What is MIDI?
MIDI is a “standard” that allows musical instruments and computer equipment/hardware to communicate with each other using MIDI messages. MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” MIDI transmits information, and does not transmit audio signals, and needs a sampler, MIDI keyboard/guitar, synthesizer, or VSTs to create sounds. MIDI may sound intimidating, but it’s actually easy to set up and work with.
MIDI keyboards are currently the most popular device used to “trigger” sounds on other synthesizers, and other instruments (mainly Virtual Instruments).
MIDI connections use cables with a 5-pin Din Connector at both ends. There are also various cables / MIDI adapters to 5-pin that are also used as well.
MIDI uses “Messages” (digital data) that will control and pretty much tells the equipment what to do, and how to perform. These MIDI messages carry information that can be edited in multiple ways (see note below).
Recording with MIDI is extremely advantageous as the recorded information is very easy to edit, is adjustable, and is an overall great tool for creating / arranging songs.
Some of the edits include:
- Replacing a sound with a different sound / instrument sound.
- Altering the sounds.
- Note by note edits.
- System messages such as transport functions (start, stop, record) and time code (clock info).
What if you’re not a Keyboard player?
Guitarists now have an option! One of the newest MIDI devices available is the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar. It’s a headless, 24-fret electric guitar with full MIDI capabilities. Powered by Jamstik signal processing technology & proprietary algorithms, the Studio MIDI represents state-of-the-art MIDI guitar performance built into a portable, all-in-one solution. Check it Out at Jamstik.com
