Tag: Basics

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MIDI Plug Pins Close Up

5 pins in MIDI Cable

Understanding the Pins of a MIDI Cable

A MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cable is a key component in electronic music, allowing different devices to communicate. Let’s take a closer look at the pins of a MIDI cable and their specific functions.

5 pins in MIDI Cable

The 5 Pins of a MIDI Cable

A standard MIDI cable has five pins arranged in a semicircle. Each pin has a distinct role:

    Note that the pins on the connector are numbered out of order — it’s as if two more pins were added between the pins of a 3-pin connector. To help keep it straight, the numbers are frequently embossed in the plastic of the connector.

    A MIDI cable is connected as follows:

    MIDI Cable Wiring
    First ConnectorCableSecond Connector
    Pin 1No ConnectionPin 1
    Pin 2ShieldPin 2
    Pin 3No ConnectionPin 3
    Pin 4Voltage Reference LinePin 4
    Pin 5Data LinePin 5

    The spec defines a maximum cable length of 50 feet (15 meters).

    Information above taken from this MIDI Tutorial: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/midi-tutorial/all

    The combination of pins 4 and 5 allows for the transmission of MIDI data between devices, enabling the flow of information such as note on/off, pitch, and control changes.

    Understanding these pin functions is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring proper connections between your MIDI devices. Proper grounding (pins 1 and 2) helps prevent noise and interference, while the data pins (pins 4 and 5) are crucial for accurate communication.

    In summary, knowing what each pin of a MIDI cable does can help you set up and maintain your electronic music equipment effectively. Whether you’re connecting keyboards, synthesizers, or other MIDI-compatible devices, this knowledge ensures smooth and reliable performance.

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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

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    Latency

    MIDI Latency
    MIDI Latency

    One of the common questions we get here at MIDIDrumFiles.com is regarding MIDI latency and how to correct it. This article explores what MIDI latency is, and what you can do about reducing its effects in your musical productions.

    But before going into the remedies of the latency problem, let’s talk about what it is. Latency is the lag time between when any MIDI note is initially triggered to the time the sound actually exits the speakers. Latency is caused by the electronic processing needed to construct and send out each sound. There are many factors that contribute to the latency time in any given musical system.

    Some of the devices that can affect latency time are: processor speed, RAM, sound cards, MIDI interfaces, USB interfaces, serial port interfaces, software program overhead drain, MIDI effects software, or MIDI player program. Essentially, any processing that needs to be done to the MIDI information before it sends out to the speaker will contribute to latency.

    So then, what can you do about it? If you are experiencing MIDI latency problems, there are several steps you can take to combat the problem. The first and cheapest option to try is to examine the software you are using. Many software synths and MIDI sequencers actually have latency setting built into the program. This feature will allow you to set the latency time as low as you can. Setting the latency time too high will cause an annoying delay in the sound output. But too low of a setting and your computer will clip and stutter as the processor and software tries to keep up with the high demand. It’s your job to find that perfect balance for your particular setup.

    If latency settings are not available to you however, start looking into upgrading your equipment. Or at least identifying the hardware you have that could be causing the problems. A better MIDI interface and sound card could do wonders. I’ve also read that USB interfaces are far less reliable than some other types of interfaces when it comes to latency. If you would like some more in-depth information on the specs of various equipment, take a look at these two articles by Martin Walker….. “The Truth About Latency”. I found them to be very helpful and informative.

    http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Sep02/articles/pcmusician0902.asp

    http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Oct02/articles/pcmusician1002.asp 

    As these articles point out, most of the time the latency delay time is not nearly as big of a factor in producing MIDI music as is the consistency of that delay. Some hardware and MIDI interfaces perform more consistently than others. And according to experts, this is the bigger issue.

    Anytime you are dealing with computer or software generated music you will have to deal with latency. There’s no way to get around that. It is possible however, to bring that latency time down to where you cannot detect it with the human ear. A little investigation work into your individual system’s components will go a long way towards giving you the results you desire.

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    Using MIDI files with an external sound source

    How to Connect MIDI Devices
    Connect MIDI Devices

    How to use these kinds of files in your keyboard and/or standalone midi sequencers.

    What is a MIDI file?
    MIDI is a means of communicating music information among synthesizers, keyboards, computers and other electronic sound equipment through digital messages. Unlike wave files, MIDI files do not contain any sound. Instead they contain commands that tell the receiving unit exactly what note to play, what sound it should be played with, how loud it is, and how long to hold the note on.

    What this means is that when you get a MIDI file, you are getting a file that contains what the composer did on his keyboard. The file is fairly small because it contains no actual sounds or voice information. To play back this file you need either a keyboard with both a MIDI interface and a floppy drive or a computer with MIDI capable sound card.

    Playing back a MIDI file.
    Playing back a MIDI file is fairly simple to do. In most cases it is a matter of putting a disk that contains a MIDI file into the floppy drive of your keyboard, selecting the file to be played and playing it. Since MIDI is such a common standard, it truly is this easy.

