10
MIDI-related terminology
Here we define several basic terms used in this manual. These terms are frequently
used in describing the functions of MIDI equipment.
B
ASIC
T
ERMS AND
K
EYWORDS
MIDI An abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digi-
tal Interface, which is the name of an interna-
tional standard providing for the communica-
tion of data between electronic musical instru-
ments. MIDI allows musical instruments such
as synthesizers and drum machines to com-
municate with each other, and to be controlled
by sequencers or computers.
MIDI Any piece of electronic equipment capable of
device receiving or sending data in a manner that com-
plies with the MIDI standard. This term is of-
ten applied to synthesizers, tone generators,
rhythm machines, and sequencers; however,
it also includes a variety of peripheral devices
including signal processors and patch bays, not
to mention MIDI data recorders such as the
MDF3.
MIDI data Data in a format that complies with the MIDI
standard. MIDI data can be divided between
two broad categories : sequence data and bulk
data.
sequence The data used to record and play back music.
data Generally speaking, sequence data consists of
note on and off messages, control change mes-
sages, and program change messages. In spe-
cial cases, however, it may also include cer-
tain types of system exclusive data.
bulk data Data transmitted in units known as blocks, usu-
ally for the purpose of storage or retrieval. Each
MIDI device usually transmits bulk data in a
unique format that distinguishes it from the bulk
data of other devices; thus, it is also known by
the name “system exclusive data”. Bulk data is
usually not directly related to a musical per-
formance; rather, it is used as a means for trans-
ferring large blocks of data, such as voice data,
samples, or system setup data, between two
MIDI devices.
bulk dump A transmission of bulk data from one MIDI
device to another.
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