In MIDI there are 3 ways to control volume. Which one is best for your MIDI track depends on whether it was created correctly or not.

  1. Velocity. This is the relative volume of each individual note. It corresponds to how hard the note is attacked (how hard a guitar string is plucked, how hard a piano key is struck, etc.). It is called velocity because in the early days of synthesis, the interval of time between the initial striking of the synth key and when it bottomed out related to the speed it was depressed and therefore how hard the key was struck. You shouldn't have to mess with this to equalize track volume.
  2. Continuous Controller 7 (cc7) This controls entire track volume, like the volume knob on an amplifier. This should be set at the beginning of the MIDI track and then used to balance the entire track with the other ones. Warning, some people use cc7 for the function of cc11 (next entry) so check before you adjust it
  3. cc11 This controls global volume changes within the track. It relates to the volume pedal on a keyboard or attached to a guitar. Do you want a crescendo, diminuendo, swell, fade out, or anything else, this is the cc to use. Some people use cc7 for this function, so check out the event list or controller window to see what was being used before making any adjustments.


If someone used cc7 for the changes that are supposed to be done with cc11, most sequencers will allow you to change all cc7 events to ccc11 events, and then you can use cc7 the way it is supposed to be used. If someone used both cc7 and cc11 in the track for volume adjustments, it gets trickier and you have to evaluate and decide what to do. There are more variables than I have time to go into here.

So with the use of all 3 volume devices, you should be able to balance your tracks with some patience, understanding and a bit of time.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
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