6.1 MIDI Basics and Protocol
3 min read•july 30, 2024
MIDI is the language of digital music, allowing instruments and devices to communicate seamlessly. It's not about audio signals, but rather performance data that tells devices how to create sound. This foundational protocol revolutionized music production, enabling complex arrangements and precise control.
Understanding MIDI basics is crucial for navigating modern music production. From controllers and synthesizers to sequencers and sound modules, MIDI connects it all. Grasping concepts like channels, notes, and controllers empowers you to harness the full potential of your digital music setup.
MIDI Fundamentals
MIDI Definition and Data
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- MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) establishes a technical standard for connecting electronic musical instruments, computers, and audio devices
- MIDI data controls various sound aspects
- Pitch
- Vibrato
- Panning
- Tempo
- MIDI specification defines hardware and software protocols enabling standardized communication between devices and applications
- MIDI transmits performance data interpreted by compatible devices to generate sound, not audio signals
Key MIDI Terminology
- Sequencer records, edits, and plays back MIDI data for complex musical arrangements
- Synthesizer generates audio signals, often controlled by MIDI data to produce various sounds
- Controller (keyboard, drum pad, wind controller) generates MIDI data based on user input
- Program change alters the instrument or sound preset on a MIDI device
- Patch refers to a specific sound or instrument setting in a synthesizer or sound module
MIDI System Components
Input and Output Devices
- generates MIDI data from user input
- Examples: MIDI keyboard, drum pads, wind controller
- connects MIDI-equipped instruments to computers
- Facilitates MIDI data exchange between devices
- Synthesizer produces audio signals controlled by MIDI data
- Can be hardware-based or software (virtual instruments)
- Sound Module contains various instrument sounds triggered by MIDI messages
- Often used with MIDI controllers lacking built-in sounds
Data Processing and Routing
- Sequencer records, edits, and plays back MIDI data
- Hardware sequencers (standalone devices)
- Software sequencers ( applications)
- MIDI Thru, In, and Out ports enable MIDI data transmission between multiple devices
- MIDI In receives incoming MIDI data
- MIDI Out sends MIDI data to other devices
- MIDI Thru passes incoming MIDI data to additional devices without modification
MIDI Message Transmission
Message Structure and Timing
- MIDI messages transmitted serially at 31.25 kilobaud
- Typical message structure
- Status byte identifies message type and channel
- One or two data bytes provide specific information
- Asynchronous transmission sends messages only when changes occur
- Minimizes data flow and reduces latency
- Running status optimization technique
- Omits status byte for subsequent messages of the same type
- Further reduces data transmission
Synchronization and Specialized Messages
- (MTC) coordinates timing between devices
- Provides absolute time reference for synchronization
- sends tempo-based timing information
- Typically used for synchronizing tempo-dependent devices (drum machines, arpeggiators)
- (SysEx) messages allow for device-specific data transfer
- Used for patch dumps, firmware updates, and custom parameter control
MIDI Channels vs Notes vs Controllers
MIDI Channels
- Virtual pathways for MIDI data transmission
- Up to 16 independent streams on a single MIDI cable
- Channel assignment enables multi-timbral arrangements
- Different instruments or sounds on separate channels
- Message types affecting channels
- Channel Voice Messages impact specified channel only
- Channel Mode Messages affect entire MIDI device
MIDI Notes
- Represent musical pitches defined by note numbers (0-127)
- Note messages include
- initiates sound with velocity information
- terminates sound, also with velocity data
- MIDI note number mapping
- Middle C typically assigned to note number 60
- Each semitone increase/decrease adjusts note number by 1
MIDI Controllers
- Continuous controllers (CCs) enable real-time parameter control
- Controller identification uses numbers 0-127
- Common standardized controllers
- CC 7 for volume control
- CC 10 for stereo panning
- CC 1 for modulation wheel
- Device-specific controllers allow for unique parameter adjustments
- Controller manipulation methods
- Physical controls (knobs, sliders, wheels)
- Software interfaces in DAWs or MIDI editing applications
Key Terms to Review (22)
Control change: Control change refers to the process of sending specific messages within the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) protocol to modify parameters of musical performance, such as volume, pan, effects, or other instrument settings. These messages allow for real-time adjustments and dynamic expression in music production, enabling performers to manipulate various aspects of their sound during playback or live performance.
DAW: A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is software used for recording, editing, mixing, and producing audio files. It serves as the central hub for music production, providing tools to manipulate audio and MIDI data seamlessly while facilitating workflow in various stages of music creation.
General MIDI: General MIDI (GM) is a standardized protocol for digital music that ensures compatibility between different MIDI devices and software. It defines a specific set of sounds and instruments, allowing musicians and producers to work with a consistent set of sounds across various platforms. This standardization has made it easier for music creators to share compositions without worrying about discrepancies in instrument sounds.
Midi 2.0: MIDI 2.0 is an advanced version of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface protocol, which significantly enhances the capabilities of MIDI communication between electronic musical instruments and computers. This new standard allows for higher resolution in note velocity, support for more expressive performance data, and improved interoperability between devices, making it easier for musicians and producers to create and manipulate music in a more nuanced way.
Midi channel: A MIDI channel is a communication pathway in the MIDI protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to exchange performance data. Each MIDI channel can transmit a variety of musical information, including note data, control changes, and program changes, allowing for up to 16 distinct channels to be used simultaneously within a single MIDI connection. This feature enables musicians and producers to manage multiple instruments and sounds effectively in a digital environment.
