MIDI Flashcards
Binary number system
Number system that has only two digits used for MIDI communication
Channel aftertouch
Has one data byte; amount of pressure in the one data byte will be applied to every sustained note on the channel
Control change
First data byte defines the control number and the last data byte defines the value for the control number
Daisy chain
Output of one device is connected to another device’s input, that output’s device is connected to another device’s input, etc. in a chain
General MIDI
Specific instrument types are associated with specific program change numbers
Hexadecimal
Number system that has 16 digit
Local control
Switch that allows you to connect and disconnect the internal sound engine from the keyboard on the controller
MIDI cable
Cable used to connect one MIDI device to another or to connect to a computer through a MIDI interface
MIDI channels
16 channels designated for MIDI transmission and reception (TX=transmission, RX=reception)
MIDI controller
Type of MIDI device that is primarily used to create and transmit MIDI messages
MIDI instrument
Type of MIDI device that is primarily used to receive and playback MIDI messages (converts MIDI to audio)
Virtual instrument
Software that receives MIDI and transmits audio
Tone module
Synthesizer minus the keyboard
Workstation keyboard
Keyboard synthesizer that has sequencing capability
Monotimbral
MIDI instrument that plays one patch at a time
Multitimbral
MIDI instrument that plays multiple patches at a time
MIDI DIN
Unique 5-pin connector used on MIDI cables (pins 2, 4, and 5 are used, pins 1 and 3 are not connected to anything)
MIDI ports
Ports on a MIDI device that receive, transmit, or copy MIDI messages
MIDI thru
Retransmits (forwards) a copy of every MIDI message received in this device’s IN port
MIDI USB
Transmits and receives MIDI messages (and maybe audio) with a host computer
Star network
MIDI connection in which an OUTport of a MIDI controller is connect to the IN port of a THRU box, and the THRU ports of the THRU box are connected to the IN ports of tone modules
MIDI merge
Allows a performer to add MIDI data on top of already sequenced MIDI data
MIDI modes
Determine how an instrument will respond to channel messages
MIDI messages
Binary messages that consist of one, two, or three bytes that convey MIDI information
Program change
MIDI message that defines which patch to change to
PPQN
Pulses per quarter note; timing resolution for placement of MIDI events
Timing clock
Assures that, if two or more devices are in use at the same time, their tempos will lock together
Polyphonic key pressure
Has two data bytes; amount of pressure in the data bytes can be applied to one or multiple sustained notes
Polyphony
Multiple notes played at the same time
MIDI quantization
Moves MIDI data to a specific location determined by a quantizing grid value
MIDI sequencing
When a device holds a series of MIDI information that tells MIDI devices what to play
Status byte
Byte that contains message type information or channel assignment, most significant bit is 1
Data byte
Supports status byte with additional information (note number, velocity value, etc.)
Step sequencer
MIDI-based tool that divides a measure of music into a pre-determined number of note values called steps
System exclusive
Used to transmit and receive stored patch parameters and sequencer data between devices from the same manufacturer, or back up patches on one device
Velocity sensitivity
Value from 1-127 that determines speed at which a key is strikes on a MIDI controller
