Download What is MIDI?

What is MIDI?
Data Types
• Sequencers use two types of data:
• Audio: sound from the real world
• MIDI: control data used to trigger sound
devices
M.I.D.I.
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• Industry standard protocol
• Allows electronic musical devices from
different manufacturers to communicate
A MIDI Sequencer
Electronic Instrument
with MIDI input
Sound
MIDI data
Electronic Instrument
with MIDI input
MIDI data
MIDI Sequencer
Sound
MIDI data
Electronic Instrument
with MIDI input
Sound
Fig .1 A MIDI sequencer instructing electronic instruments.
A MIDI Keyboard
MIDI Keyboard
MIDI data
Computer
V.I. host
Virtual Instrument
Sound
Fig .2 A MIDI keyboard triggering a virtual instrument.
MIDI Can be Used
• To control several different parameters on
several different channels at once
• To switch patches on guitar pedals
• To synchronise the BPMs of devices:
• e.g. a record deck to a drum machine
Pros & Cons of MIDI in
Composition
• Can create really complex music
• MIDI control data can be precisely edited
which removes the need for:
• skilful playing
• re-recording
• Editing MIDI can become very time
consuming
MIDI Messages
• Note On command:
• a channel number 1-16
• a pitch (e.g. middle C = 60)
• a velocity (loudness)
• Note Off command:
• channel number, pitch, release velocity
MIDI Note Numbers
58
61 63
66 68 70
73
59 60 62 64 65 67 69 71 72
MIDI CCs
• MIDI Continuous Controllers
• further MIDI messages that affect notes
• e.g. aftertouch
• parameter control
• e.g. filter cut off
MIDI CCs
• Filter cut off assigned to controller 18
• Slider value 1-127 is transmitted along with
“18”
• MIDI CCs are sometimes pre-assigned to
particular functions on a synth
• MIDI CCs can also often be assigned using
MIDI learn
Equipment
• MIDI/Audio Interface (M-Audio FT Ultra)
• Microphones
• condensor (AKG C3000 B)
• dynamic (Shure SM57)
• Other devices:
• Tenori-on
• Kaos Pad 3