Tiffany Haney
There are several ways to pan notes in a MIDI editor, and the best method depends on the software being used. For example, when using Ableton, one option is to duplicate the whole track, pan the new track, delete the notes that don't need to be panned, and then delete the notes you've panned from the original track. Another option is to record the audio of the MIDI notes you want to pan to their own audio track and then use the panning capabilities for the audio clip. When using REAPER, one method is to put ReaControlMIDI first in the chain, add your VST synth, and then add JS Utility volume pan. You can then edit the Pan CC parameter in the MIDI editor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| VST | Reaper, Ableton |
| VST Instruments | ReaControlMIDI, VST3.5 |
| VST Synth | |
| VSTi | Kontakt |
| VSTi Track | |
| MIDI Editor | Piano Roll |
| MIDI CCs | CC10 |
| Audio Clip |
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What You'll Learn
Using two instances of the synth with different MIDI channels
Panning notes in a MIDI editor can be done in a few different ways, and one method that can be used is to employ two instances of the synth with different MIDI channels. This approach allows for more flexibility in panning individual notes without the need for complex signal routing.
To achieve this, you can start by duplicating the patch and panning both patches symmetrically, with one patch panned to the left and the other to the right. Next, assign each patch to a separate channel. In your MIDI editor, you can then set the notes accordingly, assigning the notes you want on the left to channel 1 and those on the right to channel 2.
This method ensures that each instance of the synth has its own unique panning, allowing for a more dynamic and immersive sound. It provides a creative way to position different notes in the stereo field, enhancing the overall mix.
Additionally, by using two instances of the synth, you can create interesting effects by panning overlapping notes in opposite directions. This adds a layer of complexity to your sound, making it more engaging and captivating for listeners.
Keep in mind that this technique may require some experimentation to find the perfect balance between the left and right channels. However, with some adjustments and fine-tuning, you can achieve a professional-sounding mix with precise control over the panning of individual notes.
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Assigning each note its own pan setting
There are several ways to pan individual notes in a MIDI editor, and the best method for you will depend on the software and hardware you are using. Here is a step-by-step guide to assigning each note its own pan setting:
First, check if your software supports CC10 automation in ReaControlMIDI. If it does, you can use this to pan individual notes. However, keep in mind that all sounding notes will follow this pan change, so this method is best used for a series of single notes.
If your software does not support CC10 automation, you can try the following workaround:
- Put ReaControlMIDI first in the chain and enable Control Change. Your VST won't read the Pan CC changes, but this module will.
- Add your VST synth. It will play its notes as usual, ignoring any Pan changes.
- Add JS Utility volume pan after. You will pan the sound with this.
- Touch the pan slider, then go to the Param button on the top of the FX chain window and select Parameter modulation.
- Click 'Link' from the parameter. In the box that says 'none', select ReaControlMIDI and the 5. Pan option. Change the slider at the top to get the full pan range; otherwise, it will only go from center to far right.
- Edit the 10 Pan CC parameter in the MIDI editor.
Another option is to use two instances of the synth with different MIDI channels and pan one left and the other right. This method may be easier to set up as it requires no signal routing.
Additionally, if you are using Kontakt, you can duplicate the patch and pan both patches symmetrically (1: left/2: right). Then, assign patch 1 to channel 1 and patch 2 to channel 2. In your MIDI editor, set the notes you want on the left to channel 1 and the notes you want on the right to channel 2.
Finally, if you are using Reaper, you can render the output of one VSTi and then split the audio file at the note-on transients. Spread them over multiple audio tracks, and then pan the notes using knob automation or a panner plug-in.
Please note that some of these methods may be tedious or require a good amount of VSTi's in your project. It is important to consider the limitations of your software and hardware when choosing a method for panning individual notes in a MIDI editor.
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Panning notes in Reaper
Using ReaControlMIDI and JS Utility Volume Pan
This method involves using ReaControlMIDI and JS Utility Volume Pan to control the panning of individual notes. Here are the steps:
- Put ReaControlMIDI first in the chain and enable Control Change. The VST won't read the Pan CC changes, but this module will.
