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A level Music Tech > MIDI > Flashcards

Flashcards in MIDI Deck (14)
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1
Q

What is MIDI an acronym for?

A

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

2
Q

What does MIDI allow electronic instruments to do?

A

It allows electronic instruments such as keyboard controllers, computers and other electronic equipment to communicate, control and sync with each other.

3
Q

Why was MIDI developed?

A

To allow electronic instruments to be linked together - e.g. one keyboard could control the sounds of another keyboard.

4
Q

When was MIDI invented?

A

Invented by Dave Smith in 1983.

5
Q

Name 3 different cables that can transmit MIDI data.

A

USB
Firewire
MIDI cable

6
Q

What type of technology is MIDI?

A

Digital technology - the messages it sends are strings of binary numbers.

7
Q

Describe the notes on a keyboard.

A

All notes were numbered, as were characteristics such as volume, pan, timbre etc.

8
Q

How many values are there in the number system?

A

128

9
Q

What are MIDI commands/messages also called?

A

Events.
- When a key is pressed, a NOTE ON event is sent to the synth together with the note number.
- When a key is released, a NOTE OFF event is sent.
Velocity number also sent.

10
Q

Describe the MIDI IN socket.

A

Receives messages, sends them to the internal synth and passes them out via THRU so that additional devices can be added to the chain.

11
Q

Describe the MIDI OUT socket

A

This sends messages.

12
Q

Numbering - Describe the event.

A

This tells the MIDI instrument the nature of the event:

  • Program (selection the sound that is used)
  • Note ON/OFF
  • Controller (e.g. adjusting the volume or pan of a sound)
13
Q

Numbering - Describe data 1 and data 2.

A

These contain one or two parameters - numbers which set values such as volume, pan etc.

14
Q

Data 1 and 2 - Note event?

A

Data 1 selects pitch

Data 2 controls velocity