You may have heard or read the term MIDI more than once. This is because this system is used by most instruments and editing software. This type of connection revolutionized the way of making music due to its ease and speed of use. The origin of MIDI dates back to 1981 when the founder of Roland thought that electronic music was not spreading due to the lack of standardization of music. Then in 1983, MIDI technology was standardized and is maintained by the MIDI Manufacturers Association. But it took a few years for MIDI to be what it is today. Before continuing to talk about MIDI, I will explain to you in a simple way what MIDI is.
Table of Contents
What is MIDI?What is MIDI for?Types of MIDI devicesMIDI: OperationMIDI connectionsHow to use MIDI?Conclusions about MIDIFAQsWhat is MIDI?What are the advantages of MIDI?What information does MIDI transmit?How to use MIDI devices ?
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What is MIDI?
MIDI by its acronym is Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or in Spanish, musical instrument digital interface. In other words, MIDI is a type of connection that allows musical instruments to communicate with the computer (or other devices). In this connection, not audio is sent, but information. For example, when you connect a MIDI piano to the computer, the computer receives everything you are playing, but in the form of information. Once you record this information, you can play it back or edit it on your computer. The MIDI system works with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), or digital audio station, such as Cubase, Reaper, Pro Tools or any editing program. The audio editor receives signals from your MIDI controller and writes them in the form of information.
The information transmitted by MIDI is:
- Notes
- Velocity
- Vibration
- Pitch
- Tempo
Of course, depending on the MIDI device you use, the information it will send will depend.
What is MIDI for?
The MIDI system serves to facilitate the creation and editing of music. In the traditional system, when you record, for example, a piano, if you make a mistake on a note, you have to record it all back. When you record with a MIDI piano, after recording, if you make a mistake on a note, you can modify it from the editor. audio.Very simple isn’t it?Also, when you send information via MIDI, you can then modify the sound or instrument of the music pattern. That is, if you send information through a MIDI piano and record a melody. Then in the editing program, you can play that melody with another type of synthesizer, a guitar, a violin, or any VST instrument.
Therefore, in summary, the advantages of MIDI are:
- Easy to manipulate/modify notes: You can change the pitch, note duration, add notes, etc.
- Change instruments/sounds: When you record with MIDI, you can then change the instrument or sound of the data. That is, with the same notes, you can transform it into a violin, a piano or a guitar.
Types of MIDI devices
To get a clearer idea of the devices that use MIDI, I will show you the main MIDI devices.
- Controllers: The most famous controller is the MIDI keyboard. There are also synthesizers.
- Interfaces: Sound boards/interfaces use MIDI connections.
- Drums/Pads: Drums with MIDI connections or PADs.
- Pedals/Pedalboards: Many effects pedals and pedalboards send information via MIDI .
- Sequencer: Refers to programs where you can edit, record or compose notes. Such as, for example, Pro Tools or Cubase.
- Virtual device: You can also use MIDI through a computer. Audio editing programs typically include virtual keyboards that send MIDI signals.
MIDI: Operation
As we have already explained, all devices with a MIDI connection connect to each other. But how exactly do they work? MIDI devices can be connected to each other, regardless of their make or model. That’s the great thing about MIDI. But some devices are used to send signals, and others to receive. For example, a MIDI controller such as a piano or drums is used to send signals. And on the other hand, with a DAW like Pro Tools, Reaper or Cubase, you can receive the signals from the controllers. So, with a program with Cubase or Reaper, you can record practically any MIDI device. Then, in the editor, you can modify the notes, sounds, instruments, etc. With VST plugins, you can simulate any instrument or sound for what you record with your MIDI instrument. You can read a complete article on what VSTs are here.
MIDI Connections
MIDI connections evolved over time. The old MIDI input looked like this:
Photo by Pretzelpaws on Wikipedia
This does not mean that it is already obsolete, but generally new equipment no longer comes with this entry. The new devices transmit MIDI via USB cable.
Photo by Aaron Yoo on Flickr
Anyway, some sound cards come with both inputs to increase their functionality. The USB cable to connect to the PC, and the MIDI cable to connect to other devices.
How to use MIDI?
In case you have a MIDI device such as a keyboard, controller, or Pad, you must get a MIDI to USB cable to connect it to your computer. Another option is to connect the MIDI cable to a sound card that has MIDI inputs, and from there you take it to the PC. Then, on the computer, you should have a base DAW program like Raper or Cubase to record your instrument. Additionally, many times you need your device driver on your computer for it to work properly.
Conclusions about MIDI
MIDI technology has revolutionized the way we make music in recent years. In fact, the advancement of electronic music is largely due to MIDI technology and VST plugins. Recording via MIDI allows you to create music faster due to easy editing of notes, sound, pitch, and more. It is a type of evolution to analog recording, since in analog recording you cannot edit notes, nor the instrument. Of course it is not completely the same, since in a song there are generally recordings via MIDI, but also recordings via line/microphone. But MIDI technology allows for better communication between instruments, audio devices and computers.
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FAQ
What is MIDI?
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), or musical instrument digital interface, is a communication system between instruments, audio devices and the computer.
What are the advantages of MIDI?
When you record an instrument via MIDI, you can then modify absolutely everything. You can modify the notes, pitch, sound, instrument and much more. Allows you to create music more easily.
What information does MIDI transmit?
With MIDI you can transmit notes, pitch, speed, vibration and tempo.
How to use MIDI devices?
To use MIDI devices, you require a digital audio station (DAW) such as ProTools or Cubase. From the audio editor, you can record patterns, edit and compose music.