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System Parameter + MIDI Controller:
Basics of XG MIDI programming !
Contents:Introduction
1. XG System Parameter
2. Control Change Messages
3. NRPN Messages (Non-Registered Parameter Number)
4. RPN Messages (Registered Parameter Number)
Introduction
At this page you can find information to the basic XG system settings (Main Volume, XG System On etc.) and the XG channel and drum instrument programmation via Control Change, NRPN and RPN messages. Control Change, NRPN and RPN messages will always take effect on EVERY Part, which has been assigned to the particular MIDI channel - this is a big difference to the SysEx Part messages at page XG Part Setup, which will take effect only on the specified Part. You won't remark this difference as long as you keep the default XG Part to MIDI channel assignments (Part Number = MIDI channel), but this changes when you assign several Parts to the same MIDI channel. In this case a reduction of the Volume via Control Change Message would take effect on all Parts assigned to this MIDI channel and you could realize a common fade out for example.Back to the top
1. XG System Parameter
The following table contains all basic XG System Messages. Very important is the command 'XG SYSTEM ON' which is necessary to enable the 'XG Mode' of a XG synthesizer: only in XG mode you'll be able to use the MIDI commands mentioned on this pages (many XG synths offer further modes like a 'Performance Mode').Sometimes it's useful to enable the Roland GS compatible 'TG300B Mode' or the 'GM Mode', especially if you want to playback MIDI files produced with Non-XG-equipment: in TG300B mode the different banks of an instrument are selectable via Bank Select MSB (instead of Bank Select LSB in XG mode), which is a common standard on many other synths (Roland, GS compatible synths etc.). Not all XG synths offer the TG300B mode - please read the manual of your particular XG synth for further information.
The adjustment of the 'MASTER TUNE' is a little bit difficult because you have to use 'Nibblized MIDI Data'. At Chapter 12 of my page 'Reference Tables' you'll find detailled information how to calculate the data entry values for this MIDI message.
| SysEx String (Hex) | Data Range Hex (Dec) |
Parameter | Description / Range | Default Value Hex (Dec) |
| F0,7F,7F,04,01,00,XX,F7 | 00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
MASTER VOLUME (as Universal Realtime Message) |
0 - 127 | 7Fh (127d) |
| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,04,XX,F7 | 00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
MASTER VOLUME (as None Realtime Message) |
0 - 127 | 7Fh (127d) |
| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,06,XX,F7 | 28h - 58h (40d - 88d) |
MASTER TRANSPOSE | 40...64...88: -24...0...+24 (Semitones) |
40h (64d) |
| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,00,0W,0X,0Y,0Z,F7 | 00h,00h,00h,00h - 00h,07h,0Fh,0Fh (0d - 2047d) |
MASTER TUNE | 0...1024...2047: -102.4...0...+102.3 (Cent) (view Chapter 12 at page 'Reference Tables') |
00h,04h,00h,00h (1024d) |
| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,7D,00,F7 | DRUM SETUP 1 RESET | Please read page Drum Setup 1 +2 for further information | ||
| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,7D,01,F7 | DRUM SETUP 2 RESET | Please read page Drum Setup 1 +2 for further information. | ||
| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,7E,00,F7 | XG SYSTEM ON | Enables the XG mode. Since approximately 50ms is required to execute this message, be sure to leave an appropriate interval before the subsequent message. |
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| F0,43,10,4C,00,00,7F,00,F7 | ALL PARAMETER RESET | XG Reset (Restores the factory settings of a XG synth). Since approximately 50ms is required to execute this message, be sure to leave an appropriate interval before the subsequent message. |
||
| F0,41,10,42,12,40,00,7F,00,41,F7 | TG300B RESET | Enables the TG300B mode (a Roland GS compatible mode). Since approximately 50ms is required to execute this message, be sure to leave an appropriate interval before the subsequent message. |
