Polyend Tracker+ - 11.1 MIDI Definitions

280
Polyend Tracker+ Manual
NOTES
MIDI
11
11.1 MIDI Denitions
To clarify some of the terminology and technology around MIDI with respect
to Tracker+ a summary of key denitions is provided. Tracker+ uses a TRS
to Type B MIDI Adapter. Also MIDI over USB is possible.
5 PIN MIDI 5 PIN to TRS MIDI
MIDI DIN 24
This is often found for MIDI
Out and Thru and enables
syncing of classic devices.
This uses 0v & 5v messages
as sync signals at 24 pulses
per quarter note (PPQN).
Tracker+ uses 192 PPQN
Internally and can also
transmit and receive via USB.
MIDI CC
MIDI Control and Note
change messages are used
to communicate messages
across MIDI with values of 0-
127. Control Changes (CC)
affect parameter values while
note data triggers notes.
Tracker+ has some dened
CC Assignments.
SYSEX
System Exclusive. This is an
expansion of the normal MIDI
communications set up and is
typically used for transferring
data such as back ups,
patches, presets and
rmware updates to and from
devices.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital
Interface. A protocol for
communicating between
electronic musical gear.
Never connect MIDI gear to
incompatible DIN signals.
Tracker+ has USB MIDI but
also an interface for 5 Pin
DIN In and out.
MIDI STANDARDS
While there are MIDI
standards dened, many
synth developers interpret
this in slightly different ways.
Its always worth reviewing
the documentation with each
to fully understand each
device level implementation.
SDS
Sample Dump Standard. This
is an older transfer protocol
used for transferring data to
and from devices. This is
rarely seen nowadays.
MIDI DIN 48
This is often found for MIDI
Out and Thru and enables
syncing of classic devices.
This uses 0v & 5v messages
as sync signals at 48 pulses
per quarter note (PPQN).
Tracker+ uses 192 PPQN
Internally and can also
transmit and receive via USB.
MSB & LSB
Most Signicant Byte and
Least Signicant Byte. MSB
provides the 128 data
resolution which is ok for
most MIDI applications. More
advanced devices use MSB
and LSB values increasing
resolution to 16,384 steps.
NRPN
Non-Registered Parameter
Number is part of the MIDI
standard. CC and NRPN are
technically very similar but
NRPN is less well dened in
the standards. NRPN uses
more data and can give
better control.
The term ‘primary lead’ will refer, in this guide to a device that has the main control responsibility.
For example controls the clock and transport and is the central lead. A device which will be
controlled by, and follow the primary lead device and which will be subservient by responding to
the main control messages will be called a ‘secondary follower’.