Can someone explain MIDI to me?

donna_dada · Post by **donna_dada** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:14 pm

So I was looking at an acquaintances file and they had midi samples on their file. I don't understand MIDI at all. I understand something about it being an old communicator between sound and the computer keys (?)

Basically...do I NEED Midi. I am basically only on the level of sample based production and am not actually CREATING samples. Besides I figure that if I have samples I can merely just rearrange and distort samples using a VST (?)

So can anyone help me out and put things in Layman terms?

(?) - means "unsure of the details"

habitualbeatscamp · Post by **habitualbeatscamp** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:23 pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI

Have you looked here yet?

I don't use MIDI yet.. I am planning on running cubase by the end of the year which will change that.

spencertron · Post by **spencertron** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:36 pm

donna_dada wrote: So can anyone help me out and put things in Layman terms?

laymans terms: it is data that can control software based musical instruments.

example: you can play a synthesizer on your computer via midi...a midi controller will allow you to play in midi data to the computer...in the same way as a real piano (most common form of midi controller)...midi data will represent notes (much like a piano)...it can send midi data such as pitch/key/note velocity (i.e. how hard you strike a note)...and then you will hear the sound...

you don't need a controller as such...a matrix editor is the same as plotting midi data to send to a synth r keyboard...

it isn't limited to just synths...or piano styles,

edit:what is your website about?

donna_dada · Post by **donna_dada** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:18 pm

You are right I should have checked wiki first. It is the bible.

I am using Acid 6.0, so no cubase yet. thanks for the explain.

Sharmaji · Post by **Sharmaji** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:18 pm

midi is the world's dumbest computer language. via 2 bits (most significant and least significant) it communicates what key was pressed, how hard, and for how long. it's got 127 steps of info (like, say,velocity-- 0 is silence, 127 is as loud as it gets), and can operate on 16 channels.

the fact that systems can communicate with such a simple language is pretty amazing.

__________ · Post by **__________** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:53 pm

musical instrument digital interface
musical instrument digital interface
musical instrument digital interface
musical instrument digital interface
musical instrument digital interface
musical instrument digital interface

one of the few things i've learnt on my course.

nospin · Post by **nospin** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:54 pm

donna_dada wrote:So I was looking at an acquaintances file and they had midi samples on their file. I don't understand MIDI at all. I understand something about it being an old communicator between sound and the computer keys (?)

Basically...do I NEED Midi. I am basically only on the level of sample based production and am not actually CREATING samples. Besides I figure that if I have samples I can merely just rearrange and distort samples using a VST (?)

So can anyone help me out and put things in Layman terms?

(?) - means "unsure of the details"

i dont use acid...but

"Now reformulated to add multitrack recording and full MIDI sequencing to its superior looping functionality, ACID Pro 6 software delivers a new formula for ground-breaking music creation: loops + multitrack + MIDI. Together, these key components add up to a full-featured professional music workstation unlike any other."

MIDI would be what is controlling your vst... its really not that complicated, especially if your working all in software... getting hardware to communicate with each can be a little more challenging. basically, if you want to do anything more than just looping stuff, you'll implement MIDI to do so, samples, synths, will all be controlled by a midi sequencer. if you are using any vst instruments already, you are using MIDI

donna_dada · Post by **donna_dada** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:07 am

NoSpin wrote:
MIDI would be what is controlling your vst... its really not that complicated, especially if your working all in software... getting hardware to communicate with each can be a little more challenging. basically, if you want to do anything more than just looping stuff, you'll implement MIDI to do so, samples, synths, will all be controlled by a midi sequencer. if you are using any vst instruments already, you are using MIDI

For real? That is what I needed to know. Thank you so much. You are pretty much a life saver. When I release my first dubstep track I will name it after you (thinking big here

wub · Post by **wub** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:13 am

MIDI gets all your instruments, VST or external, to squawk their little squawks in the right places and in time.

nospin · Post by **nospin** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:34 pm

donna_dada wrote:
NoSpin wrote:
MIDI would be what is controlling your vst... its really not that complicated, especially if your working all in software... getting hardware to communicate with each can be a little more challenging. basically, if you want to do anything more than just looping stuff, you'll implement MIDI to do so, samples, synths, will all be controlled by a midi sequencer. if you are using any vst instruments already, you are using MIDI
For real? That is what I needed to know. Thank you so much. You are pretty much a life saver. When I release my first dubstep track I will name it after you (thinking big here

lol
what part of canada are you in?

Littlefoot · Post by **Littlefoot** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:40 pm

Music Instrument Digital Interface

it's a digital format (binary)
it interfaces (works with)
with musical instruments (synths, drum machines, whatever)

it is also probably the single most important thing thats ever happened to dance music.

infact no it might not be, it is.

jas nasty · Post by **jas nasty** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:09 pm

donna_dada wrote: For real? That is what I needed to know. Thank you so much. You are pretty much a life saver. When I release my first dubstep track I will name it after you (thinking big here

WHOA! hi DOnna Dada!
Producing dubstep?! BRAP!
come back to Ottawa lady!

futures_untold · Post by **futures_untold** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:09 pm

Midi = Headache?

Midi = Long Beards and Anoraks?

Littlefoot · Post by **Littlefoot** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:28 pm

futures_untold wrote:Midi = Headache?

Midi = Long Beards and Anoraks?

MIDI = almost every song you have heard post about 1983

donna_dada · Post by **donna_dada** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:51 am

jas nasty wrote:
donna_dada wrote: For real? That is what I needed to know. Thank you so much. You are pretty much a life saver. When I release my first dubstep track I will name it after you (thinking big here
WHOA! hi DOnna Dada!
Producing dubstep?! BRAP!
come back to Ottawa lady!

Oh my darling I would come back for you but for any other reason no way.

Dubstep is the plan but I am going to stick out west and then keep heading more west. Those Vancouver boys in the lighta crew need girls to show them what's up!!!

And No spin I am in Calgary...soon to be in Vancouver....soon to be who knows making moves all over. Refused to be lock'ed to one place!!!!

psyphon · Post by **psyphon** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:45 am

Musical
Instrument
Digital
Interference

Then again. can't live with it, can't live without it.

spencertron · Post by **spencertron** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:29 pm

psyphon wrote:Musical
Instrument
Digital
Interference

Then again. can't live with it, can't live without it.

You could...

OSC (open Sound Control)...Check Jazzmutant lemur technology and interfaces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSound_Control

http://www.jazzmutant.com/lemur_overview.php

Can someone explain MIDI to me?

Can someone explain MIDI to me?

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