Benji Thomas

MIDI

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

MIDI is a form of technology which allows a huge range of computer generated musical instruments to communicate

to each other.

A good way to think of it is a “language all the different instruments can understand”. Since a language is only the

words, not the voice, MIDI information does not include any actual audio information, and has to be “assigned a voice”,

like a bass guitar, a piano or percussion.

MIDI DEFINITION

A standard MIDI keyboard control, used to input note information.

In 1978, where synthesizers were extremely popular, they were evolving to include microprocessors, which put them

on the market for those with

less money to hand.

However, The fact that every company had different methods meant that

The instruments from each company could not communicate with each other.

So if someone had lots of synth modules from different manufactures, they could not connect together.

SO…MIDI was created as a universal language all makes of

instrument could understand, after a meeting in January 1982 at NAMM.

HISTORY OF MIDI

EXPLANATION

MIDI information is a sequence of commands to turn on and off notes, which are also specified. Depending on how close the on and off commands are, the note length changes, so

this also included.

The information also includes control parameters such as modulation, panning, velocity, and expression, all of which

add to the authenticity of the artificial instrument.

MIDI can also be used to Synchronise lighting with live performances!

You can connect MIDI controllers like keyboards, guitars, and synthesisers using a MIDI interface, using the IN/OUT

ports on the interface,

And you can connect different synthesisers, even of different brands, using the MIDI THRU port to create what

is called a “daisy chain”

CONNECTING WITH MIDI

There are 128 possible sounds for each of the 16 possible channels.

Each number 1-128 corresponds to a specific instrument.

GM MIDI

A MIDI Sound Module is a computer-based musical instrument. Instead of having a traditional interface like a

keyboard, it is controlled electronically through a computer.

It doesn’t produce actual musical notes like a normal instrument. Instead, it generates electronic tones that can

be altered by a computer to resemble musical notes.

It can be controlled through a computer, or an external device such as a keyboard.

SOUND MODULES

MIDI Data Format

The majority of MIDI communication consists of multi-byte packets beginning with a status byte followed by one or

two data bytes .

Bytes are packets of 8 bits (0's or 1's). Status bytes begin with a '1' e.g. 1xxx xxxx--this is call 'set.' Data bytes begin with a '0' e.g. 0xxx xxxx--this is called 'reset.' Each byte is

surrounded by a start bit and a stop bit, making each packet 10 bits long.

FORMAT

Controllers are the expressive power behind midi, allowing the artificial

input to sound like a real audio signal. Qualities of a real

recorded piece of music are things such as dynamics,

modulation, and expression. Controllers are all assigned numbers so they can be sent via binary data – Here are

some examples.

1 modulation wheel

7 main volume1

0 pan controller

64 sustain pedal

CONTROLLERS

MIDI is a universal language brought about by the necessity for communication between different MIDI

enabled modules.

It works as a series of bits of binary data, allowing sounds and controls to be numerically coded.

MIDI is a simple alternative to a session musician or an instrument which is difficult to record.

Controllers add expression and believability to the piece.

MIDI is still inferior to real audio, as the sounds are still the same every note.

MIDI is only a language, and does not contain ANY audio information, making it fully programmable.

OVERVIEW