Long explanation of MPE
Briefly and very simply
The MPE controller sends notes sequentially by individual midi channels with additional data such as CC, pitchbend. The number of midi channels and their numbers can be set on the MPE controller, usually. So we can have a controller that transmits sequentially:
- CH1 Note On 49 , Pitchbend 4700, CC#11 100 … and streams these variables to Note Off
- CH2 Note On 52 , Pitchbend 5200, CC#11 117 … and streams these variables to Note Off
- CH3 Note On 55 , Pitchbend 3100, CC#11 64 … and streams these variables to Note Off
etc. Of course it’s in time so the length of the notes is different and the controller assigns free channels to the notes as needed
MPE Synthetizer has one instance that plays one selected preset on the specified midi channels. This creates a dynamic, surround sound… according to the authors of the PR articles. Which if each note has its own pitchbend and expression, it probably fits.
Zynthian does not fulfill the first sentence of the previous paragraph, not yet, that is, according to my unsubstantial opinion.
I have experience with something like pseudo MPE. Guitar with Fichman TriplePlay midi pickup and FC-1 pedal, which transmits the played notes and pitchbend on individual guitar strings on 6 midi channels. Zynthian then has 6 instances of the selected synth engine for these channels with the same preset, or fine-tuned so that each string plays with a different “color”.