- Add your VST synth. It will play its notes, ignoring any Pan changes.
- Add JS Utility volume pan after. Touch the pan slider, then go to the Param button at the top of the FX chain window and select Parameter modulation.
- Click Link from the parameter. Select ReaControlMIDI and the Pan option in the drop-down box. You may need to adjust the slider at the top for the full pan range.
- Edit the 10 Pan CC parameter in the MIDI editor to fine-tune the panning.
Duplicating Tracks and Deleting Notes
Another approach is to duplicate the entire track, pan each duplicate left or right, and then remove the notes you don't want from each side. This method can be time-consuming, but it works with any instrument. Here are the detailed steps:
- Duplicate the track.
- Pan one track left and the other right.
- In each track, delete every other note so that the two tracks alternate notes.
Using MIDI Panning (CC10)
MIDI Panning (CC10) can be used if your VST instrument supports it. In Reaper, you can create a new parameter under the piano roll grid to control the panning. However, this method may not work with all VST instruments.
Using Shaperbox or PanMan
If your notes are at regular intervals, you can use Shaperbox to automate the panning process. Alternatively, if there is enough distinction between the notes, PanMan may be a suitable option.
Using Multiple Instances of the Synth with Different MIDI Channels
If you want overlapping notes with sounds panned in opposite directions, you can use two instances of the synth with different MIDI channels, panning one left and the other right. This method may be easier to set up as it requires no signal routing.
While Reaper does not have built-in per-note panning functionality, these workarounds allow you to achieve similar results. Keep in mind that some methods may be more complex or time-consuming than others, so choose the one that best suits your needs and workflow.
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Using Ableton
To pan notes in the MIDI editor in Ableton, you must first open the Clip View by double-clicking on a clip or using the CtrlAlt3 (Win) / CmdOption3 (Mac) keyboard shortcut. This will bring up the Clip Content Editor, where you can edit the MIDI clip.
In the Clip View, you can switch to the Notes tab/panel by using the Alt1 (Win) / Option1 (Mac) key combination. Here, you will find the MIDI Note Editor, which is divided into two editing windows: the upper MIDI Note Editor and the lower Expression Editor lanes, including the MIDI Velocity and MIDI Chance Editor lanes.
While Ableton does not offer a straightforward way to pan individual MIDI notes, there are some workarounds. One method is to duplicate the entire track, pan the new track, and then delete the notes you don't want to be panned. You can then return to the original track and delete the notes you have panned.
Another technique involves using two tracks with the same synth panned left and right, receiving the same MIDI notes. You can then use a M4L patch before each synth to modulate the velocity based on MIDI ctrl automation for panning.
Additionally, you can use velocity zones in the instrument rack to modulate panning by velocity. This method involves using velocity as a way of cross-fading between two synths panned left and right.
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Using Cockos
Panning individual notes in the MIDI editor in Cockos is not a straightforward process. There is no direct way to do this, but there are workarounds.
One method is to use two instances of the synth with different MIDI channels and pan one left and the other right. This can be achieved by duplicating the VSTi track and panning them symmetrically, then creating a new track and dragging the MIDI items onto it. You then need to create sends from the MIDI item track to the respective VSTi tracks and channels.
Another workaround is to use an FX chain with two copies of the VST, each with different panning. You then send MIDI channel 1 to the first instance and channel 2 to the second. In your piano roll, add notes for each channel, depending on the desired panning.
A third option is to use ReaControlMIDI and JS Utility Volume Pan to achieve the desired panning effect.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some hardware workstations may be capable of panning individual notes, and this can be done by assigning or crossfading individual voices to individual outputs.
While these methods can achieve the desired panning effect, they may be tedious and time-consuming to implement.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to do this is to duplicate the track, pan the new track, and then delete the notes you don't want to be panned. Then, go back to the original track and delete the notes you have already panned.
You can record the audio of the MIDI notes you want to pan to their own audio track and then use the panning capabilities for the audio clip.
Put ReaControlMIDI first in the chain and enable Control Change. Add your VST synth, which will play its notes as usual, ignoring any Pan changes. Add JS Utility volume pan after, and pan the sound with this.
