What is MIDI?

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MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

What MIDI actually is is a protocol defined by The International MIDI
Association by which MIDI equipped synthesizers, sequencers, drum
machines, etc. can communicate with one another. MIDI is a language used
for communication between electronic instruments. Similar in theory to
English which many people use to communicate. Synthesizers, and
computers use MIDI.

MIDI information is sent in a serial, as opposed to parallel, fashion.
This means that MIDI information is sent in a line one byte after
another instead of all at the same instant. The baud rate of MIDI is
31,250, this is a very fast speed that makes MIDI a pretty good way of
communicating, your Macintosh communicates at only 9600 baud over most
networks and probably no more than 2400 baud over the phone lines
(unless you have a 9600 baud modem, of course, but who does?).

MIDI in <-> MIDI out
--------------------

One can say that MIDI is characterized by its ability to transmit data
in, out, and thru almost any MIDI device ('almost' any because some MIDI
devices do not support MIDI thru).  MIDI data can be very difficult to
understand at first but once you closely examine all of it's 'curves and
dips' you'll be a pro in no time.

Remember: Be sure to read all of the instructions that come with any
MIDI device you purchase (or borrow).

>>> If all else fails, read the manual <<<

The manual and tutorials are the best place to learn about a MIDI
device...learn what each device is capable of and how it's external
ports (MIDI,audio,pedal,etc) function. Learning this now will save you a
headache in the future and can only help you when you REALLY get into
trouble.

Computer Interfaces
-------------------

A computer to MIDI interface allows your computer to 'talk' with other
MIDI compatible devices.  Any software that requires MIDI also requires
a MIDI interface in order to function.

The interface can be as small as your Macintosh's mouse or as large as a
single-space rack mounted device.  All interfaces allow basic communication
between computer and MIDI devices but some do more such as:

     - filtering of certain MIDI data on certain MIDI cables.
     - re-routing of certain MIDI data.
     - Syncing of audio tape to a sequencer.
     - Keeping track of tempo/meter changes in your music.
     - much more...

Personally, I use a JamBox 4+ MIDI Interface by Southworth Music
Systems, Inc.  I find it to be the most powerful interface on the market
because it supports those features mentioned above plus a multitude of
others.  It also reads and writes (stripes) SMPTE (a standard time code)
which allows synchronization with audio tape and sequencer data.  The
JamBox also has extensive filtering and re-routing functions which allow
any or all of it's 4 input and 4 output MIDI cables to manipulate any
MIDI data in almost any way possible.  You can even 'transpose' one type
of MIDI data to mean something else.

MIDI Messages
-------------

MIDI is a serial language, which means that MIDI data is sent out one
byte after another...that's why it is sometimes referred to as a MIDI
data STREAM.  The MIDI data stream can consist of a multitude of
different MIDI messages ranging from Note-Ons (which play a specific
note), Note-Offs (which stop playing a specific note), System and
channel messages (which help control your MIDI set-up), etc.

MOST MIDI data is sent in the form of STATUS byte, DATA byte, DATA byte.
That is to say that one byte telling what kind of message it is is sent
followed by two (sometimes less, sometimes more) bytes telling the
settings for that particular message.  For instance:
     
    NOTE-ON = Status(Note On), Data(Key #), Data(Velocity)

A Note-On message with a velocity of 0 (zero) would function as a
Note-Off event, wouldn't it?

System Exclusive Data
---------------------

System Exclusive MIDI data is a bit different from regular MIDI
messages.  SysEx (System Exclusive) data can be used to store
performance parameters, patch banks, sequence memory, etc. any data that
can be said is EXCLUSIVE to your particular synthesizer.

SysEx data doesn't follow the <Status byte Data byte Data byte> rule but
follows another...the first byte of a SysEx message is always $F0
(Hexadecimal 240) which is a constant in the MIDI Specification that
tells your MIDI device to get ready because a SysEx message is coming.
The next bytes differ for each manufacturer. The second byte is usually
a manufacturers ID number (0-127) and after that anything can happen.
Only devices with that particular ID# will 'listen' to the SysEx data.

Remember: Whatever data the device wants it expects to get (or send)
until the $F7 (Hex 247 -> End of SysEx) byte is sent.  This tells the
device that the SysEx dump is completed and it can go back to whatever
it was doing.

MIDI Equipment
--------------

There are hundreds of MIDI devices on the market today, general
categories are:

     - Synthesizers and Samplers
     - Drum machines and electronic drum pads
     - Effects Processors
     - Guitars and Basses
     - Interfaces
     - MIDI filters, converters, etc
     - Sequencers (hardware and software based)
     - etc!

When it comes to first setting up your MIDI studio there are a few
things that you NEED right away, without this basic requirements list
you will have a limited yet capable workstation.

