This document discusses programming MIDI controllers to generate sound, light, and graphics. An Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI) sends MIDI messages containing data about notes played to a synthesizer program, which generates sound output. MIDI messages can also be sent to Processing to generate graphics or to Chuck to generate timed sound output. Combining these tools allows generating synchronized sound, graphics, and light in response to input from MIDI controllers like an EWI or Launchpad.

1. Programming for MIDI
controllers
@jordanorelli
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2. This is an EWI.
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3. An EWI does not make
sound.
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4. It only makes data.
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5. It is a data horn.
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6. The data that the EWI
makes is MIDI.
MIDI
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7. A MIDI message looks
like this:
144 60 80
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8. A MIDI message looks
like this:
144 60 80
type
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9. A MIDI message looks
like this:
144 60 80
type data1
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10. A MIDI message looks
like this:
144 60 80
type data1 data2
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11. MIDI
The EWI sends MIDI
messages to a synthesizer.
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12. MIDI
The synthesizer is just a
program. It was free.
(i.e., gratis)
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13. MIDI
The synthesizer sends
sound to the speakers.
SOUND
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14. (demo)
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15. You can send MIDI
messages anywhere you
like.
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16. That is your right as a
programmer.
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17. MIDI
I like to send MIDI
messages to
Processing...
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18. MIDI
... and have
Processing generates
graphics.
LIGHT
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19. You can use the synth and
Processing at the same
time.
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20. MIDI
MIDI
SOUND
LIGHT
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21. (demo)
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22. This is my Launchpad.
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23. It also sends MIDI
messages.
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24. It sends MIDI messages
when you push its
buttons.
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25. Additionally, it can receive
MIDI messages.
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26. Sending MIDI message to
the Launchpad can turn
lights on and off.
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27. MIDI
I like to send MIDI
messages to ChucK...
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28. MIDI
... and have ChucK
generate sound.
SOUND
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29. ChucK is a strongly timed
language. “one second” is
always the same amount
of time.
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30. Since rhythm is a function
of time, ChucK is an
excellent keeper of
rhythm.
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31. Programming rhythm
means programming time
itself.
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32. (demo)
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33. We can also send OSC
messages from ChucK to
Processing.
OSC
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34. ...and have Processing
generate graphics.
OSC
LIGHT
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35. We can generate the sound
and the graphics at the same
time.
OSC
LIGHT
MIDI
SOUND
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36. (demo)
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37. Let’s bring the EWI back.
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38. MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
OSC
SOUND
SOUND
LIGHT
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39. (demo)
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40. Thanks!
@jordanorelli
github.com/jordanorelli
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