A type of MIDI channel message that allows dynamic, real-time control changes to be made in notes that are currently sounding. There are 128 possible continuous controllers on each of 16 MIDI channels, and each of these controller types can have any data value between 0 and 127. Modulation (such as pan or volume) is an example of a true MIDI continuous controller. Continuous controller 1 is always the modulation wheel; controller 7 is the instrument’s main volume. See controller.