[PD] How to avoid "choppy" midi outputs sounds using multi-user DIY music controllers ? (newbie question)

[Robb Mitchell]

Hi

I am trying to make a musical instrument for two or three people to play at once 
(fuller details below).  Each person will have a controller, and I am outputting 
to a software synthesizier. 
It works fine (some very fun responses!) with one controller, but input from the 
second sensor cuts short the notes played by the first (and vice versa). 
Is there some way to make a MIDI note play for its full duration regardless or 
whether another "overlapping" note is being played ? 
(and if not, other suggested workarounds most welcome)
I thought maybe Noteout channel numbers was the way, but I maybe 
misunderstanding how these work...

Many thanks

Robb




Fuller Details:

I am working towards a remake and electronic update of an earlier, fairly 
popular "dance floor" sculpture:
http://www.chateau.eclipse.co.uk/robb/socialwhirl.htm
but hoping to transform people's movements on the rotating discs into sound
(though not expecting to wire up as many as 28 rotating discs for some time!  
Two or three is enough for now)

So the basic set up is: 
Gyroscope sensor in each disc/controller
> Arduino 
> xbee 
> serial read in via a receiving Arduino (using Comport) 
> Pure Data  (happy to share my patch if you like) > FM8 (currently just able to 
>use the Demo mode, so very open to alternative synthesiser suggestions!)