The creation of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is one of the prime reasons behind the explosion in digital music production over the last few decades. Any of you who have created or dabbled in digital audio workstations (DAWs) have most likely created and used MIDI files for all kinds of software instruments.
To better understand the role of MIDI and its tools, we’ll go under the hood to show you how it works, its characteristics, and how MIDI is used in music production.
What Is MIDI?
MIDI is a standardized language for digital music that enables all electronic musical hardware and software to communicate with one another. Nowadays, your computer’s DAW can control a synthesizer made by Oberheim, a drum machine made by AKAI, and a sequencer made by KORG. This is all possible due to their unified understanding of MIDI files and in-built MIDI input and MIDI output connectors.
Before MIDI, there was a complete lack of compatibility between digital hardware made by different manufacturers. In the early 1980s, efforts were made to standardize a communication protocol that could fix this problem.
Spearheaded by the founder of Roland, MIDI was released in 1983. Its standout features included its capability to translate a wealth of articulation settings (play styles) that capture the techniques and quirks of live performances.
What Is a MIDI File?
A MIDI file varies from MP3 or WAV files as it is not a waveform. This means that it inherently produces no audio signal. MIDI files contain messages that communicate to software instruments (or connected hardware gear) what to play. These messages include:
MIDI also transmits system information that regulates when messages are sent, tracks timing to ensure synchronization of instruments, and enacts program/patch changes (alterations to the sound type of the device receiving MIDI data).
Some of the benefits of using MIDI Files include:
If you’re a Logic user, look intothe best MIDI editing tools in Logic Pro.
How Do MIDI Files Work?
Digital and software instruments simply read MIDI files or data to know which notes to play, when to play them, and how to play them. If you’re using software instruments on your computer or laptop, then your DAW sets up your software instrument(s) to respond to existing MIDI data, or you create new MIDI files via your in-built or external keyboard.
If you’re using digital hardware gear, like a synthesizer, then you need to use MIDI cables for your devices to work in sync with each other. Look intothe different types of sound synthesisfor a deeper look into how synthesizers work.
What Are MIDI Cables?
MIDI cables enable you to connect different musical devices together so that they receive and play the MIDI files you want. The MIDI cable used for larger hardware gear is known as a DIN cable that has five points. Such digital gear often has three ports: MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and MIDI THRU.
Smaller MIDI devices such as small keyboards can use USB cables or even Bluetooth as a means of transmitting MIDI data to your computer or laptop.
MIDI Input and MIDI Output
When USB and Bluetooth connections are unavailable, you will want to connect one side of your DIN cable to the Output of the device where you create the MIDI data; if this is your computer, you will need a MIDI interface. Then, connect the other end to the Input of the device where you want that MIDI information to be used.
MIDI Throughput
In cases where you want multiple electronic instruments to receive the same MIDI data, the MIDI throughput connector saves time and expense.
Setting it up is simple. You connect one end of the cable to the MIDI THRU connector of an instrument that is already receiving the desired MIDI data. Then connect the other end to the MIDI IN connector of the additional device.
You can then do the same with the newly connected device, connecting its throughput to the Input of another device. You can use up to a maximum of 16 MIDI channels. In this way, all of these channels could receive the same MIDI data if you so desire.
How Is MIDI Used?
There are a variety of ways that musicians and audio producers make the most of MIDI in how they set up. The simplest use of MIDI involves the use of software instruments in a DAW and an in-built typing keyboard. The keyboard of your laptop or computer serves as a mini piano keyboard which lets you record and create MIDI data and files.
Another simple setup is adding the use of a MIDI controller. MIDI controllers come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from a few buttons to small or full-sized piano keyboards. As the name suggests, these devices let you control, adjust, and create MIDI data. If you’re on the lookout for high-quality software synths, check outthe best VST synthesizerscurrently available.
The next step in MIDI music production is the use of MIDI-compatible hardware devices, like synths and drum machines. The use of a MIDI interface and the right cables can connect all your devices together to build quite the ensemble of synchronized instruments. Often, you will see such combinations in live performances.
It is also worth mentioning that SysEx commands (added by a device manufacturer) can extend MIDI and enable it to control a receiving device. This allows MIDI to be used to adjust lighting and other on/off and timing-related electronic events.
What Is MIDI 2.0?
In 2020, the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) launched and adopted the MIDI 2.0 protocol, almost 40 years after the release of its predecessor.
Its features include:
MIDI 2.0 is lauded to be one of the biggest advances in music technology in decades. Without a doubt, its framework and improvements will be of great benefit to musicians and producers worldwide.
Make the Most of MIDI in Your Music
MIDI arose as the digital language that allows all kinds of musical software and hardware to communicate with one another. MIDI files represent the contents of this musical language that informs connected musical devices when, how, and what to play. These connections are formed by MIDI cables when you work beyond your DAW.
MIDI is used in every field of music production, from elaborate live performance setups to simple home studios. Its revolutionary impact is only set to continue as MIDI 2.0 is further developed and more widely adopted.
