Note on

Definition

A 'note on' refers to a message or signal that indicates the initiation of a sound in a digital audio or MIDI environment. This action is essential for triggering sounds in software instruments and synthesizers, essentially informing the system that a specific note should be played. In MIDI communication, a note on message is paired with a corresponding note off message to control the duration of the sound.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Note on' messages are characterized by two key pieces of information: the pitch of the note being triggered and its velocity, which affects the intensity of the sound.
2. In MIDI, 'note on' messages are transmitted over channels, allowing multiple notes to be played simultaneously across different instruments.
3. The standard MIDI protocol defines specific values for note on messages, typically ranging from 0 to 127 for both pitch and velocity.
4. Digital audio workstations (DAWs) utilize 'note on' signals to manage MIDI data and playback, allowing musicians to create complex compositions.
5. 'Note on' messages are integral for live performances as they enable musicians to trigger sounds in real-time through MIDI controllers.

Review Questions

• How do 'note on' messages function in relation to MIDI communication and what role do they play in digital music production?
  • 'Note on' messages function as essential triggers in MIDI communication by signaling when a note should begin playing. They provide crucial information regarding both the pitch of the note and its velocity, which influences how loud or soft the sound is produced. In digital music production, these messages are used to create melodies and rhythms within software instruments and are fundamental in shaping compositions.
• Compare 'note on' and 'note off' messages in MIDI. Why is it important to understand both concepts when working with digital audio?
  • 'Note on' and 'note off' messages are two sides of the same coin in MIDI communication. While 'note on' initiates the sound by indicating which note should be played, 'note off' signals the end of that sound. Understanding both concepts is crucial because they work together to define how long a note is sustained and allow musicians to create dynamic performances by precisely controlling when sounds begin and end.
• Evaluate the impact of 'note on' messages on live performance technology and composition techniques in modern music.
  • 'Note on' messages have significantly transformed live performance technology and composition techniques in modern music by enabling musicians to interact with digital instruments and software seamlessly. These messages allow for real-time triggering of sounds, making performances more dynamic and expressive. Furthermore, composers can experiment with various timbres and textures using MIDI data, facilitating creativity that blends traditional music with electronic elements. The flexibility afforded by 'note on' messaging has become a cornerstone in contemporary music production.

Related terms

MIDI: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate and synchronize with each other.

note off: A note off message is the signal sent to terminate the sound of a note that has been previously activated by a note on message, effectively controlling the length of the note being played.

velocity: In MIDI, velocity refers to the speed and force with which a note is played, affecting the loudness and timbre of the sound produced.