Category: Support Documents

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Traditional MIDI vs. USB MIDI: Which is Better for Music Production?

When it comes to MIDI music production, choosing between traditional MIDI cords and USB MIDI interfaces can be a bit of a dilemma. Both have their own unique advantages and can be better suited for different scenarios. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

USB MIDI Interfaces

1. Convenience USB MIDI interfaces are incredibly user-friendly. With plug-and-play functionality, they eliminate the need for additional hardware like MIDI interfaces. This makes them a great choice for those who want a quick and easy setup.

2. Compatibility USB is a universal standard, widely compatible with modern computers and devices. This versatility means you can connect your MIDI devices to almost any computer without worrying about compatibility issues.

3. Power Supply One of the significant advantages of USB is its ability to provide power to some MIDI devices. This reduces the need for extra power adapters, simplifying your setup even further.

4. Data Transfer Speed USB supports high-speed data transfer, which can be beneficial for real-time performance. This ensures that your MIDI signals are transmitted quickly and accurately, reducing latency and improving overall performance.

Traditional MIDI Cords

1. Reliability Traditional MIDI cords are specifically designed for musical instruments, ensuring stable and reliable communication. They have been the industry standard for decades, known for their robustness and dependability.

2. Length MIDI cords can be longer than USB cables, which can be useful in larger setups. If you need to connect devices that are far apart, traditional MIDI cords might be the better option.

3. Industry Standard MIDI has been the standard for musical instrument communication for a long time. This ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of devices, especially older equipment that might not support USB.

Which is Better?

For Modern Setups: USB MIDI interfaces are often preferred due to their ease of use, compatibility, and additional features like power supply and high-speed data transfer. They are ideal for modern, computer-based music production environments.

For Traditional or Complex Setups: Traditional MIDI cords might be better if you need longer cables or are working with older equipment that doesn’t support USB. They offer reliability and have been trusted by musicians for decades.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and setup. If you prioritize convenience and compatibility with modern devices, USB MIDI interfaces are the way to go. However, if you need longer cables or are working with older equipment, traditional MIDI cords might be more suitable.

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Why Are MIDI Files So Small?

MIDI files are small because they contain instructions rather than actual audio data. Unlike audio files, which store detailed sound wave information, MIDI files store a series of commands that tell a synthesizer or computer how to generate sounds. Here’s a closer look at why MIDI files are so compact:

1. Data Type

  • MIDI Files Contain Instructions: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI files contain instructions like which notes to play, how long to play them, how loud they should be, and which instrument should be used. These instructions are encoded as simple, compact data.
  • No Audio Data: MIDI files do not store audio waveforms. Instead, they store numerical representations of musical events (e.g., “play note C4 with a velocity of 90”). This is fundamentally different from audio files, which store the actual sound waves as large sets of data points.

2. Efficiency

  • Event-Based System: MIDI is an event-based system where each event (such as a note being played or a control change) is represented by a few bytes of data. For example, a “Note On” message requires only 3 bytes: one for the command itself (which note), and two for the note and velocity.
  • Minimal Data Required: Because each MIDI event requires so little data, even a complex piece of music with multiple instruments and extensive control changes can be represented with just a few kilobytes.

3. Channel and Track Organization

  • Use of MIDI Channels: MIDI files organize data into channels, where each channel can control a different instrument. Multiple channels can be managed within a single track, and all this information is packed efficiently into the file.
  • Track Information: In MIDI Type 1 files, the data is organized into multiple tracks, but these tracks only contain the essential commands, which take up minimal space.

4. Absence of Audio Recording

  • No Sound Recording: MIDI files do not record or store sound. They do not capture audio from a microphone or any other source. This dramatically reduces the file size compared to audio files like WAV or MP3, which store detailed information about the sound waves.

5. Repeatable Instructions

  • Repetitive Commands: Many MIDI sequences involve repeated instructions, such as the same note or control change being triggered multiple times. MIDI efficiently encodes these repetitive elements without requiring additional storage for each instance.

6. Text-Based Information

  • Inclusion of Lyrics or Meta-Events: Even when MIDI files include lyrics or other meta-events (like tempo changes), this data is still text-based and occupies very little space compared to the audio data.

Example of File Size Differences:

  • MIDI File: A typical MIDI file for a song might be as small as 5–50 KB.
  • Audio File: An equivalent audio file (e.g., WAV or MP3) of the same song could range from 5–50 MB, depending on the format and quality.

Summary:

MIDI files are small because they don’t store actual audio but rather the instructions needed to generate the audio. This event-based system, combined with the efficient encoding of musical commands, makes MIDI files extremely compact. The small file size is one of the reasons why MIDI is still widely used in music production, especially in scenarios where flexibility and ease of manipulation are important.

