MIDI CC (Control Change) messages are a type of MIDI message used to control parameters of a synthesizer, effect, or any MIDI-capable device, such as volume, pan, modulation, or filter cutoff. Each CC message carries a controller number (0–127) identifying the parameter, and a value (0–127) setting its level.

Official specification: www.midi.org

Commonly used CC

Note: CC7 and CC11 both adjust volume. Prefer CC11 for in-track volume changes (crescendo, diminuendo, swells).

Safe to use CC

CC numbers that should be safe to use to avoid conflicts with hardware or software MIDI devices.

Reserved CC

Controller numbers 120–127 are reserved for Channel Mode Messages. They affect the channel’s operating mode rather than sound parameters. Do not use CC120–127 for other purposes.

14 bits values

Standard MIDI values are 7-bit (0–127), which gives only 128 steps, sometimes not enough for smooth control of parameters like volume or pitch. To increase resolution, MIDI pairs certain controllers: a MSB (Most Significant Byte, CC0–31) carries the coarse value, and its matching LSB (Least Significant Byte, CC32–63) carries the fine adjustment.

The LSB of a given MSB is always CC number + 32. Together they form a 14-bit value (0–16383), 128× finer than a single CC.

In practice, most devices only use the MSB and ignore the LSB entirely.

You can fi0nd a MIDI 14-bits calculator in homestudio.app/midi/14bits.

Conventions for the value

For most ON/OFF controllers, the state is represented with :

  0 = OFF
127 = ON

Some devices also use :

 0.. 63 = OFF
64..127 = ON

For all other controllers, usually, the higher the value, the more intense the effect.

Always read the documentation of the device to understand the meaning of the values.

Complete list of CC