Cody Casey
There are several ways to set a pan value to a MIDI note. One way is to use the pan>key feature available in Sampler, Analog, Operator, and Collision. Another way is to use separate tracks and pan them separately. Additionally, you can use a Left-Right EQ to shelf the higher frequencies on the left and boost the lower frequencies, then do the opposite for the right. In Ableton, you can use the modulation view and draw with the pencil tool into the pan envelope for the clip. Alternatively, you can record the audio of the MIDI notes you want to pan to its own audio track and use the panning capabilities for the audio clip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| MIDI note panning | Possible by using Control Change messages to change the value of a panning control |
| MIDI note panning in Ableton | Possible by using separate tracks, the pan>key feature, or a Left Right EQ |
| MIDI note panning in other DAWs | Possible by using multiple tracks or chains, or by creating an instrument rack with multiple synths and assigning MIDI notes to each synth |
| MIDI note panning in Cubase | Possible by changing the MIDI note velocity to adjust panning |
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What You'll Learn
Using the pan>key feature
The pan>key feature is available in Sampler, Analog, Operator, and Collision. Most other VST synths also have this feature. This feature allows you to set a pan value to a MIDI note.
To use the pan>key feature, you need to ensure that your synth is capable of stereo output and polyphony. Your synth should also be able to assign a panning function to different voices. Once you have set up your synthesizer to play different voices of a chord, you can pan them differently in the stereo field.
You can also use the pan>key feature by creating key split zones and layering multiple synths in an instrument rack. Then, you can add three of the same synthesizers and pan them separately. Alternatively, you can duplicate the instrument in the Chains section of the instrument as many times as you want different panning. After that, go to the Key tab and assign each instrument to a small selection of notes, adjusting the panning within the specific instrument chain.
Another method is to use two or more tracks and pan them separately. You can also use a Left Right EQ and shelf the higher frequencies down on the left, and boost the lower frequencies, then do the opposite for the right.
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Using separate tracks
Ableton
In Ableton, one method is to duplicate the instrument within the Chains section multiple times, depending on the desired number of different pannings. Then, in the Key tab, assign each instrument to a specific set of notes and adjust the panning within the instrument chain. This approach may limit your chord range, but it can still be effective. Another method is to record each note individually on separate tracks and then pan them as desired. This allows for separate adjustments to volume and other effects.
Pro Tools
In Pro Tools, the MIDI pan control does not function on a per-note basis. Therefore, to pan individual MIDI notes, it is recommended to split the panned notes onto different instrument tracks.
Logic Pro
In Logic Pro, it is not possible to pan individual notes within a single MIDI region. Instead, you need to duplicate the track and separate the MIDI, or use the virtual instrument's panning capabilities if it supports per-note panning. If it does not, you will need to split the MIDI into multiple tracks, each with the same instance of the virtual instrument, and pan them to different spots.
FL Studio
In FL Studio, one method is to use panning automation by placing one MIDI note, panning it as desired, and then repeating the process for each additional note. However, this can be challenging when selecting individual notes within stacked automation. A more common approach is to use multiple tracks, as it provides a cleaner result and makes it easier to adjust the panning of each note.
Overall, using separate tracks for panning individual MIDI notes is a versatile technique that can be adapted to various DAWs. It provides greater control and flexibility in the mixing process, allowing producers and engineers to create the desired stereo image for their music.
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Using a Left Right EQ
While there is no such thing as "MIDI pan", there are some ways to set a pan value to a MIDI note. One way is to use the pan>key feature in Sampler, Analog, Operator, or Collision. Another way is to use a Left/Right EQ.
When using a Left/Right EQ, you can create or enhance the difference between the left and right channels of the audio signal, resulting in a wider stereo field. This technique can be used to create sound design effects, such as a phaser-like sound.
- It is important to measure one side at a time using 1/3 oct pink noise tracks and correct for L/R.
- Mark an X on the windshield just below the rearview mirror and play the PN tracks. Ensure that they image up in a tight bunch at the X.