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What MIDI Channel Should I Use?

Choosing the appropriate MIDI channels depends on your specific setup and the type of musical performance or production you’re working on. Here’s a breakdown of what MIDI channels are, how they work, and some general guidelines on which channels to use in different situations.

Understanding MIDI Channels

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) uses channels to manage different instruments or parts in a composition. A single MIDI connection can carry up to 16 channels, each capable of transmitting a separate stream of MIDI data. This allows multiple instruments or parts to be controlled independently within the same MIDI system.

Common MIDI Channel Assignments

  1. Channel 1: This is typically the default channel for most MIDI controllers and instruments. If you’re controlling a single instrument, it’s common to use Channel 1.
  2. Channel 10: Reserved for percussion/drums in the General MIDI (GM) standard. Drum machines, drum kits, and other percussive instruments are often assigned to Channel 10.
  3. Channels 2-9, 11-16: These channels are usually available for other instruments or parts in your composition. You can assign different instruments or voices to each of these channels.

When to Use Specific MIDI Channels

  • Single Instrument Setup: If you’re controlling only one instrument, you can simply use Channel 1. In this case, there’s no need to worry about channel assignments unless you introduce more instruments or parts.
  • Multiple Instruments: When working with multiple instruments, assign each one to a different MIDI channel. For example:
  • Channel 1: Piano
  • Channel 2: Bass
  • Channel 3: Strings
  • Channel 4: Synth Lead
  • Channel 10: Drums (as per GM standard)
  • Percussion/Drums: Always use Channel 10 for drums if you’re following the General MIDI standard. Most MIDI drum kits and percussion instruments are designed to default to Channel 10.
  • Layering Sounds: If you want to layer multiple sounds to play simultaneously from the same MIDI input, you can assign the same MIDI channel to different instruments. For instance, assigning both a piano and a string sound to Channel 1 will allow you to trigger both sounds together.
  • Split Keyboard: Some keyboards allow you to split the keyboard so that different sections control different instruments. For example, you could assign the lower keys to Channel 2 (bass) and the upper keys to Channel 1 (piano).

Practical Tips for MIDI Channel Usage

  • Organize Your Channels: When working on complex projects with multiple instruments, it helps to organize your channels logically. For example, use Channels 1-4 for melodic instruments, 5-8 for harmonics or pads, and 10 for drums.
  • Avoid Overlap: Make sure that different instruments that are supposed to be independent are assigned to different channels. Overlapping channels can lead to unintended sounds or control issues.
  • DAW and Synthesizer Defaults: Some DAWs or synthesizers may have default channel settings. Be aware of these defaults, especially when connecting multiple devices, to avoid conflicts.
  • MIDI Channel Filtering: Some advanced MIDI setups allow you to filter or remap MIDI channels. This can be useful in complex live performance setups where you need to route specific data to particular instruments.

When to Use Specific Channels

  • Simple Home Studio Setup: For a basic setup with a few instruments, using Channels 1-5 for your main instruments and Channel 10 for drums is usually sufficient.
  • Live Performance: In a live setup with multiple MIDI devices, carefully assign each device to a unique channel to ensure that each instrument responds correctly to your performance.
  • Orchestration: For orchestral compositions or complex arrangements, use a systematic approach to channel assignment, reserving specific channels for different instrument families (e.g., strings, brass, woodwinds).

Conclusion

The choice of MIDI channels is all about organizing your MIDI data efficiently and ensuring that each instrument or part of your composition responds as intended. For most setups, using Channel 1 for your primary instrument and Channel 10 for drums is a good starting point. As you add more instruments or complexity to your setup, assigning each one to its own channel will help keep your MIDI data organized and easy to manage. Whether you’re working in a home studio, performing live, or composing an orchestral piece, thoughtful MIDI channel assignment is key to a smooth and successful musical workflow.

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Sending Program Changes With MIDI

When it comes to electronic music, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a game-changer. One of its powerful features is the ability to send program changes. This means you can switch instruments or sounds on your MIDI device with just a simple command. Let’s dive into how this works and why getting your MIDI connections right is crucial.

What are Program Changes?

Program changes are MIDI messages that tell your electronic instrument to switch to a different preset sound or instrument. For example, you could switch from a piano sound to a guitar sound on your synthesizer without physically touching the instrument. This is incredibly useful during live performances or when recording in a studio, as it allows for smooth transitions between different sounds.

Setting Up MIDI Connections

Before you can send program changes, you need to ensure your MIDI devices are connected correctly. MIDI devices typically have MIDI In, MIDI Out, and sometimes MIDI Thru ports. Here’s a simple way to understand them:

  • MIDI In: Receives MIDI data from another device.
  • MIDI Out: Sends MIDI data to another device.
  • MIDI Thru: Passes MIDI data received at MIDI In to another device (used for daisy-chaining multiple devices).

