MIDI devices have grown exponentially diverse and complex since the development of Max4Live, giving musicians a wider range of control and expressivity when crafting their electronic music. In this realm of MIDI manipulators, NoteBlocCC 1.0, a Max4Live device developed by submodify, has emerged as a utility tool with the potential to revolutionize your production process.
NoteBlocCC, at its core, is a MIDI note blocker powered by Control Change (CC) values. It enables the user to either restrict or grant passage to MIDI 'Note On' messages, functioning as a traffic controller in your MIDI routing network. This selection process is dictated by CC values, which can be sourced from two arenas - automation within a MIDI clip or a knob on a physical MIDI controller.
Whether it's blocking or facilitating, NoteBlocCC's action is decided based on the received CC's location within a range defined on the device itself. The practical application for this mechanism? It allows a single MIDI stream to be divided amongst multiple devices, guided by the puppet strings of CC values.
The device was originally crafted to work in harmony with the FLaRp step sequencer, a testament made evident by the demo video the author has graciously provided. However, the functionalities of NoteBlocCC are not confined to this pairing. Other devices - and by extension, situations - can also benefit from its MIDI note management and can invite a new degree of intricacy and control to your sound design process.
Despite its recent addition to the Max4Live library on Oct 21, 2023, NoteBlocCC has accrued 15 downloads, demonstrating its rising appeal amongst music producers. This version of the device was developed using Live 10.1.43 and Max version 8.5.4. However, it's worth noting that it has not yet been rated by users, indicating that our understanding and exploration of its strengths are still unfolding.
NoteBlocCC falls under the grand umbrella of MIDI devices, with specific tags of 'utility' and 'hardware'. Given its MIDI note gating utilities, it's no surprise that users are downloading and experimenting with NoteBlocCC. If the device's capabilities have piqued your interest, you can explore it further and delve deeper into its workings through additional resources provided on MaxforLive.com.
In summary, NoteBlocCC not only gives you control over how your MIDI information flows but also effectively transforms your CC data into an integral part of the creative composition process. It's a tool that offers a fresh perspective on MIDI note management, inviting producers to reconsider how they control, manipulate, and distribute their MIDI notes within a composition. With a little exploration and experimentation, NoteBlocCC could be your next key to unlock new sonic landscapes. Enjoy the journey, the power is in your hands.
Example Usage
Let's say you have a MIDI clip with a melodic sequence, and you want to add some automation to control when certain notes in that sequence should play. NoteBlocCC is a perfect Max4Live device to achieve this. Here's a step-by-step example of how you can use NoteBlocCC as a novice user:
- Load the NoteBlocCC device onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live.
- In the Note Bloc section of the device, you'll see two number boxes labeled "Min" and "Max." These define the range of CC values that will allow MIDI note messages to pass through. By default, the values are set to 0 and 127, which means all MIDI note messages will be allowed.
- Create an automation lane for a CC parameter within your MIDI clip. You can access this by clicking on the small "E" button in the clip view, and then selecting the CC parameter you want to automate.
- Draw a CC automation line within the range defined in the NoteBlocCC device. For example, if you set the Min value to 50 and the Max value to 100, the CC automation line should stay within that range.
- Play the clip, and you'll notice that only the MIDI notes within the range of the CC automation will sound. Any MIDI notes outside that range will be blocked.
- Experiment with different CC automation values and ranges to create dynamic and evolving patterns within your sequence.
NoteBlocCC is a fantastic tool for sculpting MIDI note patterns by using automation. You can easily control when certain notes play simply by adjusting the CC automation values. Don't forget to explore the possibilities of combining NoteBlocCC with other Max4Live devices to take your MIDI sequencing to the next level!
Say you have a MIDI clip with a series of note events that you want to selectively block or allow based on the values of a MIDI controller knob. NoteBlocCC can help you achieve this functionality with ease.
- Open Ableton Live and create a new MIDI track.
- Insert NoteBlocCC 1.0 as a Max4Live device on the MIDI track.
- Create a new MIDI clip on the track.
- Draw in some MIDI notes within the clip.
- Open the NoteBlocCC device and set the desired CC number in the "CC Number" parameter.
- Set the minimum and maximum values for the CC range in the respective "Min CC Value" and "Max CC Value" parameters.
- If you want the MIDI notes to be blocked when the CC value is within the specified range, set the "Block Notes" parameter to "On". Otherwise, set it to "Off" to allow the MIDI notes when the CC value is within the range.
- Map the MIDI controller knob you wish to use to control the CC value to the corresponding "CC Number" parameter in the NoteBlocCC device.
- Start playback in Ableton Live and adjust the MIDI controller knob.
- Notice how the MIDI notes are either blocked or allowed based on the CC value within the specified range.
By utilizing the NoteBlocCC device in this manner, you can dynamically control which MIDI notes pass through based on the values of a MIDI controller knob. This can be particularly useful for creating expressive performances or complex MIDI routing setups.
Further Thoughts
Imagine you have a complex MIDI setup with multiple devices, and you want to control them using MIDI CC messages. Enter NoteBlocCC, a powerful Max4Live device that allows you to block or allow MIDI Note On messages using MIDI CC values.
For example, let's say you have a drum machine and a synthesizer connected to your DAW. You want to use your MIDI controller's knob to switch between these two devices. With NoteBlocCC, you can achieve this seamlessly.
First, load NoteBlocCC onto a MIDI track in your Live set. Then, assign a MIDI CC value to control the device. In this case, let's use CC#24 for simplicity.
Next, in your MIDI clip, draw in automation using the assigned CC#24. For instance, set the CC value to 0 to block MIDI Note On messages from reaching the drum machine, effectively muting it.
As the clip progresses, gradually increase the CC value to 127. This will allow MIDI Note On messages to pass through, enabling the synthesizer to play. You can even create dynamic changes by automating the CC value throughout the clip.
By using NoteBlocCC in tandem with your MIDI controller, you can now effortlessly transition between the drum machine and the synthesizer. This opens up endless possibilities for live performance or creative studio work.
Watch the demo video or check out the FLaRp step sequencer linked in the device description to see NoteBlocCC in action. These resources provide valuable insights into how you can incorporate this device into your workflow.
NoteBlocCC simplifies MIDI note blocking and automation control, allowing you to fine-tune your MIDI setup and explore new sonic possibilities. Give it a try and see how it can revolutionize your music production process.