Unleashing Midi's Creative Control: Removing Auto Pan For Unique Expression

Removing auto pan from a MIDI file can be done in several ways, depending on the software you are using. In Ableton, for example, you can open the Envelopes and delete the pans from the track. Another method is to use automation in your arrangement view for the clip. Alternatively, you can try using a Monomizer plug-in, which should do the trick.

Use the event list for each track and delete or adjust control events

To remove auto pan from a MIDI file, you can use the event list for each track to delete or adjust control events. This method is especially useful when dealing with imported MIDI tracks where you want to change the volume or pan settings.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Open the event list for each track: This can usually be done by selecting the track and then accessing the event list or editor through your DAW's interface.
• Locate the control events: In the event list, the first few events listed for each track should be control events. These are the settings that affect the behaviour of the track, including volume and panning.
• Identify control event numbers 7 and 10: Control event number 7 typically corresponds to volume, while control event number 10 is for pan settings. These may be labelled as "MIDI Volume CC7" and "MIDI Pan CC10" in some DAWs.
• Delete or adjust the control events: Depending on your desired outcome, you can either delete these control events entirely or adjust their values. Deleting them will revert the settings to their default values, which are usually maximum volume (127) and centre pan (64). You can then use your mixer to fine-tune these settings to your liking. Alternatively, you can directly input new values for volume and pan in the control events.
• Repeat for each track: If you have multiple tracks with auto pan settings you want to remove or adjust, remember to go through this process for each track individually.

Using the event list to delete or adjust control events gives you precise control over the volume and panning of your MIDI tracks. It allows you to fine-tune your mix and ensure that each track is balanced according to your creative vision. This method is especially useful when dealing with imported MIDI files where you want more control over these settings.

Use the Hyper editor to check velocity/panning information

To use the Hyper editor to check velocity/panning information, select the region you want to edit and press [command] + [5] on your keyboard to open the Hyper editor screen. The Hyper Editor is a powerful tool for creating and manipulating MIDI data, displaying far more information than the Piano Roll. It shows MIDI data in separate lanes, called Event Definitions, allowing you to see, create, and edit different types of data in a single window.

In the Hyper Editor, each drum is listed on the left, with event information displayed along a conventional timeline. The height of the vertical beams in the lanes represents the value of the event. You can also see the velocity marker for whichever note your mouse is hovering over, as Live highlights this for you.

You can change the velocity for a MIDI note by clicking and dragging on the associated marker in the Velocity Editor lane. Velocity values will be shown numerically in the Velocity Editor's lane header. To select multiple velocity markers to change, hold the Shift key while clicking.

To change the probability of a MIDI note, use the Chance Editor lane. Click and drag on the associated marker to adjust the probability value between 0-100%. Live will highlight the probability marker for whichever note your mouse is hovering over. Probability changes will also be shown numerically in the Chance Editor's lane header.

Use automation in the arrangement view

Automation is a powerful tool in music production that allows you to change various parameters of your MIDI clips over time, such as volume, pan, and track activation. This can add interest and dynamics to your music, and is an essential technique for creating professional-sounding productions. Here's a step-by-step guide to using automation in the arrangement view:

Understanding Automation:

Automation refers to the process of recording or drawing changes to MIDI controls over time. This allows you to create dynamic and evolving sounds, adding movement and interest to your music.

Enabling Automation Mode:

To work with automation in the arrangement view, you need to activate Automation Mode. You can do this by either pressing the "A" key on your keyboard or by clicking the toggle button above the track headers. The Automation Mode button looks like a straight line with a small circle in the middle.

Viewing and Editing Automation Envelopes:

Once Automation Mode is enabled, you can view and edit automation envelopes for mixer and device controls. Automation envelopes define the value of a control at any given point in time. To view an envelope, simply click on a track's mixer or device control, and the envelope will be displayed on the clip track.

Recording Automation:

There are two ways to record automation in the arrangement view. The first method is to manually change parameters while recording new material directly into the arrangement. Make sure the Automation Arm button is enabled, and then start recording. Any changes you make to the controls will be recorded as automation.

The second method is to record a Session View performance into the arrangement. If your Session clips contain automation, it will be recorded into the arrangement along with any manual changes to parameters in the recorded tracks.

Drawing Automation:

In addition to recording, you can also draw automation envelopes using your mouse. With Draw Mode enabled, click and drag to create an envelope curve. You can adjust the curve by dragging its line segments and breakpoints. This allows for precise control over the automation of your MIDI parameters.

Deleting and Overriding Automation:

To delete all automation data from a control, right-click on it and select "Delete Automation." You can also override existing automation by manually changing the control's value when not recording. This will deactivate the automation, and the control's LED will turn off.

Using Automation Shapes:

Ableton offers a range of predefined automation shapes, such as sine, triangle, and square waves. These shapes can be inserted into your envelopes to quickly create complex rhythmic patterns and subtle movements. Simply right-click on a time selection and choose a shape from the context menu.

Simplifying Envelopes:

If your automation envelope has a large number of breakpoints, you can use the Simplify Envelope command to reduce their number. This simplifies the envelope while retaining its overall shape, making it easier to edit.

Locking Envelopes:

By default, automation envelopes move with the arrangement view clips. However, you can lock the envelopes to the song position using the Lock Envelopes switch. This allows you to move clips without affecting the automation.

Editing the Tempo Automation:

The song tempo in Ableton can also be automated. To edit the tempo envelope, unfold the Master track in the arrangement view, choose "Mixer" from the top envelope chooser, and select "Song Tempo" from the bottom chooser.

Use a Monomizer plug-in

If you are looking to remove auto-pan from a bass on a non-stem track, a Monomizer plug-in should be able to help. This is particularly useful if you have only one rendered wave file and no multiple tracks.

Nugen Monofilter is a recommended Monomizer plug-in that can be used to remove auto-pan. This plug-in will mono-ify your track, allowing you to hear it on both speakers at the same time.

To use a Monomizer plug-in effectively, you may need to experiment with different settings and options to achieve the desired result. Additionally, it is important to consider the quality of the plug-in and whether it may affect the sound of your track. Some Monomizer plug-ins, like Boz Labs Mongoose, are known for being high-quality and transparent, while others may colour the sound.

It is also worth noting that in some cases, re-recording the track may be a more feasible option, especially if the desired result is not achieved through the plug-in.

Duplicate the track, pan one track left and the other right, and delete every other note from each

To remove auto pan from a MIDI file, you can try duplicating the track, panning one track left and the other right, and deleting every other note from each. This method creates two identical tracks that alternate between notes and give a panning effect from left to right.

Step 1: Duplicate the MIDI track you want to edit. This can be done by selecting the track and using the duplicate track function in your DAW.

Step 2: Pan one of the duplicated tracks hard left and the other track hard right. This can be done by adjusting the pan knob on each track.

Step 3: Select every other note on the first track and delete them. Most DAWs allow you to select multiple notes by clicking and dragging over them or using a similar selection tool.

Step 4: Repeat the process for the second track, but this time, delete the notes that are opposite to the ones you deleted on the first track. For example, if you deleted the first, third, and fifth notes on the first track, you would delete the second, fourth, and sixth notes on the second track.

By deleting every other note on each track, you create two tracks that alternate between notes, giving the effect of the sound bouncing from left to right.

This method is a simple way to remove auto pan from a MIDI file and create a stereo effect without the need for additional plugins or complex automation. It may require some minor adjustments to ensure that the timing and volume of the notes are consistent between the two tracks.

Frequently asked questions