MIDI Flashcards
What is MIDI an acronym for?
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
What does MIDI allow electronic instruments to do?
It allows electronic instruments such as keyboard controllers, computers and other electronic equipment to communicate, control and sync with each other.
Why was MIDI developed?
To allow electronic instruments to be linked together - e.g. one keyboard could control the sounds of another keyboard.
When was MIDI invented?
Invented by Dave Smith in 1983.
Name 3 different cables that can transmit MIDI data.
USB
Firewire
MIDI cable
What type of technology is MIDI?
Digital technology - the messages it sends are strings of binary numbers.
Describe the notes on a keyboard.
All notes were numbered, as were characteristics such as volume, pan, timbre etc.
How many values are there in the number system?
128
What are MIDI commands/messages also called?
Events.
- When a key is pressed, a NOTE ON event is sent to the synth together with the note number.
- When a key is released, a NOTE OFF event is sent.
Velocity number also sent.
Describe the MIDI IN socket.
Receives messages, sends them to the internal synth and passes them out via THRU so that additional devices can be added to the chain.
Describe the MIDI OUT socket
This sends messages.
Numbering - Describe the event.
This tells the MIDI instrument the nature of the event:
- Program (selection the sound that is used)
- Note ON/OFF
- Controller (e.g. adjusting the volume or pan of a sound)
Numbering - Describe data 1 and data 2.
These contain one or two parameters - numbers which set values such as volume, pan etc.
Data 1 - Programme change?
This uses just one number, data 1, which indicates the timbre to be used (e.g. 1 = Acoustic Grand Piano, 74 = flute etc).
Data 1 and 2 - Note event?
Data 1 selects pitch
Data 2 controls velocity
