The MIDI Tracks

Introduction:

The two MIDI tracks behave just like the Synth tracks and support all the same sequencer functions, but have a couple of key differences:

• They do not control an internal synth engine but are intended to control external equipment or software via MIDI.
• Note data is transmitted from the performance pads in Note View, and from the sequencer just like the synth tracks. CC data is also transmitted by the Marco knobs, depending on the selected MIDI template. These controls can be automated just like the synth macros.
  • Currently, each MIDI template defaults to eight CC indexes with values 1, 2, 5, 11, 12, 13, 71 and 74.

As with the Synth and Drum tracks, the MIDI tracks use the Macro knobs to set volume and pan levels in Mixer View and FX send levels for delay and reverb in the FX View. However, on the MIDI tracks, these act on the analogue audio signal applied at the two audio Inputs on the rear panel.

• The recommended workflow is the send MIDI data from the Circuit Tracks to your external synth or drum machine, while routing the audio outputs of that device back into Circuit Tracks' audio inputs: this gives you fill control of the external device's contribution to the overall mix from the MIDI tracks. You can control and automate the volume, pan and effects just like your other internal tracks.
  • You can use the audio inputs for any other purpose, but the external input signals are always routed through the Mixer and FX sections.

Selecting Templates

Eight MIDI templates are stored within Circuit Tracks, represented by the top row of blue pads. Each template defines the MIDI CC messages are transmitted by the Macro controls; select a template that matches the MIDI spec of your external equipment.

• To access the Template View, select a MIDI track and press the Preset button.
• The eight default MIDI templates are identical. You can use Components Editor to make any changes that are needed to make the Macro controls work effectively with your external equipment.

Default template:

Setting Up Templates in Components

MIDI Template Control Range

• Using the Components Editor, you can define the start and end values of each control in the template. The start value sets the value that will be output when the control is rotated fully anti-clockwise and the end value sets the value that will be output when the control is rotated fully clockwise.

MIDI Template Control Polarity

• Components Editor also lets you define each Macro control as either unipolar or bipolar. This only affects the response of the LED below the control and does not affect the transmitted messages.
  • When unipolar is selected, the brightness of the LED will move linearly from dim to bright as you move the control from one limit of its range to the other.
  • When set to bipolar, the LED will illuminate in its dim state in the center of the range, increasing in brightness as the control is rotated in either direction.

Connecting to external hardware via MIDI Out

To sequence and control external equipment from Circuit Tracks, connect a 5-pin MIDI from Circuit Tracks' MIDI Out port (or MIDI Thru if set to duplicate the MIDI Out port, see Setup View)

• If notes, clock, or CC messages are not being received by your external hardware, make sure that all eight pads in the bottom row are brightly lit in the Setup View (accessed by holding down Shift while pressing Save.)