What is MIDI? An Introduction For Guitarists | Too Afraid To Ask [Meloaudio MIDI Commander]

[@ScienceofLoud]

MIDI is a powerful tool, allowing us to control complex hardware and software easily, but what is it? We take a look at a MIDI controller footswitch to see how MIDI can be utilised for guitars in this Too Afraid To Ask video. Meloaudio MIDI Commander: meloaudio.com meloaudio.com/products/meloaudio-midi-commander-guitar-floor-multi-effects-portable-usb-midi-foot-controller-foot-switches Leave your own TATAs in the comments section and perhaps they'll become the topic of a future video. More from CSGuitars: Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars Buy CSGuitars Merchandise: www.csguitars.co.uk/store Website: www.csguitars.co.uk Contact: [e-mail]

[@EdgarsLS]

CSGuitars what amp sim do you use? I used amplitube 4 whitout an interface and it worked great hadn’t a lot of latency but now something glitches whit it and there is like 3 seconds of latency now. So I’m looking for an alternative also because I didn’t really like its interface!

[@AMPProf]

dONTE KNOW IF YOU HAVER EVER BUILT THIS SETUP BUTT.... Actually if an MPE midI pickup is applied to a guitar, the guitar notes can activate effects... Literally 1 set of effects per note! Then if you applies the newish Perfect tuning systems like Evertune (ie. removing detune bends) the bends can also activate effects (also activating auto bending and detuneing yah crazy butt were controlling with midi)! aLSO TO NOTE:THE GUITAR would effectively have the capacity to in time with the guitar score control a keyboards synth plus...... drumroll any other equipment via midi aka the Midi tech plays lead guitar... Plus we could finally get to full use of Guitar voltages as synth input!

[@AMPProf]

foot switches are out of date it's time the guitar player controls midi with the strings! but... add foot swtiches back in an yaggg!

[@AMPProf]

@@marcolondon1005 last night I FARTED!

[@thecoolcarrot5377]

i still love the fact that MIDI is basically in v1.0 since it came out

[@RetroPlus]

If it works, don't fix it

[@Kylora2112]

As opposed to USB that still kinda sucks and we're on what is essentially version 6 since 1996.

[@ccandrew111]

Kylie McInnes there’s a reason why my boss refers to it as Universal Security Breach 😂

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

ccandrew111 lmaoo

[@MrWilander88]

First time perfect :p

[@jjsameer89]

"Meddy"

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

"Dedgitul"

[@nishant2279]

Meddy Waters

[@waitin4winter]

Theck peck

[@SGWChaosteam]

"sound of shattering glas in my head"... Thank you, now i can´t unhear it anymore

[@lukasmeddl]

Thats how you change your toooon

[@hazrod13]

Oooohh digital technologies ? Now we're getting into my territory ! Love how midi is a basic format and how it can do pretty much everything

[@ChamiCh]

it can do everything as long as you don't necessarily care about how it does it -- the availability of only 128 values for CCs/etc is a rather frustrating limitation that severely diminishes the value of MIDI for certain applications =/

[@davenelson8592]

You forgot the best use, using MIDI with a backing click to change your amp live without ever having to touch a pedal board. That's what I use MIDI for so I don't have to pedal dance and play and sing.

[@lfox02]

And Periphery!

[@ebheron]

That is a very good way of doing it! And you must really trust your drummer to never go off the click lol

[@davenelson8592]

@@ebheron hasn't happened yet!

[@reaganharder1480]

According to my research, this can also be used to control lighting effects as well, which actually would be the main reason I would play to a click, so that I can perfectly synced with a pre-programmed light show.

[@davenelson8592]

@@reaganharder1480 We do that as well. The only downside, the only device that converts MIDI is a DecaBox. Expensive and high learning curve. But if you are running a laptop at the same time you can avoid it.

[@pecenak21]

dude, this is actually incredibly helpful. I have a Randall with a midi foot switch, but I have had no idea how to use. It has literally been sitting there since I bought the amp. Like you, my amp has way too many tone options, and it is impractical to use while playing. Now I know how to use that midi switch to get the different tones I have dialed in. Love the TATAs!

