What is MIDI?
Primary Use Of MIDI
The primary use of MIDI is the creation of music in the digital realm. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connects various input and playback devices and software where a user creates musical compositions. Such examples are MIDI Files (backing tracks) and composing original music. MIDI is very common in recording studios and stage productions. MIDI can also be used for such diverse uses as programming space flights, home energy programming and any use where there is an on/off sequence and various changes to the events between the on and off sequence.
MIDI Explained
We all know what a Musical Instrument is. Digital in this context means 'encoded in a machine-readable format' and Interface is where two or more separate components of a computer system exchange information. So, in its simplest form, M.I.D.I. is one or more musical instruments fitted with hardware and/or software which communicate with a computer by transmitting and/or receiving data.
MIDI Sounds
MIDI has no 'sounds'. True! MIDI reads and transmits data file triggered from "note on," "note off," "note/length," "note/pitch," "pitch bend," "channel volume," "channel reverb" and other messages by a MIDI capable computer program/app like Sonar, Logic Cubase (etc), or a MIDI device like Merish, Roland, Yamaha and other similar devices. It is the playback software or external MIDI device which interprets and transcribes MIDI data into musical sounds.
SMF - Standard MIDI Files
During the synthesizer and drum machine boom of the 1980's (and today!), manufacturers of electronic musical instruments had their own sound engines and recording/playback format. Synths and drum machines made by a manufacturer could connect to each other via a MIDI cable and work together. This new technology created new opportunities in sound expansion in the studio and on stage.
In theory, this worked well until 2 or more MIDI devices by different manufacturers were connected. Suddenly, the piano part, or bass part or drum parts that played perfectly on one device triggers other sounds or perhaps no sounds on the other device. This happened because there was no standardised protocol for MIDI to communicate across all manufactures devices. Imagine 16 people in a room having a conversation, all taking about the same subject but all speaking in their native language. Or, in one word ... 'confusion'.
General MIDI (GM)
General MIDI or GM was developed by the American MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) and Japan MIDI Standards Committee (JMSC) in 1991. GM created a common language between all manufacturers MIDI devices. Finally, all MIDI devices and apps could 'talk' to one another in the same language. Suddenly, the 16 people in the room speak the one language.
This simple protocol revolutionized music production to a level that is still used today. MIDI devices made by M-Live (Merish), Roland, Yamaha, Korg among others and apps like Logic Pro X, Cubase, Cakewalk, Pro Tools, Sonar and so on use General MIDI to create standard music files (MIDI Files) to faithfully reproduce across all manufactures devices.
Professional MIDI Files
General MIDI was the catalyst for the explosion of solo, duo and trio bands that emerged in the 1990's and shows no signs of slowing. These performers use Professional MIDI Files to boost on stage sound. Today, there are millions of musicians around the world using MIDI Files created by Hit Trax and peer producers.
Related Links
Download MIDI Files - Download @ Hit Trax !
What is a MIDI File? - Blog by John Ialuna
Logic Pro X - sequencing software MAC
Cubase - sequencing software MAC/PC
Pro Tools - sequencing software MAC/PC
Sonar - sequencing software PC