- If the PN tracks image to the left or right of the X, use the EQ accordingly.
- Be prepared to tweak the settings a few times to get the best sound.
- When checking against the X at each frequency, move your head slightly to the left and right.
- Be aware that EQ'ing left and right for center can mess with the combined frequency response.
- When using asymmetrical crossover points and slopes, it is recommended to have a 3-band EQ.
- Fine-tune the frequencies above 1kHz to diminish irritating direct sound from the tweeters.
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Using Control Change messages
MIDI CC, or Continuous Controller, is a type of MIDI message that can be used to control various parameters on a MIDI-enabled device, such as a synthesizer or sound module. These messages are sent using a specific MIDI channel and controller number, and they can be used to adjust parameters like volume, panning, and other effects. One advantage of MIDI CC is that it allows for real-time control of a device, making it useful in live performances.
When using MIDI, it's important to note that there is no concept of "MIDI pan". However, Control Change messages can be utilized to modify the value of a panning control. This can be achieved by sending a specialized internal message from the piano roll to its track, adjusting the panning in a similar way to automation but with distinct handling.
To implement individual MIDI note panning, it is recommended to use two or more tracks for a cleaner result as the tails won't be cut off prematurely. Additionally, certain software synthesizers, such as Simpler/Sampler and Arturia SEM, offer a Random Pan feature that allows for random panning of each note. This can be particularly effective with one-shot sounds.
For further customization, you can create key split zones and layer multiple synths within an instrument rack. By duplicating the instrument in the Chains section and adjusting the panning within each specific instrument chain, you can achieve different panning for various notes. This method requires a synthesizer capable of stereo output and polyphony, as well as the ability to assign a panning function to different voices.
Registered Parameter Numbers (RPNs) serve as an extension to the Control Change message, allowing for the setting of additional parameters. However, it's important to be cautious when implementing these messages as they can significantly impact compatibility with other products.
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Using the Modulation view
When creating music, modulation is a powerful tool that can make your sampled instruments sound more realistic and expressive. MIDI programming can be used to make your orchestral samples sound more realistic. Modulation can be adjusted throughout the entire duration of a note. For example, you can start soft, crescendo to more force, and then slowly fade back down to a whisper within a single note.
To use modulation in MIDI, assign velocity values from 1 to 127 (1 being a soft tap and 127 being a loud bang). The "sound" of velocity is not only about "quiet" versus "loud". The way an instrument is hit affects more than just volume. For instance, if you hit a drum very softly, it will have a different timbre and texture than if you were to hit it hard.
In Logic Pro X, you can draw modulation by selecting "modulation" inside the MIDI editor. After finding the notes you want to modulate, hold down the COMMAND key, which will allow you to draw the desired shape into the modulation window. You can also use a physical MIDI controller, as many MIDI keyboards include faders that can be mapped to the modulation parameter inside your DAW.
In Ableton, clip envelopes can be used to automate or modulate device parameters. To work with clip envelopes, open up the Clip View's Envelopes tab by clicking the tab header with the icon in the Clip View. The Envelopes tab contains two choosers for selecting an envelope to view and edit. The left-hand side menu is the Device chooser, which selects a general category of controls to work with.
Sample offset modulation is a tool for quickly creating interesting variations of beat loops. Some sample offset envelope gestures have a characteristic effect, such as a downward "escalator" shape, which repeats the step at the envelope's beginning.
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Frequently asked questions
To set a pan value to a MIDI note in Ableton, you can use the pan>key feature. You can also use separate tracks and pan them separately.
Yes, you can pan individual MIDI notes by using multiple tracks or chains. You can also use the Random Pan percentage feature in Simpler/Sampler to pan each note randomly.
In FL Studio, the piano roll sends a specialized internal message to its track to adjust the panning. This is similar to automation but handled differently.
Yes, you can access pan settings in the mixer section of the clip envelopes using MIDI CCs.
