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MIDI The Basics

Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a digital communications protocol. In August of 1983, music manufacturers agreed on a document that is called "MIDI 1.0 Specification". Why was it developed? MIDI was perhaps the first true effort at joint development among a large number of musical manufacturers. An industry standard enabling musical communication between musical hardware synths and sequencers for example. By 1985, virtually every new musical keyboard on the market had a MIDI interface. What is contained in Midi data? It is important to remember that MIDI transmits commands, but it does not transmit an audio signal. The MIDI specification includes a common language that provides information about events, such as note on and off, preset changes, sustain pedal, pitch bend, and timing information. Binary Data (just to aid understanding). Computers use binary data. A base 2 numeric system. We are used to a base 10 or decimal system. In a binary system there are only 2 numeric values 0 and 1- on or off. So in a binary number the first column records single units up to 1, the second column records 2s, the third 4s, the fourth 8s and so on. Each digit of resolution is called a bit and can represent the values on or off. A byte is 8 digits of digital information.

MIDI The Basics

MIDI Messages consist of 1,2 or 3 bytes. The first byte is a status byte (identifies the nature of the instruction eg. Note on, Main Volume) the following

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MIDI The Basics

General MIDI is an addition to the original MIDI specification. It is a set of requirements for MIDI devices aimed at ensuring consistent playback performance on all instruments bearing the GM logo. Some of the requirements include 24-voice polyphony, a standardized group (and location) of sounds, as well as defining a limited number of controllers. For example, patch #17 will always be a drawbar organ sound on all General MIDI instruments. Continuous controller number 7 will control its volume. Music written and sequenced for General MIDI should play back with the same instrument sounds

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