MIDI 101 by TweakHeadz Lab

30/12/13, 04:39MIDI 101 by TweakHeadz Lab

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MIDI BasicsWhat it is, how it works, why it's important and how to hook it up in your home studioby Rich the TweakMeister

MIDI 101

1. Understand MIDI data2. How to setup a keyboard andsequencer3. Configuring Ports, Channels,Tracks and Instruments

Ok, professional mixologists, filter-heads, LFO-freakoids, Vintage synth-masters, andadvanced sample rippers please click here to go back tothe end of the article, where I will let you back in. And don't smirk at these new dudes on the wayout! This article is for the newbie who wants to get going using MIDI and audio and making theirown music. This is the most basic of the basics. Its for the person who knows nothing at allabout MIDI and audio technology but wants to learn really fast and learn everything you need toknow for success.

So I should only have Newbies here now. Cool. Don't worry about all those "pro" elitists, theywere here once themselves (and probably not long ago). Lucky for you, the Tweak is yourteacher. Pay attention 'cause there is a test at the end. Let the TweakMeister get you up tospeed in 10 minutes. In this article we talk about MIDI, then next we'll get into AUDIO and afterthat we'll ties them together and discuss the Basic Recording Studio.

Let me say it now. Those that succeed as home electronic musicians understand MIDI. You can try to get by without it, but it will dog you at every turn. Don't think the MIDI isonly something that keyboard players need to know. Today, MIDI controller data is used toautomate a variety of studio gear, including the hardware and software mixing consoles weuse. Read the next paragraphs several times, slowly.

MIDI is made of Controller and Note DATA, not Audio.

MIDI, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface is aprotocol developed in 1983 by major synthesizer manufacturers to allow one synth to play anotherremotely. They tried to figure out a way they could make a second synthesizer play by sending it controldata from the first. They figured it out, and more! The developers quickly found out a computer couldrecord and playback 16 channels of this data and it revolutionized the way music is produced. Then theydiscovered with the right hardware you can have several of these 16 channel bundles (or ports) all



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---->Understand that MIDI is NOT an audio signal



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MIDI devices (i.e., keyboards, hardware sound modules and controlsurfaces) typically have 16 channels they can send and receive on. Much like your TV, you can have a different program on eachchannel. The only difference is that MIDI can play all 16 channels at

the same time. These channels correspond to tracks in your sequencer. On each track, you can assign a differentinstrument. A typical starter MIDI keyboard may have hundreds of instruments to choose from. You record eachtrack while the previous tracks play back. Because MIDI has 16 channels, you can have 16 instruments playingtogether, like a 16 piece band, if you want, that is totally of your own design.

Core Concept: MIDI data can be recorded as sequences of notes onto different tracks which correspond to channels

MIDI IN, Out and Thru (Standard MIDI jacks)Why is MIDI confusing? Because the terms change depending on your vantage point. From the vantage point of thecomputer, the MIDI out goes "to" a device, like a keyboard. The MIDI in comes "from" a device, like a keyboard ordrum controller.

From the standpoint of the keyboard, the MIDI out goes to a computer or another device. When you play notes on thekeyboard, data goes out the MIDI out of the keyboard. It does not go through the MIDI Thru.

Keyboard MIDI OUT-------->Computer MIDI INComputer MIDI OUT-------->Keyboard MIDI INKeyboard MIDI Thru------->exact copy of the datacoming in the keyboard MIDI in

The Computer MIDI out passes through the Keyboard's MIDI IN and then to the Thru. The data coming out thekeyboard MIDI thru jack is exactly the same as that which arrived at the MIDI in from the computer. However, andhere it gets tricky, the data going out the MIDI out of the keyboard does NOT go through the MIDI thru. Only datacoming into the keyboard goes out the thru. Got it? If you understand that simple point you will be ahead of mostpeople. Whew!

USB MIDIUSB MIDI i/o is simpler to deal with from a conceptual point of view. Dataflows in both directions down a single cable. There is no "MIDI Thru" is USB,so you cannot daisy chain.

MIDI PORTS: How we get MIDI data into and out of the computerThere are 16 channels for every hardware MIDI IN and OUT PORT (MIDI i/o) on your computer. Your computer'saudio interface may have MIDI i/o, and if not you can buy a MIDI interface to add MIDI i/o. First lets look at all theways you can get MIDI data to your computer.

