MIDI Orchestration: From Robot to Real
The Expression Curve
Unlike a piano or drum, a string section has endless dynamic capability during a sustained note. If you just draw a long MIDI block and leave it, it will sound like an organ. Realism comes from Continuous Controller (CC) data.
The Holy Trinity: CC1, CC11, and Velocity
📋 Controller Cheat Sheet
- Velocity: Only controls the initial attack (like spiccato/pizzicato). Does NOT affect sustained notes on most modern libraries.
- CC#1 (Modulation): Controls the timbre/intensity. Low = Soft/Dark. High = Loud/Bright/Harsh. This is the most important fader. Ride this constantly!
- CC#11 (Expression): Controls pure volume. Use this to taper the ends of notes to silence (`Niente`) without changing the timbre.
Creating "The Swell"
Real string players naturally swell into notes. To mimic this, never start a phrase at static
intensity.
1. Start CC#1 low (value 20-30).
2. Swell up to value 80-100 at the peak of the phrase.
3. Taper back down.
This constant motion makes the ear believe there are humans behind the samples.