[@blakecurtis7809]

Knowledge is power! My request for a TATA: What is open tuning? Thanks.

[@patrickhovis3120]

I’m relatively new to playing guitar and I’m drawn to your channel more and more. You do a fantastic job of clearly explaining guitar tech. Thanks so much Colin for the content you post!

[@MrPelegrinjo]

I must say that acronim TATA on Serbian means father.. So when you say "I'm nailing your tatas" sounds very wrong when you understand both languages :D

[@rickc2102]

🤣

[@ZachComa]

The Voodoo Lab Control Switcher can turn any amp channel switching into a midi signal. This works great for those of us still using traditional non-digitized/midi amps.

[@certifiedpossum8655]

if MIDI is good, why don't we have MIDI 2.0? wait

[@Mtaalas]

Because MIDI is so good... there's little to improve and a lot to screw up for a new standard.

[@certifiedpossum8655]

@@Mtaalas MIDI 2.0 is a real developing thing btw

[@jjrusy7438]

not sure if you are playing heh, but they are working on it. The original MIDI is from the early 80's and they used that monster DIN like original PC keyboards used. They also used a serial-data protocol that was pretty inefficient regarding power waste and it was slow. 220ohm current sink resistors holy crap what a waste. Today it could be gigaherz through a 1megohm circuit that was lightning fast and uses basically no juice. the data packet size could be increased 100x if needed. so IMO this 30 year old convention definitely needs an upgrade

[@Mtaalas]

@@certifiedpossum8655 I do know that. But that's also the reason why it's still not ready yet. MIDI doesn't work unless it's easy to implement, universal and backwards compatible and used by everyone... so it has taken decades to come up with an extension. And the improvements aren't really amazing as such.. more resolution, more channels, more bandwidth... but it's all the same old same old :) So ultimately we need innovation from the device makers and ensure that interoperability that made MIDI so good stays untouched. And that's not given :)

[@Mtaalas]

​@@jjrusy7438 I'm an electronics engineer, and MIDI hardware layer is absolutely well thought out and doesn't need "gigahertz" speeds... the main reason for the current loop was noise immunity and simplicity. the current loop allows you to have cheap cables and connectors and very high interference immunity while still providing long cable runs AND galvanic isolation with optocouplers. These are essential aspects of MIDI being reliable and fool proof on the road and in the studio. for example, USB is one of the worst things that ever happened to MIDI since it gave away galvanic isolation, made the hardware and software implementation way more complicated, isn't as immune to noise, doesn't allow as long of cable runs than original specification etc... All it gives you is apparent convenience, but event that isn't guaranteed since it often requires drivers and if the cable for what ever reason disconnects, in many cases you need to restart your software to restore the connection instead of just plugging it back in. So no, midi doesn't need gigahertz speeds, it need to be reliable, highly versatile, cheap and fool proof. Just increase of baudrate to 10x the current one would be over the real requirement. For those who need it all, we have OSC... MIDI doesn't need to be OSC.

[@jjrusy7438]

Great topic. and Just to pile on a little more as to just how good of a guitar friend MIDI is...... haha: A guitar performer can also use a MIDI controller to run a DMX light show, or change patches on your effects units like these cheapo lexicon rack effects I have(same idea as the amp in the vid), or trigger sound effect samples, or play bass/drones/pads with a MIDI foot controller like a 12-step, ALL while playing your guitar.

[@reaganharder1480]

Another thing you can do with MIDI is program it in advance, such that all you have to do on stage is stay synced with it, and your pre-programmed track will do everything else for you.

[@vexguine]

Another thing you can do with MIDI is to sound like absolutelly crap...

[@alexxchavezee]

Nice commercial. I'm not being funny. I always watch your videos because you give me the most learn for my click by doing all the research I would have done. Cheers! Will DEF add to my pedal board.

