MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is an industry-standard protocol defined in 1983 that enables electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to communicate, control, and synchronize with each other. MIDI allows computers, synthesizers, MIDI controllers, sound cards, samplers and drum machines to control one another, and to exchange system data (acting as a raw data encapsulation method for sysex commands).
MIDI does not transmit an audio signal or media — it transmits "event messages" such as the pitch and intensity of musical notes to play, control signals for parameters such as volume, vibrato and panning, cues, and clock signals to set the tempo. As an electronic protocol, it is notable for its widespread adoption throughout the industry.
MIDI composition takes advantage of the MIDI interface to allow musical data files to be shared among various electronic instruments by using a standard list of commands and parameters known as General MIDI (GM). Because the music is simply data and not actually recorded wave forms, it is therefore maintained in a small file format. Several computer programs allow manipulation of the data so that composing for an entire orchestra of synthesized instrument sounds is possible. The data can be reproduced by any electronic instrument that adheres to the GM standard. There are many websites that allow downloads of popular songs as well as classical music, and there are also websites where MIDI composers can share their works.
MIDI music was much more viable back before broadband internet was available to the masses, due to its small file size. Also, the advent of high quality audio compression such as the MP3 format decreased the utility of MIDI music.
MIDI does not transmit an audio signal or media — it transmits "event messages" such as the pitch and intensity of musical notes to play, control signals for parameters such as volume, vibrato and panning, cues, and clock signals to set the tempo. As an electronic protocol, it is notable for its widespread adoption throughout the industry.
MIDI composition takes advantage of the MIDI interface to allow musical data files to be shared among various electronic instruments by using a standard list of commands and parameters known as General MIDI (GM). Because the music is simply data and not actually recorded wave forms, it is therefore maintained in a small file format. Several computer programs allow manipulation of the data so that composing for an entire orchestra of synthesized instrument sounds is possible. The data can be reproduced by any electronic instrument that adheres to the GM standard. There are many websites that allow downloads of popular songs as well as classical music, and there are also websites where MIDI composers can share their works.
MIDI music was much more viable back before broadband internet was available to the masses, due to its small file size. Also, the advent of high quality audio compression such as the MP3 format decreased the utility of MIDI music.
No comments:
Post a Comment