The MIDI Specification
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
- Introduced in 1983 by Dave Smith (Sequential Circuits)
- Based on Roland’s DCB standard
- Universal standardized specification
- Enables communication between synthesizers made by
different manufacturers
MMA / JMSC MIDI.org
MMA (MIDI Manufacturers Association)
- Define Specifications & Standards
- Coordinate with Manufacturers and Users
- Manage the Americas and Europe
JMSC (Japanese MIDI Standards Committee)
- Coordinate the Asian and Pacific Rim Regions
MIDI Basics
MIDI is a communications language
- MIDI is the performance data only
- MIDI is NOT audio
Audio Output MIDI
Data
MIDI Basics
Master Device / Slave Device Relationship
Transmits Receives
MIDI Data MIDI Data
MASTER SLAVE
The MIDI Cable
5 pin DIN protocol
(Deutsche Industrie Norm)
Only pins 2, 4 & 5 are used
Pin 5 - Data
Pin 2 - Ground
Pin 4 - +5 bias voltage
The MIDI Cable
PIN 3 PIN 1
PIN 5 PIN 4
DATA +5 BIAS
PIN 2
GROUND
MIDI Cable Specs
- 50’ Maximum Cable Length
- 16 Independent Channels
- Serial Transmission Protocol
MIDI Specs
Data Transmission:
31.25 Kilobaud or
31,250 baud
(baud = bits per second)
Connection Ports
Connection Ports
OUT
Where a Master Device
transmits MIDI data
IN
Where a Slave Device
receives MIDI data
THRU
Sends a direct copy of
all MIDI data arriving at
the IN Port
Basic MIDI Wiring
MASTER SLAVE
Basic MIDI Wiring
MASTER SLAVE
Daisy Chain Wiring
- Commonly used with Live MIDI Setups
- Allows control of multiple Slave Devices from a single
Master Device
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Daisy Chain Wiring
- Commonly used with Live MIDI Setups
- Allows control of multiple Slave Devices from a single
Master Device
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Daisy Chain Wiring
- Commonly used with Live MIDI Setups
- Allows control of multiple Slave Devices from a single
Master Device
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Daisy Chain Wiring
- Commonly used with Live MIDI Setups
- Allows control of multiple Slave Devices from a single
Master Device
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Local Control Switch
Controls the connection between a synthesizer’s keys
and the internal sound engine.
Local Control: Local On
Keys transmit directly to the internal sound engine of a
synthesizer (and typically the MIDI OUT port as well)
Sound Generator I O T
Local Control: Local Off
Keys send to the MIDI OUT Port ONLY.
Sound Generator I O T
Local Control: Local Off
The Internal Sound Engine receives MIDI via the MIDI IN Port,
allowing both a Master Device and Slave Device in one unit.
Sound Generator I O T
Daisy Chain Limitations
- MIDI IN Ports are Optically Isolated
- Prevents hum, buzz, ground loops, and RF interference
R Sound Engine
Optical Isolation - Slew Rate
- Each optical conversion increases probability of error
- Maximum of 3 MIDI Slave Devices (recommended)
MASTER
SLAVE 1
SLAVE 2
SLAVE 3
A Potential Problem...
If we can only connect 3 Slave Devices past the Master
Device, how can we get around this?
MIDI Thru Box
A MIDI Thru Box routes MIDI data
arriving at its IN Ports to ALL of the
OUT (THRU) Ports simultaneously.
This allows us to connect as many Slave Devices as the
number of available Thru Box Ports. The Thru Box’s circuitry
eliminates Slew Rate errors and signal loss.
Handshake Wiring
- Both the IN Port and OUT Port of two devices
are connected together
- Allows total communication between devices
- Smartest MIDI wiring procedure
Handshake Wiring
Audio Outputs
MIDI Channels
There are 16 total MIDI channels available
Transmit (Tx) Channel - MIDI channel that a Master device
uses to transmit its performance data
Receive (Rx) Channel - MIDI channel on which a Slave
device will respond to incoming performance data
MIDI Channels
Rx: Rx: Rx: Rx:
Tx: Tx: Tx: Tx:
Receive Modes
The MIDI Receive Modes define the fundamental channel and
voicing functionality of a MIDI device.
They determine if a device will respond to only one or all MIDI
channels, and if it has the ability to play chords.
Receive Modes
1.OMNI ON POLY
2.OMNI ON MONO
3. OMNI OFF
3.OMNI OFF POLY
POLY
4.OMNI OFF MONO
Mode 3 is the most commonly used
OMNI ON
When OMNI Mode is ON, a device receives on any (and all)
MIDI channels. It merges all the data, and plays the one
sound assigned to the Receive Channel.
MIDI data (channels) received
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Merged MIDI data plays the sound
on Receive Channel 1
OMNI OFF
When OMNI Mode is OFF, a device only responds to MIDI
data that matches the device’s Receive channel.
MIDI data (channels) received
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Only MIDI data matching the
Receive channel is played
POLY MONO
(Polyphonic) (Monophonic)
The ability to play MORE
The ability to play ONLY
than one note at a time. one note at a time.
Wiring Station Details
Wiring Station Quiz
During Week 1, you will be tested on your ability to correctly
wire a station for both MIDI and Audio.
If you have any questions, please ask a Lab Specialist for
help prior to the start of grading.
MIDI Signal Flow
Basic MIDI Wiring
MASTER SLAVE
Basic MIDI Wiring
MASTER SLAVE
Daisy Chain Wiring
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Daisy Chain Wiring
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Daisy Chain Wiring
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Daisy Chain Wiring
MASTER SLAVE 1 SLAVE 2 SLAVE 3
Handshake Wiring
Audio Outputs
Videos
Due this week
Lab Project
- Starts during Lab 3
- Checkpoint during Lab 5
- Graded during Lab 10
- You can transfer your project to your laptop to work from home.
- We highly recommend backing up your Lab Project throughout
the month.
