Balancing The Levels On Drum Parts. Options

[sus4]

I just got Logic 8 and it looks very cool.
I imported a SMF and Demixed By Pitch the drum parts because I want to adust the levels on all the parts.
Now all the parts are one channel 10 as you know. So, do I put all the parts on separate midi channels? That doesn't seen right because if I have many drum parts I would run out of midi channels.
So, how do I do this?
If anyone knows PLEASE, PLEASE, explain it to me as if you were speaking to a child. I'm serious. You really have to explain each step clearly. I've been looking thru the manual and I cannot see anything related to this.
Yes, it tells you you can do it, but doesn't really tell you how.
I'm very frustrated and I know many of you have been there too.
Thanks

sus4

[Jim Hoyland]

As ghess points out, its not possible to send volume information to a single midi note on a midi channel, so using volume sliders or global volume settings won't work in this instance.

You really have two options when it comes to working with midi.

The first (and easiest) is to alter the velocity of the individual triggers. I'm still using Logic 7, but I assume that 8 still has a settings panel that opens when you select a midi track in your arrangement. This contains a velocity switch that works by adding or subtracting to the current velocity of notes with a part or track. In most instances this should be fine for rhythm parts, although sometimes changing the velocity alters more than the volume - for example, most electric piano instruments have less attack at lower velocity settings, sounding both quieter and "softer".

The other method is to directly edit the synth you're using to generate your drum sounds. Outboard and soft synths have a wealth of editable settings, and in relation to drum parts there should be the option to change the volume of individual notes. Without knowing the synth you're using I can't go into any more detail, but a thorough read of the manual should point you in the right direction.