AudioMulch Help > Working in the Patcher Pane

Routing MIDI in the Patcher Pane

You can route MIDI messages in the Patcher Pane by connecting MIDI patch cords from a MIDI output on one contraption to a MIDI input on another contraption. MIDI routing is usually used in conjunction with VST and (on Macintosh) Audio Unit plugins.

When to use MIDI routing in the Patcher Pane

You use MIDI patch cords in conjunction with AudioMulch's MidiIn and MidiOut contraptions and with VST and Audio Unit plugins. AudioMulch's MidiIn contraptions let you route MIDI messages from external MIDI sources (such as keyboard controllers, drum pads or sequencers) into a patch. AudioMulch's MidiOut contraptions let you send MIDI messages to external devices (such as hardware synthesizers, drum machines and effects units).

Common uses of MIDI routing in the Patcher Pane include:

Using an external MIDI source (such as a keyboard controller, drum pad or sequencer) to "play" a virtual instrument plugin. Do this by connecting a MIDI patch cord from a MidiIn contraption to a VST or Audio Unit plugin.
Transforming a stream of MIDI data using a MIDI processing plugin (VST or Audio Unit), to create results including pitch transposition, delay, velocity processing and to filter key ranges. Do this by inserting a MIDI processing plugin between a MIDI source and MIDI receiver contraption.
Using a MIDI source contraption (such as a MIDI sequencer, arpeggiator, or on-screen keyboard plugin) to "play" a virtual instrument plugin. Do this by connecting a MIDI patch cord from the MIDI source contraption to a VST or Audio Unit plugin.
Controlling an external MIDI device, such as a hardware synthesizer or effects unit from a MIDI sequencer plugin. Do this by connecting a MIDI patch cord from the plugin to a MidiOut contraption.

Note: MIDI routing in the Patcher Pane is distinct from AudioMulch's MIDI Parameter Control features.

Contraption MIDI inputs, outputs and MIDI patch cords

MIDI inputs and outputs are displayed on the top right and bottom right sides of contraptions. This is in contrast to audio inputs and outputs, which are displayed on the left side. Patch cords carrying MIDI messages appear as dotted lines in the Patcher Pane.

MIDI outputs can only be connected to MIDI inputs. A MIDI output can't be connected to an audio input nor an audio output to a MIDI input.

Connecting MIDI patch cords

To connect a MIDI patch cord:
Click on a MIDI output (or input). Drag a patch cord to a MIDI input (or output) with the mouse. Note: The same method is used for connecting audio patch cords. The Ways to Connect and Disconnect Contraptions module has images that demonstrate this. Refer to that module if you need extra assistance with connecting patch cords. Unlike connecting audio patch cords, you can not establish a MIDI connection by dragging one contraption over another.

To connect a MIDI patch cord:

Click on a MIDI output (or input).
Drag a patch cord to a MIDI input (or output) with the mouse.

Note:

The same method is used for connecting audio patch cords. The Ways to Connect and Disconnect Contraptions module has images that demonstrate this. Refer to that module if you need extra assistance with connecting patch cords.
Unlike connecting audio patch cords, you can not establish a MIDI connection by dragging one contraption over another.

Things to keep in mind when connecting MIDI contraptions

MIDI patch cords carry all 16 channels of a MIDI data stream. However, many plugins are designed to receive data from a single channel only. You can filter which channel is routed to the plugin using the Parameter Control window. See the VST and (on Macintosh) Audio Unit plugins modules for details.
Any plugin with outputs (MIDI or audio) must be connected directly (or indirectly) to either a MidiOut or SoundOut contraption to operate.

Disconnecting MIDI patch cords

To disconnect a MIDI patch cord:
First, click on the patch cord to select it. Then, do one of the following: Press DELETE on the keyboard Open the Edit menu and choose Clear. Right-click (CTRL+left-click on Macintosh) and choose Delete from the shortcut menu. Click on the arrow at the end of the patch cord and drag it to the left or right, away from the input. When you release the mouse button the patch cord will disappear, disconnecting the contraptions. Note: The same methods are used for disconnecting audio patch cords. The Ways to Connect and Disconnect Contraptions module has images that demonstrate this. Refer to that module if you need extra assistance with disconnecting patch cords.

To disconnect a MIDI patch cord:

First, click on the patch cord to select it.
Then, do one of the following:

Press DELETE on the keyboard
Open the Edit menu and choose Clear.
Right-click (CTRL+left-click on Macintosh) and choose Delete from the shortcut menu.
Click on the arrow at the end of the patch cord and drag it to the left or right, away from the input. When you release the mouse button the patch cord will disappear, disconnecting the contraptions.

Note: The same methods are used for disconnecting audio patch cords. The Ways to Connect and Disconnect Contraptions module has images that demonstrate this. Refer to that module if you need extra assistance with disconnecting patch cords.