Introduction to MIDI |665
MIDI standards [Communication standards]
Standard MIDI Files
Standard MIDI Files (abbreviated as SMF) are a practical way of exchanging
songs between different instruments and computers. Havian uses the SMF
format as its default MIDI Song format, so reading a song from a computer,
or saving a song that a computer software can read, is not a problem at all.
The internal Player is compatible with SMFs format 0 (all data in one track;
it is the most common format) and 1 (multitrack). Havian 30 can read SMFs
in Song Play mode and modify/save them in Sequencer mode. It can save a
Song in SMF format 0 from Sequencer mode.
When in Song Play mode, Havian 30 can also display SMF lyrics in Solton,
M-Live (Midisoft), Tune1000, Edirol, GMX, HitBit, and XF formats, and the
chord abbreviations of SMF in Solton, M-Live (Midisoft), GMX, and XF format.
(Please note that the above trademarks are the property of their respective
holders. No endorsement is intended by their inclusion in this list.)
Standard MIDI Files usually have the .mid or .kar filename extension.
The General MIDI standard
Some years ago, the musical instruments world felt a need for some further
standardization. Then, the General MIDI Standard (GM) was born. This exten-
sion of the basic MIDI sets new rules for compatibility between instruments:
▪ A minimum of 16 MIDI channels was required.
▪ A basic set of 128 Sounds, correctly ordered, was mandatory.
▪ The Drum Kit had a standard order.
▪ Channel 10 had to be devoted to the Drum Kit.
A most recent extension is the GM2, that further expands the Sounds data-
base. Havian 30 is sound-compatible with the GM2 standard.
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