    Playing MIDI files is extremely simple, but getting the most out of the play back can take a little more work. Consider, for example, playing your MIDI file back on a PC with a standard sound card. You will quickly find that the sounds coming from your computer may be a little flat or lifeless compared when the same piece is played on a keyboard.

    The reason for this is found in how sound cards work. Sound cards have a wave table IC that contains the sampled sound of many instruments. Due to the expense and work involved in sampling these sounds few standard sound cards contain sampled sounds that are even close to the quality found in most keyboards or sound modules.

    A keyboard has been designed to reproduce high quality sounds. A sound card has been designed to produce sound, not necessarily “high quality”. So what can you do about this? The answer is simple, connect the MIDI output of your sound card, to the MIDI input on your keyboard, and set your computer to play the MIDI file out to the keyboard. Now when you play back the same musical piece, the keyboard will play it with its full sound compliment instead of using your low quality sound card sounds.

    Also worth noting… there are available now, high quality sound cards with “synth” engines built into them. These cards are typically much more expensive than your average generic sound card though. Consult your local music store for more information about this.

    How do I connect MIDI devices?
    Connecting MIDI devices is a fairly simple task. The standard cable for MIDI is a 5-pin cable with a small round connector. This cable carries the digital commands from one unit to another.

    To connect the MIDI devices start with the master unit. All MIDI units will have jacks labeled as IN, OUT and most have a THROUGH. Take a suitably sized MIDI cable and go from the OUT of the main unit to the IN on the slave unit. Then take a second MIDI cable and go from the IN of the first unit to the OUT on the slave unit. (Note: the Out from one unit cannot connect to the OUT of the other. This will not work. An OUT must always connect to an IN).

    Now that the digital command links have been established you can begin to establish the audio connections. Start with the slave device and run a patch cable from the audio out to the audio input on your mixer or amp.

    These simple connections are all that are required. Now you can use the main unit to cause any of the other unit(s) to play music as you see fit. Remember the shorter the cable run the better the signal quality will be. And it is not recommend to run more than 4 or 5 units in a MIDI chain as the signal can become weak and unstable.

    Further details.
    The exact details for playing back MIDI files on your keyboard, sequencer or drum machine will vary with different models. While the basic steps are usually the same, the best source of instruction is yours owners manual.

    If your instrument has a disk drive, normally you would start by saving a MIDI file on a standard DOS formatted disk. After the file is saved, you insert the disk into the floppy drive on your digital instrument. Use the built in floppy drive controls to select the MIDI file on the disk and then select play.

    Playing back a MIDI file on your PC may be slightly more complicated but still is very simple. The first step is to ensure that the MIDI drivers for your sound card or MIDI ports are installed and enabled. The information that came with your sound card will tell you how to this properly.

    On a PC it is very common to use some sort of music editing software to play back or modify a MIDI file. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to install your music editing software and ensure that it works with your sound card.

    Once the software and hardware are ready you can begin having fun. Insert the disk with the MIDI file into your PC’s floppy drive and open the file with your music editing software. The software will allow you to play or change the file as needed.

    As you can see, thanks to industry standards, using MIDI files is fairly simple to do. You will be amazed with the possibilities that are opened up once you begin working with MIDI files.

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    Cool ways to use these MIDI drums for fun.

    Music Fun
    Music Fun

    Forget work, huge recording studios, expensive gear, towering effects racks, and sequencing learning curves. Let’s talk about how to use these MIDI Drum Files just for fun.

    Out of the 10,000 or so people that have accessed our drum files recently, a large percentage of them use the files to back up original music tracks. Another block of people download them specifically as cell phone ringtones (more about how to do that in a later email). But hidden in there somewhere is a group of people that come up with creative uses for these files just for fun. I thought you might like to hear some of the stories and get some creative ideas for yourself.

    Take Mary (San Francisco, Ca), for example. After getting our complete set of MIDI Drum Files, she selected about 35 and proceeded to chain them all together using Cakewalk’s Sonar 3. She added some strings over the top of the beats and converted them into one long MP3. Now they can be heard almost every day in the lobby of her ‘modern dance’ studio in Southern San Francisco. Thanks Mary.

    Then there’s Toby (Springfield Mo.)… Junior High camp director. He bought these files for a 2003 summer camp he was involved with in Missouri. Selecting out the Rap and Rave, beats he gave the students one week to come up with the best rap about their counselors. The kids were able to pick the beat they wanted and could perform it in front of everybody. The show was a screaming success and the performers had their friends rolling on the floor with laughter. Thanks Toby.

    OK, its Halloween night, the lights are dark, the spider webs are hung above the entry way. Who better to greet unsuspecting trick-or-treeters than Snoop Doggy Dog Himself…. Or at least Mark H. of Houston TX. made up to look like ‘The Dog’. The drum files play all around his house to make it sound like one of his rap song drum beats. He greets the kids who stop by. Most of them ask if he really is Snoop. Thanks for the creativity Mark.

    These are some stories that have come from creative people over the years who not only get good use out of our MIDI Drum Files, but also have fun with them in the process. If you have any stories like these of creative ways to use our drum files… Please let us know about it.