What is MIDI?

MIDI, which means:

Musical Instrument Digital Interface,

is a digital communications protocol. In August of 1983, music manufacturers agreed on a document that is called "MIDI 1.0 Specification". Any device that has MIDI capabilities must adhere to this specific data structure to ensure that all MIDI devices are capable of working together. This protocol is a language that allows interworking between instruments from different manufacturers by providing a link that is capable of transmitting and receiving digital data. It is important to remember that MIDI transmits commands, but it does not transmit an audio signal.

The MIDI specification includes a common language that provides information about events, such as note on and off, preset changes, sustain pedal, pitch bend, and timing information. The specification has been updated more recently with specific data structures for handling sample dumps, MIDI time code, general MIDI and standard MIDI files. To see a complete listing of all MIDI data, go to: Types of Data Transmitted through MIDI



MIDI information is transmitted through a MIDI cable that has DIN-type male plug connectors with five pins. Two of the pins are used to transfer digital binary information (MIDI Code). One of the pins issues a steady stream of five volts, while the other pin alternates between 5 volts and 0 volts to represent binary information (on and off). The third pin is a ground and the remaining two pins are currently not in use.


 

 
 The MIDI data is sent down the cable one bit at a time as a stream of information, which is called a serial interface. A parallel interface allows the information to be sent down separate wires so that the message reaches the device at the same time, making it faster than a serial interface. Computer chips communicate via a parallel interface.

 

 The serial interface was chosen by MIDI manufacturers because it is less expensive and more efficient than a parallel interface. The speed of a MIDI serial interface is 31,250 bits per second. There are 10 bits needed for every MIDI digital word or 3125 messages per second. Snap your finger and think about how many many events could be transmitted during that time. Consequently, the serial interface speed is more than adequate for most music applications. In order to really understand the concept of digital information, we must be familiar with the decimal, binary and hexadecimal counting systems. Understanding Decimal, Binary,& Hexadecimal, will help us to learn about the three counting systems and how they are applied to MIDI communication.

Exploring MIDI Home
What is MIDI?
MIDI Connections Java Enabled
MIDI Connections Non-Java
Understanding Decimal Binary & Hexadecimal
The MIDI Language
Types of Data Transmitted through MIDI
MIDI Channels and Modes
MIDI Controllers
General MIDI
Standard MIDI Files
Using MIDI on a Web Site
Applications that use MIDI
Audio vs. MIDI Files
MIDI Timing Concepts
Author Info and Comments