Specifications
194  E-MU Systems
Programming Basics
MIDI Channels & Real-time Controls
MIDI Channels 
& Real-time 
Controls
The MIDI real-time controllers may seem confusing at first, but they are 
really very simple once you understand them. You already know that there 
are 16 MIDI channels per MIDI cable. Each MIDI channel uses three basic 
types of messages; note on/off, preset changes, and continuous controller 
messages.The rubber keypads, in addition to telling PX-7 which note was 
played, can also send aftertouch real-time control information, which 
simply means control occurring in real-time or “live.” Real-time control 
sources include such things as controller knobs, pitch wheels or touch-
strips, modulation wheels, control pedals and aftertouch. These are used to 
add more expression or control. 
The front panel control knobs send out real-time controller information on 
separate continuous controller numbers. There is a set of 95 continuous 
controller numbers for each MIDI channel. Some continuous controllers, 
such as modulation wheel, volume, and pan have standardized numbers. 
For example, volume is usually sent on continuous controller #7. The front 
panel controller knobs on are pre-programmed to control the PX-7.
The following MIDI 
controls are automatically routed 
in PX-7:
Pitch Wheel pwh
Modulation Wheel 01
Aftertouch 03
Pedal 04
Volume 07
Pan 10
Expression 11
Any MIDI controller can be routed to any modulation destination. First, 
you have to know which controller numbers your keyboard transmits. Most 
modern MIDI keyboards let you select a controller number for each control 
on the keyboard. For example, it may let you select a number from 0-31 for 
the data slider. The realtime controller numbers that the keyboard 
transmits must match the numbers PX-7 is receiving, otherwise nothing 
will happen when you move the controls.
Suppose you wanted to send the four data sliders on your master keyboard. 
PX-7 can handle up to 16 MIDI controllers (A-P) of your choosing. “MIDI 
A-P” are simply names for the internal connections that link external MIDI 
continuous controllers to the PatchCord section of PX-7. There are two 
parts to the connection. First, MIDI controller numbers are assigned to the 
letters A-P in the Controllers menu. Next, the letters A-P are connected to 
synthesizer control parameters in the PatchCord section of the Preset Edit 
menu. The PatchCord Amount scales the amount of each controller by a 
positive or negative value. 
The factory presets have the MIDI A-P controls connected to standard 
synthesizer functions (marked on the front panel). By choosing any four of 
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 16
Program
Change
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 3
Program
Change
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 2
Program
Change
Note
On/Off
Continuous
Controllers
MIDI
Channel 1
Program
Change










