| Music is something we all love and enjoy. It | | | | So what does this MIDI standard contain? The |
| helps us relax and take life easy when we | | | | MIDI standard consists of a communications |
| aren't working. The Musical Instrument | | | | messaging protocol designed for use with |
| Digital Interface or MIDI for short, helps | | | | musical instruments, as well as a physical |
| musicians input their work into computers and | | | | interface standard. The Physical interface |
| process it. | | | | consists of a one-way (simplex) digital |
| | | | current loop serial communications signaling |
| MIDI compatible instruments send out binary | | | | at 31,250 bits per second. |
| codes that a computer can understand. All | | | | |
| notes that a musical instrument is capable of | | | | The advantage of MIDI is that it is low |
| playing are assigned specific MIDI messages | | | | bandwidth consuming and hence is good for |
| according to what the note and octave are. | | | | networks and Internet. Today, MIDI has become |
| For example, the Middle C note played on any | | | | the choice for mobile phone service providers |
| MIDI compatible musical instrument will | | | | to offer their consumers the latest ring |
| always transmit the same MIDI message from | | | | tones. Music lovers can also enjoy their |
| its 'MIDI Out' port. What code will be | | | | productions and edit them directly with MIDI |
| transmitted when a note is played is defined | | | | software allowing them to have complete |
| in the MIDI specification. This comprises the | | | | control on their work. |
| core of the MIDI standard that all instrument | | | | |
| makers like Casio and Yamaha follow. | | | | That is not all! This wonderful standard of |
| | | | communication can also be used for show |
| Since All MIDI instruments follow the MIDI | | | | control, theatre lighting, special effects, |
| specification and thus transmit identical | | | | sound design, recording system |
| MIDI messages for identical MIDI events such | | | | synchronization, audio processor control and |
| as the playing of a certain note on the | | | | computer networking. Any device built with a |
| musical instrument, all MIDI instruments can | | | | MIDI out port can in theory control a device |
| communicate with and understand each other, | | | | with a MIDI in port. This can only happen if |
| as well as with computers which have been | | | | the maker of both the devices has made |
| programmed to understand MIDI messages using | | | | provisions for the agreements between the 2. |
| MIDI-aware software. The MIDI interface, | | | | |
| converts the current fluctuations transmitted | | | | In conclusion, the MIDI standard of |
| by a MIDI musical instrument, into binary | | | | communication has changed a lot of things. |
| numbers that the receiving musical instrument | | | | The MIDI messages are light weight packages |
| or computer can process. | | | | that can be stored and processed with a |
| | | | minimum of fuss and power. This makes MIDI an |
| All MIDI enabled instruments have a built-in | | | | invaluable format for musicians, game |
| MIDI interface. In addition, computer sound | | | | designers and network workers. MIDI is also |
| cards usually have this built-in interface - | | | | excellent for show control helping in |
| if not, it can be separately purchased as a | | | | presentations and other corporate |
| card and easily installed. | | | | environmental work. |
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