Understanding MIDI content and MIDI target

The MIDI file reference is stored inside the Music Clips contained in tracks and segments. The MIDI clips only contain the source MIDI information; notes, pitch bend, CC. They don't define the instrument to play. The instrument to use for playback is defined by the MIDI target reference found on the Music Segment and other music ancestors.

MIDI playable instruments need to be created and stored in the Actor-Mixer Hierarchy.
MIDI playable instruments use the standard object structures used for sounds in general.

Example:

Actor-Mixer Hierarchy
- Instrument Work Unit
  - Drum Kit
  - Piano
Interactive Music Hierarchy
- Default Work Unit
  - Song Segment
    
    Piano Track (with MIDI clips)
    
    Drum Track (with MIDI clips)
    
    Guitar (with audio clips)

In the previous example:

The Piano Track has a MIDI target reference to the Piano object on the Actor-Mixer Hierarchy.
The Drum Track has a MIDI target reference to the Drum Kit object on the Actor-Mixer Hierarchy.
The Guitar Track has no MIDI target.

When playing back a Music Segment with MIDI clips, the MIDI clip will send MIDI data to the specified MIDI target. The actual MIDI target (or instrument), located in the Actor-Mixer Hierarchy will receive the MIDI data, and play accordingly to it's MIDI settings.

To specify a MIDI target on a Music object:

Select a Music object (Music Track, Music Segment or any parent).
In the Property Editor, go to the MIDI tab.
In the MIDI Target group, click Override Parent (if applicable).
Click the […] button to browse a MIDI target instrument.

For more information, see Chapter 27, Creating MIDI Instruments.

Was this page helpful?

Need Support?

Questions? Problems? Need more info? Contact us, and we can help!

Visit our Support page

Tell us about your project. We're here to help.

Get started with Wwise

Wwise Help