It’s essential to connect the MIDI Out of your controller (like a keyboard) to the MIDI In of your sound module or synthesizer. If these connections are incorrect, your devices won’t communicate, and no program changes will happen.

Sending Program Changes

Once your devices are connected, sending a program change is straightforward. Most MIDI controllers have buttons or dials that can send program change messages. Many devices manage and send program change MIDI messages automatically in the background, when you select the desired sound.

For example, if you want to switch to a piano sound, you might select program number 1. If you want a guitar sound, you might choose program number 25. The specific numbers can vary based on the General MIDI standard or the specific setup of your device.

Using the Learn Function

Many modern MIDI software and keyboards come with a “learn” function. This feature makes mapping MIDI controls to specific software parameters incredibly easy. Here’s how it works:

  1. Activate Learn Mode: In your software (like a digital audio workstation or DAW), find the MIDI learn function. It’s often a button labeled “Learn” or “MIDI Learn.”
  2.  Select the Control: Click on the software parameter you want to control (e.g., volume slider, effect knob). In this case we want the patch/program selector.
  3.  Move the Control: Move the corresponding control on your MIDI device (e.g., turn a knob, press a button). The software detects this movement and maps the control to the selected parameter.

This process ensures that your MIDI controller and software are perfectly in sync, making it easier to control your music.

Why It’s Important

Getting your MIDI connections right and understanding how to send program changes can significantly enhance your music-making process. It ensures that your instruments respond correctly to your commands, whether you’re performing live or working in a studio. Additionally, using the learn function simplifies the setup process and makes it easier to customize your controls.

In summary, sending program changes with MIDI opens up a world of possibilities for musicians. By connecting your devices correctly and utilizing features like the learn function, you can streamline your workflow and focus more on creating great music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, mastering these MIDI basics is essential for taking your music to the next level.

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What is General MIDI?

General MIDI

Imagine being able to connect different musical instruments, like keyboards, synthesizers, and computers, so they can all talk to each other. That’s exactly what MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, does. It’s like a common language that these devices use to communicate. But today, let’s talk about a specific part of this language called General MIDI. 

 Understanding MIDI 

Before we dive into General MIDI, let’s quickly understand MIDI. MIDI is a system that sends instructions to electronic instruments. For example, when you press a key on a MIDI keyboard, it doesn’t actually make a sound. Instead, it sends a message to another device, like a computer or a synthesizer, telling it which note to play, how long to play it, and how loud it should be. 

 What is General MIDI? 

General MIDI (often abbreviated as GM) is a standard that makes MIDI even more useful and consistent. It was introduced in 1991 to ensure that MIDI instruments and software can work together smoothly. GM does this by setting specific rules for how musical instruments should behave and sound. 

Key Features of General MIDI 

  1. Instrument Standardization: In General MIDI, there are 128 standard sounds or “instruments” assigned to specific numbers. For example, program number 1 is always a piano, number 25 is a guitar, and number 49 is a string ensemble. This means that no matter what GM-compatible device you use, program number 1 will always sound like a piano. This consistency is really helpful when sharing music files with others or using different devices.

 

  1. Percussion Channel: General MIDI reserves one of the 16 available channels (channel 10) just for percussion instruments like drums. Each key on a MIDI keyboard is mapped to a specific drum sound. So, hitting a particular key will always produce the same drum sound on any GM-compatible device.

 

  1. Polyphony: GM requires that a device can play at least 24 notes at the same time. This is called polyphony. It’s important for creating rich and complex music, especially when using multiple instruments or chords.

 

  1. Standardized Control Changes: GM also defines certain controls, like volume, pan (which speaker the sound comes from), and modulation (vibrato effects). This helps ensure that music sounds the same, no matter which GM device plays it.

 

Why is General MIDI Important? 

General MIDI makes it easy to create, share, and play music across different devices without worrying about compatibility issues. If you compose a song on a GM keyboard and save it as a MIDI file, you can share that file with someone else who has a GM-compatible device, and it will sound almost the same. This standardization has made MIDI incredibly popular in the music industry, from professional studios to home setups. 

 

Real-Life Examples

 

– Learning and Practicing: Many music teachers use GM keyboards to teach students. Students can practice at home on their own GM keyboards, and the sounds will be the same as in their lessons. 

– Gaming and Software: Video game composers often use GM because it ensures the music will sound right on any system that supports it. 

– Home Recording: Hobbyist musicians use GM in their home studios to create music that sounds professional and can be easily shared with others. 

 

In conclusion, General MIDI is like a universal translator for electronic musical instruments. It ensures that no matter what device you use, the music will sound