MIDI Channeling Schemes

Given there are 16 MIDI channels total, and MAINFRAME uses a maximum of three MIDI channels (one per zone) there are a number of channeling schemes you can use which will give you different levels of control over the installation.

The choice of each is heavily dependent on the MIDI software you will be using. Some will make it easy to individually control MIDI channels, others will lend itself to easier & more playful control if some of the channels are shared.

FYI: How do you change the MIDI channel?

Unique channels per MAINFRAME

Mixed: Some channels shared, some unique

The main benefit of some MIDI channels being shared is that the overall installation output will naturally be more unified. For example, by using the first animation mode (whole LED strip color wash) on the shared channel, you can guarantee all the MAINFRAMEs will display the same background color which would enhance the perception of unification.

One channel shared

Two channels shared

All channels shared

Having all MIDI channels shared means, in some configurations, the MAINFRAMEs will display the same output. Use this channeling scheme with “Multiple MAINFRAMEs with USB” because with USB, each MAINFRAME appears within your software anyways and thus can be controlled individually.