MIDI- An introduction

wow

MIDI stands for what

musical instrument digital interface

what can MIDI be compared to in the modern computer world?

The USB cable

Name three types of MIDI ports on instruments

In, Out, Thru

another name for a MIDI cable

The Five-pin DIN

what information about musical expression is transmitted over MIDI channels to tell synths what to do?

Volume, pitch, instrument sound, pedal information

a small device that connects MIDI instruments to a computer for recording or editing music

MIDI interface

What does MIDI a notation program do?

It can write or play back notes on a musical staff in traditional notation.

A particular technology that uses MIDI

Cell phone ringtones

What is MTC

MIDI time code. It enables instruments to sync up rhymically

who use MTC because timing is critical for their job?

Musicians who write music for TV and Movies

the resulting sound of two different "instruments" when triggered to play at the same time.

Layered sound

What is MIDI used for, apart from music?

Theatre lighting, animatronics at disney parks

What famous video game uses MIDI controllers to play music?

Rock band, Guitar Hero

What magical MIDI number is (1) the maximum number of instruments that can be part of a bank of MIDI sounds in a synth, (2) the maximum volume they can play, and (3) the maximum number of instruments that can play at the same time?

128 (0-127)

When was MIDI invented?

1983

Why was MIDI invented?

So that musical instruments made by different manufacturers can talk to and control each other

Three examples of MIDI instruments/controllers

Keyboard, drum machine, pad controllers, digital drums, sampler, MIDI wind instrument

Popular MIDI notation programs

Sibelius and Finale