||
| F0,7E,7F,09,01,F7 | GENERAL MIDI ON | Enables General MIDI mode (Bank Select and NRPN messages will be ignored). Since approximately 50ms is required to execute this message, be sure to leave an appropriate interval before the subsequent message. |
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2. Control Change Messages
The following table contains all available Control Change Messages (often called Standard MIDI Controller; Controller number=0-127) for XG synths. In 'GM mode' many of these controllers are not available and the effects Reverb, Chorus and Variation effect will be disabled. I've sorted these controllers into several logical groups, because this will be more useful for you than to sorte them by controller number.A. Selection of an instrument or a drum kit
B. Volume, Pan, Modulation, Expression and Effect Send
C. Portamento Settings
D. Filter Settings
E. EG Settings
F. Hold-, Sostenuto- and Soft-Pedal
G. Controller for RPN and NRPN messages
H. MIDI Channel Reset Messages
|
A. Selection of an instrument or a drum kit (After sending Bank Select MSB and/or LSB you always have to send a Program Change Message) |
|||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 0 | 0, 63, 64, 126, 127 |
BANK SELECT MSB (in XG mode) |
0=Normal Voice, 63=User Voice (QS300), 64=SFX Voice, 126=SFX Kit, 127=Drum Kit) |
| 0 | 0 - 127 | BANK SELECT MSB (in TG300B mode) |
Used to select different banks of an instrument in TG300B mode |
| 32 | 0 - 127 | BANK SELECT LSB (in XG mode) |
Used to select different banks of an instrument ('Normal voice') in XG mode |
| B. Volume, Pan, Modulation, Expression and Effect Send | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 7 | 0 - 127 | MAIN VOLUME | Default Value=100 |
| 10 | 0 - 127 | PANORAMA | 0...64...127= Left...Center...Right |
| 1 | 0 - 127 | MODULATION | Vibrato Depth (Modulation Wheel) |
| 11 | 0 - 127 | EXPRESSION | Messages which control intonation expression of each Part Default Value=127 |
| 91 | 0 - 127 | REVERB SEND LEVEL (Effect1 Depth) |
Default Value=64 |
| 93 | 0 - 127 | CHORUS SEND LEVEL (Effect3 Depth) |
Default Value=0 |
| 94 | 0 - 127 | VARIATION EFFECT SEND LEVEL (Effect4 Depth) |
Default Value=0 |
| C. Portamento Settings | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 65 | 0 - 127 | PORTAMENTO ON/OFF | Messages which control portamento on/off. 0-63=OFF, 64-127=ON |
| 5 | 0 - 127 | PORTAMENTO TIME | Adjusts speed of pitch glide between successively played notes when Portamento is enabled. |
| 84 | 0 - 127 | PORTAMENTO CONTROL | Messages which apply a portamento between the currently-sounding note and the
subsequent note. Portamento Control is transmitted specifying the Note On Key of the currently-sounding note (Portamento Source Key number between 0-127). When a Portmento Control message is received, the currently sounding pitch will change with a Portamento Time of 0 to the next Key On key on the same channel. Even if the Multi Part parameter RECEIVE PORTAMENTO = OFF, the Portamento Control message will be received. |
| D. Filter Settings | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 74 | 0 - 127 | BRIGHTNESS (FILTER CUTOFF FREQUENCY) |
Messages which adjust the filter cutoff frequency set for each Voice. 0...64...127= -64...0...+63 |
| 71 | 0 - 127 | HARMONIC CONTENT (FILTER RESONANCE) |
Messages which adjust the resonance set for each Voice. 0...64...127= -64...0...+63 |
| E. EG Settings | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 73 | 0 - 127 | ATTACK TIME | Messages which adjust the envelope attack time set for each Voice. 0...64...127= -64...0...+63 |
| 72 | 0 - 127 | RELEASE TIME | Messages which adjust the envelope release time set for each Voice. 0...64...127= -64...0...+63 |
| F. Hold-, Sostenuto- and Soft-Pedal | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 64 | 0 - 127 | HOLD PEDAL ON/OFF | Messages which control sustain pedal on/off. Holding specific notes and then pressing and holding the hold pedal will sustain those notes as well as subsequent played notes, until the pedal is released. 0-63=OFF, 64-127=ON |