Going IN to the Recording Software: 5 ways

MIDI IN Ports: There are 5 basic ways to bring MIDI data into a computer. You need to have at least one of themto connect a keyboard or controller.

1. Some keyboards (not all!) come with built-in USB MIDI interfaces. For these you just connect the USB cable to



Example of a keyboard controller withUSB MIDI. You don't need a MIDIinterface if you connect via USB. Seemore controllers

Example of a separate USB MIDIinterface. See more USB MIDI

Interfaces4. Various MIDI Cable Conversion Interfaces. There are conversion cables that, along with device drivers, can turnvarious connectors on PCs to MIDI ports. There are basically 2 types. 1. The Joystick port to MIDI cable (These areprimarily for soundblaster soundcards), 2. The serial port to MIDI cable. These cable devices are typically only as

1. Some keyboards (not all!) come with built-in USB MIDI interfaces. For these you just connect the USB cable tothe computer and install a driver (if required). The port will show up in your software.

2. Many soundcards and audio interfaces may have a built-in MIDIinterface. The M-Audio 2496, Delta 1010, Emu 1820M, MOTU828mk2, Tascam FW1884 (and FW 1082) are examples of devicesthat have built-in MIDI ports. Here you connect your gear to thestandard MIDI jacks on the interface.

The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0Audio Interface is a USB 2.0 audio interfacethat has a MIDI in and out port on the back. See my chart that shows which audiointerfaces offer MIDI ports

3. In this case that you don't have a built-in hardware MIDIinterface on your soundcard or a USB MIDI interface on yourkeyboard (or controller), you have to purchase a separateMIDI Interface. They are not expensive and are generallymore reliable than joystick ports. Usually the interface connectsby USB to the computer and you connect your MIDI hardwarevia the standard MIDI jacks on the interface.



primarily for soundblaster soundcards), 2. The serial port to MIDI cable. These cable devices are typically only asreliable as the drivers. You want to make sure they are compatible with your operating system. While these are ofteninexpensive they may have an issue with your system. If you have to go cheap, go with a USB to MIDI cable like anEmu X-MIDI or M-audio MIDI sport UNO

5. There are a lot of older rack midi interfaces. There are bound to be many on ebay and in the pawn shops. Withthese you must be very careful, especially if they were designed for Windows 95, 98 and for older DOS basedcomputers. These typically connect by serial or parallel ports. Steer clear. Without a functioning driver, these midiinterfaces will not work.If you have a number of midi input devices like keyboards, drum machines, controllers and control surfaces theyeach need a way to connect to the computer. You can have a USB keyboard, a drum machine connected through aMIDI port and a control surface connected by a 2nd midi port and all 3 will input data simultaneously to the trackyou are recording. Methods can be mixed an matched. You computer will see and use all MIDI inputsconnected, whether they are on your soundcard or interface, are connected through your USB hub, or are comingfrom a separate MIDI interface.

To send control events, (i.e., "notes") to your sequencer any keyboard with a MIDI out will work, even if it soundslike crap. Remember, you only need it to trigger the NOTE ON NOTE OFF event to the sequencer, which will sendthem to your available synths, which will send the sound to the speakers. Get it? Though the playing happened atthe keyboard, the sound can be triggered at any MIDI sound source, whether they exist in hardware or software. You can even use an old CASIO with the speakers ripped out as long as it has a MIDI out. To Review: External MIDI IN ports bring MIDI data from outside to inside the computer, where it can be recorded,and sent back out the MIDI OUT port to the external device upon playback.

Going OUT of the Recording Software to hardware and software synths

In this example, from Sonar 4, I have 2 hardwareexternal MIDI ports (the E-DSP entries, whichwere created when I installed my EMU 1820maudio interface) and 3 internal virtual ports, theMS GS Wavetable SW synth, Pro 53, andCakewalk TTS. (the TTS was created when Iinstalled Sonar, and I bought the Pro 53 as anadd-on) I can route the track to any channel onany port.

Now lets look at how MIDI data leaves the sequencer application in the computer and goes to different devices thatmake sound, both inside and outside the computer.

External Ports: The recorded data goes out of the sequencer to the MIDI out port which is connected to the MIDI inport on your hardware instruments. The obvious example here is the computer that sends MIDI data back to ahardware synthesizer. The instrument receives the data and plays the sound.

