Manual: Parameter Control Events

Parameter Control Events (sometimes also referred to as “PC Events” or “PC Notes”) are meant as a straight-forward replacement for Zxx MIDI Macros to automate plugin parameters in the MPTM format. The key advantages over Zxx Macros are:

• More parameters: The first 1,000 parameters of each plugin can be automated.
• Increased granularity: The coarse 7-bit automation range is extended to 1,000 discrete values.
• No complicated setup: There is no need to configure a Zxx Macro, and more than 16 macros can be used.
• Can be used anywhere: Parameter Control Events work anywhere in a pattern. No macro change command has to be called before executing a Parameter Control Event. They do not need to be placed on a specific channel to work, although it is generally recommended to reserve some extra channels in your patterns that you only use for automating plugin parameters—it simply looks tidier and more organised.

Usage

Parameter Control Events are entered into the pattern the same way as normal note events, but they always occupy a whole pattern cell:

• The note column (PC / PCs) indicates that this is a Parameter Control Event (instead of a normal Note Event). There are two possible values for this column:
  • PC: Absolute parameter change. The specified parameter value is directly set on the first tick of the row.
  • PCs: Smooth (interpolated) parameter change. The specified parameter value is interpolated from the previous value to the current over the course of a whole row.

If there is no key assigned to Parameter Control Events in your keyboard map, you can double-click the note column to open the Note Properties window and change the note type to “PC” or “PCs”.

• The instrument column (xx) contains the plugin ID, which can be obtained through the General tab, from the tree view, or by right-clicking the pattern cell that holds the Parameter Control Event and choosing “Change Plugin”.
• The volume column (yyy) contains the zero-based index of the parameter (in decimal notation) that should be controlled. This, too, can be obtained from the General tab, or by right-clicking the pattern cell that holds the Parameter Control Event and choosing “Change Plugin Parameter”.
• The effect column (zzz) contains the parameter value (also in decimal notation). It ranges from 000 to 999.

Deleting a Parameter Control Event can be accomplished by entering a different note into its note column, or by pressing the “Delete” shortcut key in same column.

Additionally, Parameter Control Events can be inserted into patterns automatically either by using the “Record Parameter Changes” option in the Plugin Window menu, or by setting up a MIDI Mapping.

Interpolate Effect

You can use the “Interpolate Effect” action on any column in a selection of Parameter Control Events. This will interpolate the parameter value (in the effect column) between the first and last event, replacing previous Parameter Control Event, filling in any blanks, and writing over note events.