[@madeinuk01]

OMG now it makes sense :) I've heard other people talking about how they use MIDI FX pedals but I always thought it was like a multi FX pedal like a zoom GFX8. Thanks :)

[@legoharry100]

This is a perfectly timed video. I’m looking at getting the Boss DD-200 and ES-8 and really want to switch delay/tone presets with MIDI

[@ZachComa]

I have an ES-8. The interface is shit and annoying because you constantly have to click through a million menus, but it can do EVERYTHING and will never fail you once you figure it out. YMWV, but I had to add an EB Tech Line Level Shifter in the loop to adjust the levels of my main tube amp (Randall RT100) signal which was way too hot. That amp also didn't play nice with the ES-8's latching/momentary channel switching (it would "chirp" when switching high gain channels), so I got a Voodoo Lab Control Switcher which turns channel switching into a midi signal that the ES-8 controls without issue. But, my backup solid state plays nice with the ES-8 out of the box without having to add anything (it doesn't have midi either). On the ES-8, I have every patch send an actual latching channel switch signal as well as a midi channel switch simultaneously so it can work with my main and backup the same. I rewired a footswitch cable from my backup to mirror the channel switching of the Control Switcher, so if my main ever goes down, I just have to swap out 3 of the 4 cable method and plug in the footswitch cable into the ES-8 and I'm back and running without having to change any settings.

[@xr8fairmont]

The single most informative summary of MiDi I've ever heard. I may revive my 1980 zoom 4040 and invest in a midi cable as a result. It will feel like something new to me. Exciting. Thanks Colin!

[@iNDERUdmg]

This actually makes me think of another topic for a TATA - loop switchers (and some of them are also midi controllers) and how to use them effectively. More specifically - how to use them effectively with a pedal (or amp) that has an effects loop. My assumption is - have one loop connected to the input and the effects send, have a second loop connected to the effects return and the output of the pedal. Add other pedals to other loops. Use the switcher to determine the order of the pedals (and which ones are in the loop). If you want to use the pedal with the effects loop both loops need to be switched on. Am I close? 😅

[@NelsonClick]

I've been explaining MIDI to guitarists for years. I finally distilled it to something simple: it has nothing to do with audio or tone. Nothing. If you have ever used a TV remote then you already understand MIDI. It's just a way to control something over there from something over here. It has nothing to do with sound. Nothing. There's more to it but for now that's all you need to know and its the thing it was designed to do. Control something over there from something over here.

[@hazrod13]

So you're actually keeping the Engl ? if yes, you clearly need more dinosaurs, man.

[@ScienceofLoud]

There's a lot of room on top of that one that needs filled up.

[@exohead1]

An interesting note on those MIDI jacks/cables with the 5 pin DIN. Old School Soviet era musical equipment also used a 5-pin DIN as their primary jack, and it is very similar but not the same as the 5 pin DIN MIDI jack.

[@almightyantichrist]

Been using MIDI since 86...still use it to this day...

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Ahh thanks for the help mate. I’m a bit rusty on my midi

[@RollingPunches2012]

You’re cracking me up, dude. So true about guitarists and our preferred tech! Just inherited a MIDI controller and no clue how to use it. Your vid helps. Cheers!

[@imfobk]

I think i subbed over a year ago. But this series of videos has been the most helpful thing i have ever found on the internet to expand my recording and understanding of equipment, I've been trying to find and learn this type information. But it feels like everywhere I go I'm digging through blog posts, digging through forums, or I'm digging through manuals to try to figure out what these things mean/do. There's no simple tutorials with these visuals etc. This literally opens up the whole world for me, to get the equipment that I actually want, and get the equipment that I actually need, to make the music I want to make. I know that's long-winded but I really want to say thank you I can't tell you how much this series has helped me already and how much it will help me in the future once i start uploading a lot more my music, I'll probably tagged you in some stuff or send my appreciation via the descriptions. This honestly is going to change my career when it comes to making/performing music. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@mfsperring]

I love this series. Very helpful in filling in gaps. Thanks

[@scottlapier4797]

Great video. I really believe that MIDI and modeling amps are the best way forward for us musicians. I'm a bass player and just bought one of fenders bass amps with a modeler and the thing is incredible I can dial in the exact tone in my head and run a USB line out to my laptop. Using one bass and baritone guitar I've tracked for metal, rock, hip hop and country sounds. I will be looking to upgrade further when I get a new laptop.