     - At least 1 synthesizer or sampler (multi-timbral)
     - A drum machine
     - A sequencer (hardware or software based)
     - A MIDI interface if you're using a computer

This is a basic list that can be expanded at any time (when your wallet
allows you to expand).

Note: Multi-Timbral devices allow you to play more than one sound at a
time (this is almost a must!). This way you can play a bass line using a
bass sound and a piano line using a piano sound and maybe a clarinet
melody using a clarinet sound instead of playing all of those lines
using the SAME sound.

What should I buy?
------------------

Hoo Boy!

Here is my recommendations for first time buyers who want to set up a
small studio for under $2000 or so. (Prices vary greatly so make sure
you check around BEFORE you buy anything). Also, this list may not suit
your needs so buy Keyboard, Electronic Musician, etc. magazines and
READ! You will learn alot by reading about things you're not familiar
with, even if you don't understand them the first time through.

Also, I won't go into detail about any of the listed instruments becaue
there is just too much to say, I suggest you see each instrument at your
local music store and ASK QUESTIONS! Although some salesman may act like
jerks to you, they're getting paid to answer your questions and help YOU
- their customer - even though you might be a beginner!  If you ever
need help otherwise, feel free to call the MUB BBS (the phone number is
in the 'About' box of this stack on the Main Menu) and ask questions
there...leave Electronic Mail to Joe Zobkiw or Ira Horvitz and menton
this stack.

Here it is...THE LIST!

    - Roland D-10 or D-20 multi-timbral LA Synthesizer
     (D-20 has disk drive for storing patches, etc.)
    - Alesis HR-16 Drum machine (KILLER sounds!)
    - Alesis MMT-8 multi track MIDI sequencer (hardware) or...
    - Performer 3.0 or Vision (software sequencers, Macintosh)
    - Apple MIDI interface (simple) or JamBox 4+ (more powerful)

optional - 4, 6, or 8 track recorder!

This is a basic list that will keep you busy for awhile...don't forget
the hidden costs though:

    - MIDI cables (2 for each synth/Drum machine)
    - Speakers/Headphones/small mixing board or can be
      hooked up through your home stereo.
    - Audio cables (maybe)
    - Floppy disks
    - Molson Golden

Hooking it all up!
------------------

When it comes to hooking up MIDI equipment, you can become tangled not
in just MIDI cables but insideyour own brain as well.

The simpler the set-up, the simpler the setting up, but don't think you
shouldn't read the manuals!  Most manuals contain diagrams showing the
best (and worst) ways to set up certain devices.  Experiment until you
get a set-up that suits your needs but don't fret if you can't get stuff
to work...take your time...read ALL of the instructions and if you're
still stuck then call the shop from where you bought your equipment.

If you can't get any straight answers from your music store then call
the manufacturer, most have HELP-lines available during normal business
hours with knowledgable staff people who can help you.  One such company
is Korg, they have an incredibly knowledgable technical staff that will
be able to solve (or find someone to solve) even the toughest of
problems.

If you still are having trouble, call the MUB BBS...that's what we're
here for... YOU!

MIDI Software
-------------

For the computer owner MIDI software is a must. Software can allow you
to expand your MIDI set-up to a great degree giving you more power to do
all sorts of data manipulation.  The following types of software are
available:

     - Sequencers (Performer, Vision, MasterTracks, MIDIPaint)
     - Sampling (Sound Designer, Alchemy)
     - Patch Editor/Librarian (Opcode & Vahala make tons of them)
     - MIDI data analysis (MIDIScope)
     - MIDI data manipulation (JamBox DA)
     - System Exclusive (Benson, SynthAssist)

This is a small list of what is available. Thumbing through the pages of
any major music magazine will yield lists and lists (or should I say ads
and ads) of music software. Almost anything you would need is available
(some at exuberant prices).

Each piece of software has it's pros and cons...I could list features
here but that would take up way too much space. I suggest you get a demo
of the software you are interested in from your local music dealer and
ASK QUESTIONS! Nothing is more annoying than paying $300 for a piece of
software to find that it's incompatible with your synth/computer/or way
of thinking!

My suggestion is to look at Performer version 3.0 by Mark of The Unicorn
(Cambridge, MA) if you are looking for a POWERFUL and very slick
sequencer. Vision by Opcode (somewhere in CA) is also incredibly
versatile and worth checking out...both feature graphic and list note
editing!

MIDI Troubleshooting
--------------------

Troubleshooting can be a lot of trouble...consult your manuals first and
check all of your connections before phoning for help. Most problems can
be caused by a synthesizer being in the wrong mode or a loose cable.

As a last resort (before the noose) call your music dealer or the
company's technical support line of the product that is causing you to
get premature gray hair.

If you have a problem that no one can answer or want many opinions on a
topic call the MUB BBS (617) 739-2366...we're here to help you make the
most out of MIDI Set-Up as well as help you set it up!


