The Musical Instrument Digital Interface protocol, better known as MIDI, has been around since the early 1980s and remains a crucial element in music production today. Anyone working with electronic music or digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, etc., needs to know what MIDI is and how it works to produce music successfully.
In the early 1980s, manufacturers of electronic music instruments realized there needed to be a standard means of digital communication between different hardware devices and computers. MIDI technology was standardized in 1983 by a panel of music industry representatives and is maintained by the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA). This standard allows for efficient communication between devices regardless of manufacturer. It also established uniform connectivity via five-pin MIDI cables. Later, standards for communication via USB cables and wireless connections were added to the MIDI spec.
One of the common misconceptions for beginners is that MIDI communicates audio signals. It does not. It only communicates data that instructs connected devices like synthesizers, sound modules and computers to generate sound. It specifies pitches and provides a way to change other parameters.
MIDI devices come in various forms, each serving different roles in music production, performance, and control. Here are some common types of MIDI devices:
MIDI controllers are devices that send MIDI data to control other MIDI-compatible devices or software. They do not produce sound on their own but are used to control sound-producing devices or software instruments.
1.Keyboard Controllers:
These resemble traditional keyboards and often come
with
additional controls
like
faders, knobs, and pads. Examples include the Akai MPK series and Novation Launchkey.
2. Pad Controllers:
These feature a grid of pads that can be used to trigger
drum
sounds,
samples, or
loops. Examples include the Akai MPC series and Native Instruments Maschine.
3. Control Surfaces:
Devices with knobs, faders, and buttons designed to
control
software
DAWs and
virtual
instruments. Examples include the Ableton Push and Mackie Control Universal.
4. Wind Controllers:
Resemble wind instruments and allow wind players to
control MIDI
instruments. Examples include the Yamaha WX5 and Akai EWI series.
MIDI instruments generate sound based on MIDI input. They can be standalone hardware units or software instruments within a DAW.
1. Synthesizers:
Electronic instruments that generate audio signals, which can
be
shaped
into different sounds. Examples include the Roland Juno series and Korg Minilogue.
2. Drum Machines:
Devices specifically designed to produce drum and percussion
sounds.
Examples include the Roland TR-808 and Elektron Digitakt.
3. Sound Modules:
Rack-mounted or desktop units that produce sound when
triggered by
MIDI input.Examples include the Roland JV-1080 and Yamaha Motif Rack.
MIDI interfaces provide the necessary connections for MIDI devices to communicate with computers or other MIDI devices. They typically offer multiple MIDI input and output ports.
1. USB MIDI Interfaces:
Connect to computers via USB and provide MIDI in/out
ports.
Examples include the M-Audio MIDISport and iConnectivity mio series.
2. Audio Interfaces with MIDI:
Combine audio input/output capabilities with
MIDI
connectivity. Examples include the Focusrite Scarlett series and PreSonus AudioBox.
3. Standalone MIDI Interfaces:
Provide extensive MIDI routing and connectivity
options. Examples include the MOTU MIDI Express XT and ESI M8U eX.
MIDI sequencers are devices or software used to record, edit, and playback MIDI data.
1. Hardware Sequencers:
Standalone devices for sequencing MIDI data. Examples
include
the Akai MPC series and Elektron Octatrack.
2. Software Sequencers:
DAWs and other software applications for sequencing and
arranging MIDI data. Examples include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio.
MIDI routers and patch bays manage the routing and distribution of MIDI signals between multiple devices.
1. MIDI Patch Bays:
Allow multiple MIDI devices to be connected and routed as
needed.
Examples include the MOTU MIDI Timepiece and Roland A-880.
2. MIDI Routers:
Provide advanced routing capabilities, often with software
control.
Examples include the Bome MIDI Translator Pro and iConnectivity PlayAUDIO12.
When you press a key on a MIDI keyboard connected to a computer via some sort of interface or directly via a USB cable, three basic data values are transmitted:
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) are both important timing standards used in different domains:
| S.N. | Basis | MIDI | SMPTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Purpose | MIDI is a technical standard that describes a protocol, digital interface, and connectors for connecting musical instruments, computers, and related audio devices. | SMPTE timecode is a set of cooperating standards to label individual frames of video or film with a timecode defined by the SMPTE. |
| 2. | Timing | MIDI timing is based on beats and tempo. It uses ticks (1/24 of a quarter note) to measure time, allowing precise synchronization of musical events between different MIDI devices. | SMPTE timecode is typically used to synchronize audio and video in film, television, and audio production. It specifies hours, minutes, seconds, and frames within a given time period. |
While both standards deal with timing, they serve different purposes: MIDI for musical synchronization and control, and SMPTE for audiovisual synchronization in film and television.
There are various MIDI software applications available for different purposes, from music composition and production to live performance and MIDI hardware control. Here are some popular MIDI software options:
Ableton Live
Known for its versatility in live performance and electronic music production.
Logic Pro
Apple's professional DAW with robust MIDI editing and recording features.
FL Studio
Popular for its intuitive interface and extensive MIDI capabilities.
Pro Tools
Industry-standard for audio recording, editing, and mixing, with comprehensive MIDI capabilities.
Cubase
Offers advanced MIDI editing tools and comprehensive DAW functionality.
Reason
Combines MIDI sequencing with virtual instruments and effects.
Studio One
Provides a streamlined workflow with powerful MIDI editing capabilities.
Native Instruments Komplete
Includes a wide range of virtual instruments with MIDI control capabilities.
Arturia V Collection
Offers classic synthesizers and keyboards with MIDI integration.
Serato Sample
Specializes in sample-based MIDI control and manipulation.
MIDI-OX
A utility to monitor, analyze, and manipulate MIDI data streams.
Max/MSP
Allows for custom MIDI programming and integration with hardware.
Pure Data (Pd)
Similar to Max/MSP, providing a graphical programming environment for MIDI control.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices have revolutionized the way musicians create, perform, and produce music. These devices, which include keyboards, controllers, drum machines, and more, facilitate seamless communication between various musical instruments and digital audio workstations (DAWs). By enabling precise control over musical elements such as pitch, velocity, and timing, MIDI devices offer unparalleled flexibility and creative potential.