How to show colors from the expression map in MIDI key editor | Club Cubase Dec 13th 2022

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of displaying colors from the expression map in the MIDI Key Editor within Cubase. Understanding how to apply color coding can enhance your workflow, making it easier to organize and identify different MIDI parts.

Step 1: Open the MIDI Key Editor

• Launch Cubase and open your project.
• Select the MIDI track you want to edit.
• Double-click on the MIDI region to open the MIDI Key Editor.

Step 2: Access the Expression Map

• Go to the Inspector panel on the left side of the MIDI Key Editor.
• Locate the Expression Map section. If it’s not visible, you may need to enable it by right-clicking in the Inspector area and selecting it from the options.
• Click on the Expression Map dropdown to select the desired map that corresponds to your MIDI track.

Step 3: Enable Color Display for MIDI Notes

• In the MIDI Key Editor, find the View menu at the top.
• Select Show Colors to enable color coding based on the expression map.
• You can also adjust the settings to show the colors as per your preference (e.g., by velocity or note type).

Step 4: Customize Color Settings

• To customize how colors are displayed, navigate to the Preferences menu under the Edit menu.
• Select MIDI and then choose Expression Maps.
• Here, you can assign specific colors to different articulations or MIDI events. This makes it easier to identify them visually in the Key Editor.

Step 5: Use Colors Effectively

• Use distinct colors for various articulations (e.g., staccato, legato) to enhance visibility.
• Consider creating a color legend or guide to remember the meaning of each color for quick reference while working.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively display and utilize colors from the expression map in the MIDI Key Editor of Cubase. This feature not only streamlines your editing process but also helps in better organization of your MIDI tracks. For further enhancement, explore additional features in Cubase that complement your workflow, such as advanced MIDI editing tools and shortcuts.