Computers or other performance equipment are interconnected, adjusted and synchronized, and can exchange performance materials in real time.
MIDI does not transmit sound, but only transmits digital data such as tone and music intensity, control signals for parameters such as volume, Tik Tok and translation [1], and clock signals for setting rhythm. On different computers, the output sound is also different (users of codec of Yardino Semiconductor Company and users of innovative sound cards are the most obvious).
MIDI Broadcast Control Protocol (MSC Protocol) is an industrial standard of MIDI, which was formulated by MIDI Equipment Manufacturers Association at 199 1. It allows different kinds of media control devices to communicate with each other, and with the help of computers, it can display the functions of on-site display control and entertainment applications. Like music MIDI, MSC does not transmit the actual displayed media, but only transmits digital signals about multimedia performance.
Now, almost all music recording uses MIDI as a key open technology to record music. In addition, MIDI is also used to control hardware including recording equipment, such as stage lighting, effect pedals and other high-performance equipment. Recently, MIDI has penetrated into the field of mobile phones. MIDI is used to play ringtones that support MIDI. MIDI can also provide background music for some video games and computer games.
MIDI standard was put forward by Dave Smith engineers in a paper 198 1 to the Audio Engineering Association, and MIDI standard 1.0 was released in August 1983.
MIDI enables computers, synthesizers, sound cards and electronic drum instruments to control and exchange information with each other. Although the sound card of the computer now; They are all MIDI-compatible and can simulate the sound of musical instruments realistically. In fact, the MIDI synthesizer of sound card has caused suspicious sound quality in history, which has damaged the image of general computer as a MIDI instrument. This is because the MIDI specification itself has nothing to do with the sound quality displayed by the sound card.
MIDI was almost directly responsible for bringing the "synthesizer wall" phenomenon to rock concerts in 1970s and 1980s, when music keyboard performers sometimes hid in various musical instrument libraries. Many synthesizers that appeared after MIDI were released in the 19-inch rack version, which enabled performers to control multiple instruments from a unique musical keyboard. The important role of other MIDI is the development of hardware and computer-based music sequencer, which can be used for recording, editing and playing back.
Many music file formats are based on MIDI byte data streams. These formats can be said to be electronic music scores that electronic instruments are watching, so usually a file only needs a few 10kB, so that electronic instruments can play a very complete tune.
During 1982, more than a dozen manufacturers of the International Musical Instrument Manufacturers Association (mainly American and Japanese manufacturers) got together to express their opinions. The conference adopted the scheme of "Universal Synthesizer Interface" proposed by david smith of American Sequential Circuits Company, and renamed it "Musical Instrument Digital Interface" for short, and announced it to the world. 1983, MIDI protocol 1.0 version was formally formulated. Since then, several five-hole MIDI sockets have appeared behind all commercial electronic musical instruments, and there is no longer a "language barrier" between musical instruments. Coupled with computers with MIDI interfaces, a more prosperous computer music family has been formed.