Pitch bend意思

"Pitch bend" is a term used in music production and performance, particularly with electronic instruments and digital audio workstations (DAWs). It refers to a technique that allows the performer or musician to change the pitch of a note or sound in real-time, either during playback or while it is being recorded.

The pitch bend effect can be achieved using a variety of methods, including:

  1. MIDI Pitch Bend Messages: In MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), pitch bend is a type of control message that can be sent from a MIDI controller (such as a keyboard with pitch bend and modulation wheels) to a synthesizer or other MIDI-compatible device. This message alters the pitch of the note being played by a certain range, usually specified in semitones or cents.

  2. Hardware Controls: Physical controls on instruments or controllers, such as pitch bend and modulation wheels, pedals, or buttons, can be used to trigger pitch bend effects. These controls send MIDI messages or can directly manipulate the sound in real-time.

  3. Software Plugins: In digital audio workstations (DAWs), pitch bend can be applied using software plugins that emulate the behavior of hardware controls or provide additional pitch-shifting capabilities.

  4. Manual Adjustment: In some software instruments and audio editing applications, pitch bend can be applied manually by adjusting the pitch of individual notes or audio segments after they have been recorded or imported.

The pitch bend effect is commonly used to add expression and nuance to a performance, mimic the bending of notes on traditional instruments (like a guitar or saxophone), or create unique sound effects. It can be used to create vibrato, where the pitch oscillates slightly, or for more dramatic changes in pitch during a musical phrase.

In summary, pitch bend is a way to alter the pitch of a sound in real-time, adding expressive capabilities to electronic instruments and digital music production.