Virtual Ports: Internal MIDI ports direct data to sound sources inside your computer. Your sequencer can create avirtual MIDI OUT port for every software synthesizer on your system. Up to 16 MIDI channels can be available forthis virtual port, though a typical softsynth may not use them all. An internal virtual MIDI port may also go to a MIDIsynthesizer that is built into your soundcard (Soundblaster cards have these) or to a small software synth installed inyour operating system, such as the Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth, which is part of Windows XP.



The External MIDI port will show up in your sequencer application after you install the drivers. When you use asoftware synth, a virtual MIDI port is created and will show up in your sequencer application as soon as the soft synthis "instantiated" (that's just a buzzword for "initialized." or started.)

Configuring your MIDI System's Ins and Outs

Figure 1: Basic MIDI setup using a 1 port USB MIDI interface with standard MIDI jacks

Keyboard MIDI OUT--------->MIDI Interface IN (required!)

MIDI Interface USB OUT---->Computer USB IN (required!)

MIDI Interface OUT--------->Keyboard MIDI IN (if you are only using your software synths thisconnection is not required. If you want the computer to play the sounds on your keyboard, or if you wantto connect a 2nd module it is required)

Keyboard MIDI THRU ------->Keyboard or Module #2 MIDI IN (optional)

Keyboard or Module #2 MIDI THRU -----> Keyboard or Module #3 MIDI IN (optional)Take a look at some Keyboards, MIDI Modules, and Software Synths

Connecting Keyboards and Modules: The sequencer MIDI out port can connect back to your keyboard's MIDI INand play up to 16 channels of voices if the keyboard is "multi-timbral" (meaning it can sound many instruments atonce). Some synths are not. Old keyboards, like a DX7, only respond to 1 channel unless you hot rod it. You canusually set the keyboard to respond to only one channel if you want or to only channels 1,2,3,7,8, for example, or to all16. Turning off channels allows you to daisy chain more keyboards or modules by cabling up the 2nd machine fromthe MIDI THRU on the 1st machine (which is an exact copy of the data coming in the MIDI IN) to the MIDI IN of thesecond machine. It is possible to have one MIDI port to control 16 different keyboards if you want it too! Usually, ifyour rig gets this large you will buy a MIDI interface with 4 ports so you can play all 16 channels of your Triton onone port. On a second port you might have with 10 channels from your Proteus 2000, a couple for your Electribe, onefor each of your 3 effects box, and the last for your drum machine. Port 3 may use all 16 channels for a control surfaceand Port 4 might use all 16 more for a digital mixer...ooops sorry, I forgot we are just getting started.

Example of how the SEQUENCER MIDI OUTS can be routed to External keyboards andSoftware Instruments

Once you have configured your MIDI system (see Figure 1 above) you should note how the channels inside the



Advanced MIDI In/Out/Thru Brain-Teasers

Lets say you have 2 machines daisy-chained on the

Once you have configured your MIDI system (see Figure 1 above) you should note how the channels inside thesequencer can be routed to different sources both inside and outside the computer (see Figure 2 below). On everyMIDI track in the sequencer, you specify where it goes. The more gear you have, the more places you can send thedata. You could take the bassline you just recorded and route it to a virtual drum machine, edit the notes so theyall trigger kick drums, for example. Or make a Marcato String cadence on your Triton, copy the data to anothertrack, assign the track to Module 2 and have the same data play an ambient synth pad. The two together soundlike a very dreamy string section. Get the idea? The flexibility of routing MIDI data allows for tremendous creativeexpression. Below you see a MIDI system with 3 hardware devices and 3 software devices. You can achieve thatwith just one hardware MIDI port.

Figure 2: Flow from Sequencer MIDI OUTs to Synths MIDI INs



Lets say you have 2 machines daisy-chained on thesame MIDI OUT port. That is, the keyboard MIDIIN is connected to the computer MIDI out and MIDIsound module #1 MIDI IN is connected to theKeyboard's MIDI THRU(see Figure 1 again for anexample of daisy chaining). Now lets look at figure

2 again. If you are sending a track down channel 7 fromthe sequencer and have the Keyboard turned OFF onchannel 7, What will happen?

The keyboard will ignore the data but will still pass it to the nextmodule. Why is that? Because all of the data coming in to thekeyboard is also going out the MIDI THRU, MIDI sound module #1will play the track. So you ask, what happens if channel 7 isset to ON for both devices? Bingo dude! You got it, they bothplay.