| 66 | 0 - 127 | SOSTENUTO PEDAL ON/OFF | Messages which control sostenuto pedal on/off. Holding specific notes and then pressing and holding the sostenuto pedal will sustain those notes as you play subsequent notes, until the pedal is released. 0-63=OFF, 64-127=ON |
| 67 | 0 - 127 | SOFT PEDAL ON/OFF | Messages which control soft pedal on/off. Notes played while holding the soft pedal will be dampened. 0-63=OFF, 64-127=ON |
| G. Controller for RPN and NRPN messages | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 98 | 0 - 126, 127 |
NRPN LSB ADDRESS | Specifies the LSB address of a NRPN controller; Value 127 (=Null) will erase the last received address |
| 99 | 0 - 126, 127 |
NRPN MSB ADDRESS | Specifies the MSB address of a NRPN controller; Value 127 (=Null) will erase the last received address |
| 100 | 0 - 126, 127 |
RPN LSB ADDRESS | Specifies the LSB address of a RPN controller; Value 127 (=Null) will erase the last received address |
| 101 | 0 - 126, 127 |
RPN MSB ADDRESS | Specifies the MSB address of a RPN controller; Value 127 (=Null) will erase the last received address |
| 6 | 0 - 127 | DATA ENTRY MSB (for RPN and NRPN) |
Messages which set the value MSB for the parameter specified by RPN/NRPN. |
| 38 | 0 - 127 | DATA ENTRY LSB (for RPN and NRPN) |
Messages which set the value LSB for the parameter specified by RPN/NRPN. |
| 96 | Not Used (Ignored) |
DATA INCREMENT (for RPN) |
Messages which increase the MSB value of the specified RPN controller in steps of 1. The data byte is ignored. |
| 97 | Not Used (Ignored) |
DATA DECREMENT (for RPN) |
Messages which decrease the MSB value of the specified RPN controller in steps of 1. The data byte is ignored. |
| H. MIDI Channel Reset Messages | |||
| Controller- Number (Decimal) |
Data Range (Decimal) |
Parameter | Description / Range |
| 120 | Not Used (Ignored) |
ALL SOUNDS OFF | Terminates all sounds currently sounding on the specified channel.
However, the status of channel messages such as Note On and Hold On is maintained. The data byte is ignored. |
| 121 | Not Used (Ignored) |
RESET ALL CONTROLLERS | The values of the following controllers will be reset to the defaults: Pitch Bend Change (+/- 0), Channel Aftertouch (0), Polyphonic Aftertouch (0), Modulation (0), Expression (127), Hold Pedal (0), Portamento (0), Sostenuto Pedal (0), Soft Pedal (0), Portamento Control (cancels the Portamento Source Key Number that was received). The data byte is ignored. |
| 123 | Not Used (Ignored) |
ALL NOTES OFF | Terminates all notes currently on for the specified channel. However, if Hold1 or Sostenuto is on, notes will continue sounding until these are turned off. The data byte is ignored. |
| 124 | Not Used (Ignored) |
OMNI OFF | Disables the 'Multi Tembral Mode' of a XG synth.
Note: many XG synths (DB50XG, MU10...) don't allow to disable the Multi Tembral Mode
and perform after this message the same function as when an All Notes Off message is received. The data byte is ignored. |
| 125 | Not Used (Ignored) |
OMNI ON | Enables the 'Multi Tembral Mode' of a XG synth.
Note: many XG synths (DB50XG, MU10...) don't allow to disable the Multi Tembral Mode
and perform after this message the same function as when an All Notes Off message is received. The data byte is ignored. |
| 126 | Not Used (Ignored) |
MONO MODE | Sets the particular MIDI channel to Mono Mode (Mode 4 : m = 1). The data byte is ignored. |
| 127 | Not Used (Ignored) |
POLY MODE | Sets the particular MIDI channel to Poly Mode (Mode 3). The data byte is ignored. |
3. NRPN Messages (Non-Registered Parameter Number)
With NRPN messages you can adjust a Voice's vibrato, filter, EG and drum setup parameter settings.First send the NRPN MSB and NRPN LSB (via CONTROL CHANGE 99 and 98) to specify the parameter which is to be controlled. Then use DATA ENTRY MSB (CONTROL CHANGE 6) to set the value of the specified parameter. Once the NRPN parameter has been set for a channel, subsequent data entry will be recognized as the same NRPN's value change. Therefore, after you use the NRPN, you should set a Null value (NRPN MSB=127d, NRPN LSB=127d) to avoid an unexpected result.
