
these are :
System Exclusive Messages
This is special type of MIDI message, often referred to as ‘Sysex’. System Exclusive messages can actu-
ally contain any type of data, depending what the synthesizer manufacturer decides to put in it! The only
constraint with system exclusive messages is that they always contain certain header information which is
exclusively used by the manufacturer (and usually the relevant synth model as well). What this effectively
means is that a MIDI device will only accept a system exclusive message designed especially for it. For
example, If the Novation K-Station should receive a system exclusive message transmitted by a different
make of synthesizer, the message would simply be ignored. Similarly, other makes of synthesizer will
ignore any system exclusive messages originally sent by a Novation K-Station.
ally contain any type of data, depending what the synthesizer manufacturer decides to put in it! The only
constraint with system exclusive messages is that they always contain certain header information which is
exclusively used by the manufacturer (and usually the relevant synth model as well). What this effectively
means is that a MIDI device will only accept a system exclusive message designed especially for it. For
example, If the Novation K-Station should receive a system exclusive message transmitted by a different
make of synthesizer, the message would simply be ignored. Similarly, other makes of synthesizer will
ignore any system exclusive messages originally sent by a Novation K-Station.
Unlike other types of MIDI message, System Exclusive messages do not have a fixed length. The MIDI
specification allows any number of data bytes (each with a value between 0 to 127) between a Sysex
Start byte and a Sysex End byte. The first data bytes in a Sysex message always contain the manufactur-
er ID. This is unique to each Synthesizer manufacturer.
specification allows any number of data bytes (each with a value between 0 to 127) between a Sysex
Start byte and a Sysex End byte. The first data bytes in a Sysex message always contain the manufactur-
er ID. This is unique to each Synthesizer manufacturer.
Some manufacturers (such as Yamaha) employ short Sysex messages for sound editing purposes rather
than using Control Change messages. The ReMOTE 25 can send short System Exclusive messages con-
taining up to 20 bytes (including the manufacturer ID). See pages 34 & 35 for details.
than using Control Change messages. The ReMOTE 25 can send short System Exclusive messages con-
taining up to 20 bytes (including the manufacturer ID). See pages 34 & 35 for details.
The ReMOTE 25 employs system exclusive messages for two distinct purposes. Firstly, they can be used
to back up all of the ReMOTE 25’s memories and global data. This feature is extremely useful in building
up a Template library on a computer or for making a safety copy of data in case the worst should happen.
Data backup is discussed in detail on Page 44 in the Advanced Features chapter.
to back up all of the ReMOTE 25’s memories and global data. This feature is extremely useful in building
up a Template library on a computer or for making a safety copy of data in case the worst should happen.
Data backup is discussed in detail on Page 44 in the Advanced Features chapter.
Secondly, Novation also use system exclusive messages to enable a ReMOTE 25 to update its entire
operating system via MIDI. The latest operating system for the ReMOTE 25 is always available free of
charge at the Novation web site. From there, it can be downloaded as an SMF (Standard MIDI File). See
page 48 for details.
operating system via MIDI. The latest operating system for the ReMOTE 25 is always available free of
charge at the Novation web site. From there, it can be downloaded as an SMF (Standard MIDI File). See
page 48 for details.
MIDI Machine Control (MMC) Messages
These are are a range of messages designed to communicate with sequencers and recording devices. In
reality, MMC commands are actually specialised forms of System Exclusive messages (termed ‘Universal’)
which are designed to be recognised by any manufacturer supporting MMC.
reality, MMC commands are actually specialised forms of System Exclusive messages (termed ‘Universal’)
which are designed to be recognised by any manufacturer supporting MMC.
When MMC commands are assigned to ReMOTE 25 controls, only the MMC command need be specified.
The remainder of the MMC Universal System Exclusive message is automatically constructed by the
ReMOTE 25. See page 32 for details on assigning MMC.
The remainder of the MMC Universal System Exclusive message is automatically constructed by the
ReMOTE 25. See page 32 for details on assigning MMC.
A MIDI Implementation Chart provides a concise way of telling at a glance which MIDI messages an instru-
ment will transmit and respond to. A MIDI Implementation Chart for the ReMOTE 25 can be found on page
51.
ment will transmit and respond to. A MIDI Implementation Chart for the ReMOTE 25 can be found on page
51.