Now if each synth was on a different PORT, would both synthsmake a sound. Nope! Why not? Each port is totally discrete,that is separate. The data on Port A does not go down Port B. Torecap, remember, each port has 16 channels of its own. The Portis the parent; the channel is the child.

So, lets jump ahead, if you get a midi interface that has 8ports, how many channels do you have? Yes, you mathgenius, 128. Does that mean you can connect 128 keyboards toONE 8 port midi interface. YES! But don't call me to wire it ok? Most people put each synth on it's own dedicated port so theydon't have to turn channels on and off all the time.

The m-audio 2496 is aninexpensive reliable soundcard formusic production and has a builtin MIDI port.

multi-timbral boards with soundsGood starter boards

Roland JUNO-Di 61-Key Synthesizer with Song PlayerOnstage or in the streets, the JUNO-Di is a traveling musician's

dream. It's lightweight, it can run on batteries, and it's easy to use,yet it performs and sounds like a heavyweight synth. It's packed with a widevariety of top-quality sounds -- over 1,000 to choose from! It has a friendly

"direct access" control panel for easy editing and a Song Player for larger-than-life performances. First-timers and pros alike will love this friendly, portable,

great-sounding synth. Tweak: A great way to start!

Yamaha MM6 61-Key Synthesizer The MM6 Music Synthesizer delivers all that power and more. Drawing on thesame sounds of the popular pro-level MOTIF series instruments, the MM6 has a

wide variety of dynamic, realistic and just plain powerful Voices to help youcreate amazing music. The MM6 also gives you total control over your sound,with real-time tweakable knobs, and features special Patterns that provide full

backing - drums, bass and chords - for your live performance and song creation.And since the MM6 is exceptionally light and portable, you can bring it anywhere

and everywhere your music Tweak: The MM6, code named the "Mini 'Mo" justcame out in the Spring of 2007. I think it has dethroned the Juno D as the best

starter synth under 600. A fantastic set of sounds for those doing hip hop. There is also an MM8 version with 88 keys.

Korg X50 61-Key Synthesizer KeyboardIntroducing the new X50 music synthesizer; packed with Korg's

distinctive and world-renown sounds, designed for easy andintuitive operation, and with an ultra-light and compact design that's ideal for

the active musician. Tweak: Has a lot of the features and sounds the high end



the active musician. Tweak: Has a lot of the features and sounds the high endTritons do. Plus some features like USB that the original Tritons did not have.

More Upscale

Korg M50-61 61-Key Synth WorkstationWeighing in at just fifteen pounds is the fiery new KORG M50, ready

to take on all contenders! Incredible new sounds; fat & juicycombis, splits and layers; a plethora of ace effects; dynamic Drum

Tracks; enhanced poly-arpeggiators; classic sequencing tools, asolid, confident keybed; up-to-date SD storage; companion editing software andour famous TouchView interactive display - it all adds up to an invigorating and

sexy keyboard instrument that could only come from KORG. Tweak: Hugebang for the buck. Has a touchview screen. 88 key version

Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production SynthesizerYamaha, proudly introduces the MO Music Production Synthesizer.Targeted to semi-professional musicians and home/project studio

owners as well as songwriters and performers, the MO provides a full set ofauthentic sounds and comprehensive music-making features-including an

emphasis on contemporary styles and voices. There is also an 88 key version ofthe Mo

Roland Juno-G 61-Key Synthesizer KeyboardLook familiar? True to its heritage, the new Juno-G is affordable anduser-friendly. But that's where the comparisons to yesteryear end.

This modern marvel packs a studio's worth of sound, sequencing, and audiorecording into one amazing instrument. Sharing the same high-powered

processor as Roland's famous Fantom-X series, the Juno-G puts a world of first-class sound and performance features under musicians' fingertips -- and allows

more sounds to be added via SRX expansion. Songs can be created with theonboard audio/MIDI recorder, all for an incredibly low price!

Awesome

Roland Fantom-G8 88-Key Sampling WorkstationIntroducing the most powerful and luxurious live workstation in

Roland history. The Fantom-G is a dream instrument that redefinesthe boundaries of playability and creativity with its advanced sound engine,

revolutionary ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, large-sized color LCD,powerful new audio/MIDI sequencer and more.

88-Key SynthesizersSubmit

see my comparison chart of synths like these

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