The drum setup parameters are only available if the Part assigned to the MIDI channel is in mode 'Drum Setup 1' or 'Drum Setup 2'. In Part mode 'Drum' no values will be changed. Further drum setup parameters via SyEx messages are described at page Drum Setup 1 + 2.
| NRPN-Address MSB / LSB Hex (Dec) |
Data Range MSB Hex (Dec) |
Parameter | Description / Range | Notes |
| Vibrato Settings | ||||
| 01h / 08h (1d / 8d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
VIBRATO RATE | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 01h / 09h (1d / 9d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
VIBRATO DEPTH | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 01h / 0Ah (1d / 10d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
VIBRATO DELAY | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| Filter Settings | ||||
| 01h / 20h (1d / 32d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
FILTER CUTOFF FREQUENCY | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 01h / 21h (1d / 33d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
FILTER RESONANCE | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| EG Settings | ||||
| 01h / 63h (1d / 99d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
EG ATTACK TIME | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 01h / 64h (1d / 100d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
EG DECAY TIME | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 01h / 66h (1d / 102d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
EG RELEASE TIME | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| Drum Instrument Settings For NRPN LSB you have to use the drum instrument note number RR: 13d - 91d (0Dh - 5Bh). The drum setup parameters are only available if the Part assigned to the MIDI channel is in mode 'Drum Setup 1' or 'Drum Setup 2'. In Part mode 'Drum' no values will be changed. |
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| NRPN-Address MSB / LSB Hex (Dec) |
Data Range MSB Hex (Dec) |
Parameter | Description / Range | Notes |
| 14h / RRh (20d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT FILTER CUTOFF FREQUENCY |
0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 15h / RRh (21d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT FILTER RESONANCE |
0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 16h / RRh (22d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT EG ATTACK RATE |
0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 17h / RRh (23d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT EG DECAY RATE |
0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
EG Decay1 and Decay2 of a drum instrument will be changed simultaneously. |
| 18h / RRh (24d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT PITCH COARSE |
0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 19h / RRh (25d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT PITCH FINE |
0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
|
| 1Ah / RRh (26d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT LEVEL |
0 - 127 | |
| 1Ch / RRh (28d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT PANORAMA |
0: Random, 1...64...127: Left...Center...Right |
|
| 1Dh / RRh (29d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT REVERB SEND LEVEL |
0 - 127 | |
| 1Eh / RRh (30d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT CHORUS SEND LEVEL |
0 - 127 | |
| 1Fh / RRh (31d / RRd) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
DRUM INSTRUMENT VARIATION EFFECT SEND LEVEL |
0 - 127 | |
| Cancel NRPN number | ||||
| 7Fh / 7Fh (127d / 127d) |
NRPN = Null | A data entry of 7Fh (127d) for NRPN address MSB and LSB via CONTROL CHANGE 99 and 98 will erase the NRPN address. | ||
4. RPN Messages (Registered Parameter Number)
With RPN messages you can adjust a Part's pitch bend sensitivity and tuning (coarse/fine).First send the RPN MSB and RPN LSB (via CONTROL CHANGE 101 and 100) to specify the parameter which is to be controlled. Then use DATA ENTRY MSB (CONTROL CHANGE 6) and DATA ENTRY LSB (CONTROL CHANGE 38) to set the value of the specified parameter. With CONTROL CHANGE 96 and 97 you can increase or decrease the MSB value in steps of 1. Once the RPN parameter has been set for a channel, subsequent data entry will be recognized as the same RPN's value change. Therefore, after you use the RPN, you should set a Null value (RPN MSB=127d, RPN LSB=127d) to avoid an unexpected result.
| RPN-Address MSB / LSB Hex (Dec) |
Data Range MSB Hex (Dec) |
Data Range LSB Hex (Dec) |
Parameter | Description / Range | Default Values |
| 00h / 00h (0d / 0d) |
00h - 18h (0d - 24d) |
Not Used (Ignored) |
PITCH BEND SENSIVITY | 0 to +/- 24 Semitones | Default MSB Value= 02h (2d), the LSB value is ignored. |
| 00h / 01h (0d / 1d) |
00h - 7Fh (0d - 127d) |
11h (17d) | FINE TUNING | 0...64...127: -64...0...+63 |
Default MSB Value= 40h (64d), The LSB value = 11h (17d). |
| 00h / 02h (0d / 2d) |
28h - 58h (40d - 88d) |
Not Used (Ignored) |
COARSE TUNING | 40...64...88: -24...0...+24 (Semitones) |
Default MSB Value= 40h (64d), the LSB value is ignored. |
| Cancel RPN number | |||||
| 7Fh / 7Fh (127d / 127d) |
RPN = Null | A data entry of 7Fh (127d) for RPN address MSB and LSB via CONTROL CHANGE 101 and 100 will erase the RPN address. | |||
C/O 2002-2012: Werner Ogrodnik (Cologne, Germany)