What
is MPE?

Everybody can use MPE: it’s much simpler than learning a new instrument; and its benefits are immediate. This technology benefits any musician and is pretty easy to understand. So no, you don’t have to be a killer pianist or rocket scientist to use MPE… actually, it’s an extremely accessible technology.

Major DAWs (Ableton, Logic,...) are natively compatible with MPE and various software and hardware synths (uHe’s Diva, Arturia’s Minifreak…) now work with MPE.

When working in a classic MIDI environment, all MIDI messages belonging to a sound are sent on one single MIDI channel. Any modulations (such as pitch bends or changes in timbre) are sent per channel and thus affect all notes of that sound in the exact same way.

MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is an official extension of the MIDI standard. It retains one general channel for global messages (typically channel #1), but it also grants every single note that is played its own MIDI channel (typically channel #2 to #16). This way, per-channel modulation can be applied to each note individually, giving you much more control over your polyphonic performance. This results in smoother, more nuanced playing, perfect for instruments like Osmose.

You already know your way around MIDI a bit? This table will help you understand how the MIDI parameters you know from traditional MID are implemented in MPE:

* when sent on the Global channel (typically channel #1), the pitch bend can also affect all notes at once. This is triggered by the pitch wheel/slider/touchstrip of your MPE controller instead of gestures of your fingers.

Haken Audio’s EaganMatrix, the sound engine in Osmose, has been around well before the MPE standard was introduced. MPE+ is what Haken Audio calls their optimized extension to the MPE standard nowadays. If you wish to learn more, you will find more information on MPE+’s technical specificities here: https://www.hakenaudio.com/mpe

On the practical side, this help article explains what you have to bear in mind when sending MPE messages from your DAW or other MPE controllers to the EaganMatrix : https://expressivee.happyfox.com/kb/article/262-triggering-the-eaganmatrix-from-an-external-device/

Check that your MIDI controller supports MPE

Check Compatibility: Check that your DAW supports MPE.

Enable MPE: In your DAW, go to the settings for your MIDI device or instrument track and enable MPE. This often involves selecting the MPE mode for the MIDI input device or enabling MPE for the instrument itself.

Software: Many virtual instruments and DAWs support MPE, such as Noisy 2, Serum, and Arturia Pigments.

Hardware: Channel Settings: MPE uses multiple MIDI channels to send data for individual notes. Make sure your instrument is set to transmit on the correct range of channels (often channels 2-16, with channel 1 used for global controls).

Adjust Sensitivity: Depending on your instrument, you might need to adjust the sensitivity of pitch bend, aftertouch, or other expressive controls to match your playing style.

Express yourself!

DAWs Compatible with MPE:

• Ableton Live (version 11 and above): Full MPE support with individual note editing and expression capabilities.
• Logic Pro X: MPE-compatible with advanced support for editing and recording expressive MIDI data.
• Bitwig Studio: Known for its deep integration with MPE, Bitwig allows intricate control and modulation of individual notes.
• Cubase (version 10.5 and above): Cubase supports MPE and provides tools to edit per-note expression.
• Reaper: Reaper can be customized for MPE workflows, though it may require some setup.
• Studio One (version 5 and above): Offers MPE support for expressive note control and editing.

DAWs with Limited or No MPE Support:

• FL Studio: As of now, FL Studio does not have full MPE support. It can process some MPE data, but not to the extent of the DAWs mentioned above.
• Pro Tools: MPE support is limited and not as robust compared to other DAWs. It may not be ideal for full expressive control.
• Reason: Currently, Reason does not fully support MPE.

You can configure your MPE controller to have a similar behavior to the one of a classic piano/synth MIDI controller. On top of that, our controller Osmose offers various MIDI configurations and presets that allow you to switch from MPE, to classic MIDI or polyaftertouch in a blink! We think MPE is awesome in many contexts best rest assured: using Osmose, MPE and expressivity adapts to you when you need them, not the opposite!

https://expressivee.happyfox.com/kb/article/75-do-touch-or-touch-se-support-mpe/

MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is a standard that allows you to modulate the timbre and pitch separately for every single note within a polyphonic performance.

Since there is no possible way for Touché to differentiate which note of your real-time performance or a pre-recorded MIDI pattern should be affected, gestures on the touch-plate of Touché will always affect all the notes you play at once.

This doesn't mean however that you wouldn't be able to use Touché as MIDI class compliant controller alongside your MPE-compatible controller/instrument. In this case, the MIDI CC messages sent by Touché (SE) could be used to manipulate the sound on a global basis, while messages from your MPE controller can remain individual per note.

When using an MPE instrument, check the settings in your DAW to ensure MPE is enabled. Some DAWs may require you to adjust MIDI input/output settings or activate MPE on specific tracks or instruments.

Yes, you can play the Osmose on non-MPE instruments using standard MIDI mode, but you'll have limited expressiveness compared to using it with MPE-compatible instruments.

MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) was officially introduced in 2018, although the concept had been in development for several years. Companies like Haken Audio have been pioneering MPE technologies since the 1980s! MPE extends the standard MIDI protocol by allowing individual notes to be controlled independently with detailed expression, such as pitch bends, vibrato, and timbre changes.

The concept of per-note expression was explored through innovative instruments like the Osmose, which takes full advantage of MPE’s capabilities. Instruments like Osmose helped push the boundaries of expressive playing, leading to the formalization of the MPE standard, which was later adopted by the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA).