Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a technical protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other digital devices to communicate with each other. It serves as a standard language or communication protocol for transmitting musical information and commands between various devices.
MIDI enables musicians and composers to connect different devices, such as keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, and computers, and control them simultaneously. It allows for the transmission of various types of musical data, including note values, pitch, velocity, duration, control changes, and more.
By using MIDI, musicians can record and play back their performances, create and edit compositions, and control various aspects of sound and performance in real-time. It provides the ability to manipulate and modify the sound of the connected devices, including changing the instrument, adjusting volume, applying effects, and much more.
One of the key advantages of MIDI is its versatility and compatibility. It separates the performance information from the actual sound generation, meaning musicians can control multiple devices with a single controller, or play back a composition on various instruments or software synthesizers. This flexibility allows for collaboration, integration, and interchangeability of various MIDI-enabled devices and software.
MIDI data is usually transmitted via standard MIDI cables or USB connections, and it can be recorded and edited in numerous software programs designed for MIDI sequencing and production. MIDI has revolutionized the world of music production, performance, and composition, offering musicians powerful tools and endless creative possibilities.