[@guitarsimon1]

Ooooh, you mean M1-D1, cheers Colin!

[@timmotel5804]

WoW. Cool entry into the midi world for guitar. Far more than I ever knew. Thanks

[@tjstewart9344]

Using modelers live doesn't always require you to take your hands off the guitar. They maybe full floor modelers, the Headrush pedalboard, or the compact version the mx-5 immediately come to mind.

[@newmexicosaint]

Man. Thank you so much! I had no idea until this video! Thank you so much.

[@Mcsteveberry]

thanks for this

[@garethbull2226]

I'll just point out that MIDI can also control stage lighting. There are dedicated light controllers from several different companies that can be controlled with MIDI to cycle stage lights when MIDI commands are sent to the lighting controller.

[@benmoore2301]

Thanks. As a beginner, the used cheap amp I had just quit, and this was helpful when researching amp capabilities/plug ins for future use or expansion, assuming I make it that far!

[@kuyakoi3469]

So this idea of midi switcher is like a multi effects pedal which may provide realistic sound of an amp or dirty channel depending on the cost of the Multifx While Switch is a controller of a real amp just using your foot.

[@CatPickStudios]

Great video as always! Even though I know at least the basics of almost every topic you cover in this series, I still always watch them and learn new things. Keep up the awesome work!

[@soda5130]

Very nice explanation, i finally got it because of this vid!

[@chucksaeger7500]

Enjoyed your video very much! I’m a beginner and you’ve got me on the verge of actually understanding this. Very well done!

[@StuntcatTV]

Hail Colin, Tackler of TATAs! Little off topic here, but your watch is badass, bro. And you definetly make it worth tpo stay until the absolute end of the video everytime :D

[@rickc2102]

I already know about midi, but I thought your narration would be an ace background while I break up this bud and pack it into this bowl.

[@iberiksoderblom]

I remember my Atari had a MIDI, mid 1980´s. The feature was pushed quite a lot by Atari back then.

[@LomaGnome]

Damnit you're easily the best guitar channel out there, really feeding my inner geek. Thanks for breaking this one down, got a midi controller en route now.

[@jbjb9691]

Exactly what I needed to feel less intimidated by MIDI. Thank you amigo ! 👍

[@enrath4078]

Thank god this came out because I was sure as shit not goona be judged by Google for asking this.

[@musicproductionnerd]

MIDI is such an amazing technology in music production. Loved your video man!

[@arnyarny77]

i recently connected my midi foot controller fcb1010 to my plugin.it a lot cleaner and efficient than connecting "real" pedals together

[@thegreatgambeeno]

Sometimes, I hate my M-Audio KS-49. I feel a little better about it after seeing that you use one, Colin. Great video as always.

[@RJW14]

can hear the Mr Scary influence with that V tune.

[@ivansandoval777]

Can you demonstrate how to make the savage changing channels and stomp boxes or presets (channels and stomp boxes at the same time)

[@s.e.n3264]

Sweet man! I was actually thinking about investing in a midi controller the other day. I already know how they work, but I'd love to hear your opinion on the bigger and more advanced ones. Would you be able to do reviews on the more advanced ones??

[@kezzrk1869]

Your videos are the fucking holy grail of information.

[@AnyDrug]

Great comprehensible explanation. Also congrats on your Savage amp (in case I didn't already congratulate you on it by now). It is an insane beast.

[@jackshera1094]

I have this exact pedal the only thing I have no idea how to do is make it change individual things like only turning on the high gain setting, noise gate or the sound setting

[@shackusratus]

I had one of these. They work well, but I got rid of mine due to the noisy switches.

[@stephanematis]

1985 represent! Atari ST + Korg or Roland keyboards ... midi tunes ... man that was a while ago.

