Post on 19-Jun-2015
description
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