Using Single MIDI Track with Multiple MIDI Channels? Best practices?

[Stephen57]

@skijumptoes

The only time i’d put multi channels in the same track is if using modern workstation synths like the Montage/MODX whereby they no longer have traditional patches but scenes which can occupy any number of MIDI channels, to be honest they’re a bit awkward to manage and not as logical as traditional ‘per midi channel’ multi-timbral devices and i’m still undecided on whether i like how the modern workstation is developing - i think the new Roland Fantom may be the same concept also.

I think do what works naturally for you, as you can seperate the tracks by MIDI channel very easily at a later date anyway. MIDI’s very flexible once you’ve got it on the timeline and Cubase is strong in feature set.

Very interesting comments.

I’ll have a look at Montage/MODX, but the "scenes’ concept is clear enough. Interesting. I see how it might be awkward.

Good points about the MIDI tracks, thank you. You’re right. The traditional way is fine and Cubase does have all the many ways to split, extract, copy and so on. I like working with MIDI in Cubase but still have much to learn and use more. I get the job done, but sometimes think there are better ways of doing things and there often are. I’ve overlooked functions and misunderstood things and not used features enough to realize it’s better to ask than not. We get into a workflow which works, but it may be not as good possible.

I agree. The dialogue between users and developers of new DAW and VST offerings should move in positive directions with the user’s needs leading the way. We have to keep telling them what we want and need or they’ll go off and do crazy things we don’t really need or want or understand. Or things that don’t work. Hypes and ripoffs.

Thanks for your thoughts, very helpful.