[@pakiw2]

I use fcb1010 for 10 years. Its good enough. but as simple as they are, they are very expensive because of lack of popularity. Was thinking of getting one as you showed, but it is two buttons less than fcb1010, for me its crucial.

[@TheFarout69]

Smoke machines and lighting...good fun.

[@godtoHrD]

For the next TATA: PLEASE explain in and out of phase pickups! Thanks!

[@rickc2102]

In-phase coils enhance the frequencies that out-of-phase coils cut. It's about the relationship between the coils' output signals.

[@jacobgreengas7121]

My experience with MIDI has so far been limited to using the MIDI port on my PC's sound card to plug in joysticks in the 90s

[@carlstawicki1915]

3:18 Does it remember the physical knob positions also?

[@sacordovaplata]

It does. Of course you won't be able have visual feedback, but knob position most of the time is saved (except for the Master volume)

[@HaroonRahman]

If you feel ambitious, we'd love video on MIDI CC messages vs channels and what omni is, etc.!

[@jamjestrysiek]

The only guy in the world whose leg looks like his right arm 🤔😁😉. Good video btw 😊😊

[@emonymph6911]

Can the Line 6 FBV 3 also be used as a MIDI controller switch like this? If not I will buy this. Setup concept is this... laptop will be used as a effects/loop/amp modeler > connect a MIDI controller to the laptop to control settings. Guitar inputs to a DAC. Laptop connects to a DAC that outputs to a speaker... and now I'm ready with 100s of presets to change the sound of my guitar. Would that work? What MIDI foot switch should I go with? Software used will be Helix Native and DAW is Cubebase elements. My DAC (mixer) is a Yamaha AG03.

[@thiagohermes4806]

Once again another great explanation which in this case came in a very good time cuz I was just going to do my research and learn a thing or two about midi. Thanks a lot man, grretings from Brazi!. o/

[@bullitt3275]

thank you! i have learned a lot!

[@disastermidi1990]

Carbon 2 is a great little synth!

[@ivanpedrero1455]

Thank you for this video!! Love the 50p video!! Best regards from Chile.

[@ZerstoerenDieStille]

What's a power conditioner and how do I know if I need one?

[@neilkendall5499]

Thanks for this video. I have this same foot controller. I have it connected to my Windows 10 laptop. A couple of questions: 1) Is it possible to start and stop backing tracks in Abelton Live using the footswitches on this unit? 2) Is it possible to send MIDI note data with this footswitch, so I can trigger keyboard notes from a synth VST with the footswitches on this unit?

[@tn0wl361]

buy a nektar pacer everyone, it's a little more expensive but wayy wayyyyyy WAY more customizable than the midi commander and much more user friendly to do so, along with up to 24 pages of different controls and on top of that extensibility for up to four additional footswitches, on top of two expression pedals. It's been an absolute joy to use with looping on any given daw equipped for it (I actually use sooperlooper on linux) and it has washed the absolutely disgusting taste out of my mouth that the midi commander left.

[@thanosraksen9905]

Hi, could i change the channels on a Mesa Boogie Dual or Triple Rectifier using Midi commands throught the midi footswitch input on the back of the amp? Thanks

[@sacordovaplata]

You can, but better consult your manual to see what MIDI messages or "instructions" your amp expects and program the controller accordingly.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Very helpful to many! Thanks for sharing brother! Be Well!

[@jjrusy7438]

I have a "Qtata" : Why is a guitar tremolo unit still called a tremolo when the whole synth world(and I guess, the guitar pedal world too) considers tremolo as a VOLUME modulation , whereas a PITCH modulation(what the whammy does) is called vibrato? Whammies were there first, so any idea how this happened, or what am I missing here?

[@ScienceofLoud]

Leo Fender made a mistake and it stuck. That's pretty much the whole story.

[@jjrusy7438]

@@ScienceofLoud Ahhhhh thank you. I love learning something new everyday, like that fako-stereo mic trick with the figure 8 mic sideways in your "cryptic mic symbol " video with the "bum-shaped" polar response. the comments are precious.