Midi clock: MIDI clock is a timing signal transmitted through the MIDI protocol that helps synchronize multiple MIDI devices, allowing them to play in time with one another. This signal sends regular pulses at a rate of 24 beats per quarter note, enabling different devices to stay in sync during performances or recordings. It plays a vital role in ensuring that sequencers, synthesizers, and drum machines operate cohesively, particularly in live setups or complex studio sessions.
Midi controller: A MIDI controller is a device that generates and transmits MIDI data to control virtual instruments, synthesizers, and other audio applications. These controllers can range from simple keyboard layouts to more complex devices with pads, sliders, and knobs that enable users to interact with digital audio workstations and manipulate sound in real time.
Midi editor: A MIDI editor is a software tool that allows users to manipulate and arrange MIDI data, providing a visual interface for editing musical performances recorded using MIDI instruments. This editor enables musicians and producers to modify various aspects of the MIDI data, such as note pitch, duration, velocity, and timing, facilitating precise control over the musical composition. Its capabilities are essential for enhancing MIDI arrangements and refining performances through quantization and other editing techniques.
Midi interface: A MIDI interface is a hardware or software tool that facilitates communication between MIDI devices and computers, allowing for the transfer of MIDI data, which includes information about musical notes, timing, and performance dynamics. This connection enables musicians and producers to utilize MIDI controllers, synthesizers, and other instruments within a digital audio workstation (DAW) for music production. The MIDI interface acts as a bridge, ensuring that different devices can send and receive MIDI signals effectively.
Midi message: A MIDI message is a digital signal that communicates musical performance information between devices using the MIDI protocol. These messages can convey a wide range of data, such as notes played, their velocity, duration, and various control changes, allowing for the synchronization and control of electronic instruments and software.
Midi protocol: MIDI protocol is a technical standard that enables electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with one another. It allows for the transmission of musical information such as note pitch, velocity, and control changes, making it possible to create and manipulate music in a digital environment. This standardized form of communication is vital for music production, as it facilitates the integration of various hardware and software components.
Midi throughput: MIDI throughput refers to the rate at which MIDI messages are transmitted through a MIDI interface, ensuring that data flows smoothly between devices without delays or data loss. It is crucial for maintaining performance, especially in complex setups where multiple devices send and receive MIDI data simultaneously, affecting timing and responsiveness in musical applications.
MIDI Time Code: MIDI Time Code (MTC) is a synchronization protocol used to align multiple MIDI devices, allowing them to play back in harmony and time. It transmits timing information in the form of frames, similar to how film and video are synchronized. By providing a standard for timing messages, MTC ensures that various devices can communicate effectively, which is essential in music production and recording environments.
Note off: A 'note off' message is a command in MIDI that signals the end of a note being played, indicating that the note should stop sounding. This command is essential for creating expressive and dynamic performances, as it helps define the duration and articulation of each note within a sequence. Properly utilizing 'note off' messages ensures that MIDI recordings maintain the intended musicality and feel.
Note on: A 'note on' refers to the MIDI message that indicates the beginning of a musical note being played, usually involving a specific pitch and velocity. This message is crucial in digital music production as it triggers sound synthesis or playback in virtual instruments, making it a fundamental element in performance and sequencing.
Pitch bend: Pitch bend is a MIDI message that allows musicians to alter the pitch of a note in real-time, creating expressive and dynamic sounds. This feature is commonly used in synthesizers and MIDI controllers, enabling players to achieve effects similar to sliding or bending a note on traditional instruments like guitar or trombone. By sending continuous control data, pitch bend enhances musical expression, allowing for subtle or dramatic changes in pitch.
Programming: In music production, programming refers to the process of creating and arranging sounds using digital tools and software, often involving the use of MIDI data to control virtual instruments and effects. This technique allows producers to manipulate notes, rhythms, and dynamics, making it essential for composing and producing music in a modern studio environment.
Sequencing: Sequencing is the process of arranging musical notes, events, or samples in a specific order within a digital audio workstation (DAW) or through MIDI programming. This technique allows for the creation and manipulation of musical compositions by organizing how and when sounds are triggered, essentially acting as the backbone for modern music production and arrangement.
SMF: SMF stands for Standard MIDI File, which is a file format used for storing MIDI data. This format allows musicians and producers to exchange MIDI compositions across different hardware and software systems without losing the information about the notes, instruments, and performance parameters. SMFs come in different types, including Type 0 and Type 1, which affect how MIDI tracks are organized, making them essential for seamless collaboration in music production.
Standard MIDI File: A Standard MIDI File (SMF) is a file format used to store MIDI data, allowing for the exchange of musical information between different software and hardware devices. SMFs can carry information such as note pitches, durations, velocities, and controller changes, which makes them essential for music production and sequencing. They come in three types, each serving different purposes in terms of complexity and compatibility.
System Exclusive: System Exclusive, often abbreviated as SysEx, refers to a type of MIDI message that allows for the transmission of data specific to a particular device or manufacturer. This enables devices to send and receive information like sound patches, settings, and other unique configurations that standard MIDI messages cannot convey. SysEx is crucial for managing complex setups, allowing musicians and producers to customize their gear for specific sounds or functionalities.
Velocity: In music production, velocity refers to the force or speed with which a note is played, often measured in MIDI data as a value between 0 and 127. This parameter not only influences the volume of the note but also affects its timbre and articulation, contributing to the overall expressiveness of a performance. The concept of velocity is essential in both digital MIDI environments and synthesized sound creation, as it shapes how sounds are perceived and interacted with.