Segments
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A segment is a largely self-contained unit of playable sound. Sound data in segments falls into three main categories:
- Sequences of notes and MIDI commands.
- Patterns of musical values that are converted to MIDI notes at run time according to a chord progression.
- Samples based on one or more wave files.
Data of all three types can be combined in a single segment.
In addition to the primary sound data—MIDI notes, musical values, or waves—segments usually contain other timed data such as band, chord, and tempo changes. Data of different kinds is stored in different tracks.
A segment contains sequential data and can be played from beginning to end. However, the same sounds are not necessarily heard each time the segment is played, because different patterns and variations might be selected for playback.
In a performance, one segment is the primary segment, and normally controls parameters such as the tempo and current chord. Other segments are played as secondary segments.
When one primary segment is replaced by another, a transition occurs. You have a great deal of control over the timing and composition of transitions.
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