[@shoegazeforever8810]

Leo Fender was not a guitarist. He thought that guitar tremolo meant pitch variation.

[@mikethegreat4296]

Oh man I am digging this framerate.

[@pauldoyle2451]

Really great video

[@segazora]

I wish the Midi commander had an input for 9 volt power supply, everything else on my pedalboard is plugged into my isolated power supply, I don't want to have to use another plug socket for this

[@voag1344]

Wow, I didn't know anything about MIDI apparently

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

Good luck with the footswitch, got my eyes on a ZOOM BASS multi effecrs pedal......

[@bart5559]

Nice tutorial! Can you use it with the katana librarian? That would be awesome

[@flyonthewall7026]

Imagine playing guitar for 30yrs(self taught)and wanting to buy your lead guitarist a pedal and coming across this video..... I've walked into the wrong saloon 👍

[@greenphil888]

Thanks man! Good job! I learned something new!

[@EducatingDan]

Colin... You have gained a new subscriber for your roasting of Jay Erk on Pedalboards of Doom

[@ScienceofLoud]

Glad to have you on board. Also, fuck that guy.

[@EducatingDan]

Exactly! Fuck that guy! I was the dude who had his evening poo brightened 😂

[@j.c.f.m.2486]

TATA - What is amp simulation & how and when to use it?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

This was a fantastic video. Thanks so much.

[@rogb3199]

Switches are awful but no worse than the £300 Midi Maestro

[@BigJohnDeere100]

Great vidd good sir! Subscribed!

[@yaguitar]

Great explanation! More amps need to adopt this really :)

[@ransombaggins9301]

Such a great series!

[@scottv4186]

Regarding this topic, I would love some information on the kaos pads for guitar

[@jdwilke]

Thanks for the video and product review. I have a couple budget midi foot controllers, and was unsure about the meloaudio one which I had seen online. I setup my pedal board to control the channel switching on my mesa boogie at the same time as switching pedals, including presets on my Line6 M9 and M5. It works great, but the devices I have have quirks and limitations. I may try the meloaudio one at some point. Thanks.

[@neilmorgan4409]

I greatly appreciate this video. I recently got Peavey's ReValver and have been wondering how to utilize the program with MIDI for live settings.

[@jav6665]

I have a EVH stealth which is midi capable and various analog pedals. Here is my question: can I set up a midi controller that can switch my amps channels while simultaneously switch certain pedals on and off? I’m tired of tap dancing to get my clean, rhythm and lead tones! I want one click for each, is that asking too much?

[@PooNinja]

And another language to learn! 10001110101 🤘🏽

[@mattkenney13]

nice clutch reference

[@ICKY_Isaac]

This didn’t necessarily sell me on the midi commander but more on an engl amp 😬

[@mattoconnor7]

Hey Colilin! (spelling?) Thanks so much for doing this video! I was recommended the midi commander, but I'm kinda old and afraid of technology, so I've never hooked it up. I bought it last year lol! I bought it to hook it up to my 11 rack so that I could either use that instead of my 60 pound combo amp at shows whenever there are any, or maybe to make commands in Reaper. Thanks to you doing this video I'm about to at last try it out and see what it does. If you have any tips for someone like me for these applications, please let me know. I love your videos, thanks a lot!!!

[@stekof290]

Could you post a tuto on setup in Ableton? Thanks.

[@kratanicverses4805]

Awesome explanation!

[@rjc7289]

Great if you're a techie gear head, but I'll stick with my tube amps and analog stomp boxes, thank you very much.

[@joshuasydnee]

Hi Colin could you please tell me how to program all 8 switches as presets only?

[@richardp1962]

good job! thx.

[@godzilla964]

I love my Melo Audio footswitch. I really wanted their TS Mini interface, but they don't make them anymore. Instead, they just make bluetooth headphones. Smh. 😞

[@calebscrazyamazinglife1795]

Does the positive grid spark amp use midi?? And how does the spark work