MIDI

Question 1

What does MIDI stand for and what is it?

Answer 1

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It’s a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other.

Question 2

When was MIDI introduced?

Answer 2

In 1983, as a universal standard for digital musical communication between electronic instruments.

Question 3

What type of information does MIDI transmit?

Answer 3

MIDI transmits musical performance data, such as:
– Note on/off
– Velocity
– Controller data (e.g. modulation, sustain)
– Program changes
It does not transmit audio.

Question 4

How are MIDI messages sent?

Answer 4

Traditionally via a 5-pin DIN cable, but now most commonly via USB or wireless MIDI connections.

Question 5

What is the purpose of MIDI in a DAW like Logic Pro?

Answer 5

It allows the DAW to send commands to virtual instruments (e.g. play notes, change instruments, add effects).
The List Editor in Logic shows all the detailed MIDI commands within a track.

Question 6

How did MIDI revolutionise music technology in the 1980s?

Answer 6

It allowed:
– Electronic instruments to communicate with computers.
– The first computer-sequenced music via the Atari ST (1985), which had built-in MIDI ports.
– Easy sequencing and control of synths/samplers.
– Foundations for modern DAWs and electronic genres (synthpop, techno, EDM).

Question 7

What is the range of MIDI controller values?

Answer 7

0–127 (7-bit data).

Question 8

What is the difference between switched and continuous MIDI controllers?

Answer 8

– Continuous (0–63): transmits a smooth range (e.g. modulation, volume).
– Switched (64–121): transmits on/off signals (e.g. sustain pedal).

Question 9

What predates MIDI as a control system?

Answer 9

CV/Gate (Control Voltage/Gate) systems used in the 1960s–1980s.
– Used analog voltages to control parameters like pitch and modulation.
– Common in modular synths before digital protocols.

Question 10

What is General MIDI (GM)?

Answer 10

A standardized version of MIDI ensuring consistent instrument sounds across all devices.
For example, “Program 1” will always be an Acoustic Grand Piano regardless of the synth.

Question 11

What is MIDI 2.0?

Answer 11

A newer version of the MIDI protocol (introduced in 2020) with higher resolution, bidirectional communication, and expanded expressive control—though not yet universally adopted.

Question 12

What is Open Sound Control (OSC)?

Answer 12

A modern alternative to MIDI, used to network synthesizers, computers, and multimedia devices with higher bandwidth and flexibility.

Question 13

What is the basic structure of a MIDI message?

Answer 13

A MIDI message = Status Byte + 1 or 2 Data Bytes
– Status byte: tells the message type (e.g. note on/off, controller).
– Data bytes: carry the parameter values (e.g. note number, velocity).

Question 14

How many bits are in a byte and what is a bit?

Answer 14

1 byte = 8 bits. Each bit represents a binary digit (0 or 1).

Question 15

What is the difference between a status byte and a data byte?

Answer 15

– Status bytes: always begin with 1 (MSB = 1).
– Data bytes: always begin with 0 (MSB = 0).
This leaves 7 useful bits, giving 128 possible values (0–127) per data byte.

Question 16

What is velocity data in a MIDI message?

Answer 16

Velocity (note intensity) is transmitted as the second data byte in a “Note On” message, with values 0–127.

Question 17

How does MIDI represent pitch bend data?

Answer 17

Pitch bend uses two data bytes (for fine resolution).
– 14 bits total = 16,384 possible values.
– Centre position = 8,192.

Question 18

What was the impact of MIDI on music production?

Answer 18

– Enabled universal communication between devices.
– Allowed musicians to record, edit, and manipulate performances digitally.
– Facilitated quantising, transposing, and automation.
– Drove growth of electronic music genres (synthpop, techno, house, EDM).
– Expanded possibilities for live performance and sequencing.
– Paved the way for modern DAWs and virtual instruments.

Question 19

How did MIDI change live performance setups?

Answer 19

– One controller could play multiple synths or sound modules.
– Performers could trigger pre-programmed sequences.
– Simplified stage setups and enhanced creative control.

Question 20

Why is MIDI still important today?

Answer 20

– Despite being 40+ years old, it remains the global standard for music communication.
– MIDI 2.0 and OSC continue to expand its expressive capabilities.
– Integral to modern DAWs, hardware synths, controllers, and digital instruments.

Question 21

What practical examples show MIDI’s versatility?

Answer 21

– Composing: sending MIDI notes from a DAW to virtual instruments.
– Live performance: triggering backing tracks or lighting cues.
– Sound design: automating filters, volume, and modulation on synths.
– Education: visualising pitch and rhythm in real-time.