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MIDI 1.0

Addenda

The following changes/additions became part of the MIDI 1.0 Specification after the “96.1” publication and should be consulted to have a current understanding of MIDI technology.

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MIDI Implementation Chart version 2

This revised version of the standard MIDI Implementation Chart is designed as a quick reference guide that allows users to identify at a glance which MIDI messages and functions are implemented by the device.

Renaming of CC91 and CC93

Due to the fact that so many manufacturers use Control Change #91 and #93 in the same way, they should be renamed according to their common usage.

    Sound Controller Defaults (Revised)

    CC # 70 through 79 are defined as Sound Controllers. Some have default names, and some are left undefined.
    Control Change (CC) #75-78 (Sound Controllers 6-9) have been given default names.

    Response to Data Increment/Decrement Controllers

    This is a recommendation for expected response to Data Increment (MIDI controller #96) and Data Decrement (MIDI controller #97) MIDI messages.

    Response to Reset All Controllers

    Defines a consistent response to the Reset All Controllers Channel Mode message (#121)

    File Reference SysEx Message

    This message allows computer based MIDI devices to access files on a shared file system or network using a URL-style file specification. It allows the sounds in these files to be played using simple MIDI messages.

    Three Dimensional Sound Controllers

    This specification defines MIDI Registered Parameter Number (RPN) controllers corresponding to the parameters that would be involved in order to allow synthesizers to render MIDI in 3D, and to allow content authors to create compelling 3D MIDI sequences.

    High Resolution Velocity Prefix

    Defines MIDI Continuous Controller 88 (58H) as High Resolution Velocity Prefix to the subsequent Note On / Note Off message.

    Default Pan Formula

    Over the course of the development of MIDI, different manufacturers have implemented their own responses to CC#10. In addition, various AMEI/MMA Specification (such as GM2 and DLS2) have recommended response curves that are not all the same.

    MIDI Bank Index Offset Extension to File Reference SysEx Message

    This is an extension to the File Reference SysEx message (“CA-018”) providing a means of offsetting the mapping information in a DLS file by a MIDI bank index offset.

    Redefinition of RPN01 and RPN02 (Channel Fine/Coarse Tuning)

    With the approval of CA-025 (“Master Fine/Coarse Tuning”) there arises a naming conflict with existing Registered Parameter Numbers (RPNs) in the MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification called Master Tuning.

    Sample Dump Size/Rate/Name Extensions

    This CA adds an Extended Dump Header, capable of handling sample object sizes up to 32 GB (Gigabytes) with greater precision in calling out the sample rate; a new Extended Loop Point message for longer loops; and a Sample Name Transmission / Request pair, all implemented under the Sample Dump Extensions command tree.

    MIDI Visual Control

    This specification defines a way for MIDI to be used for control of visual presentation devices or systems. MIDI has expanded far beyond its original intention of being a control language for musical instruments.

    MIDI Tuning (Updated Specification)

    The MIDI Tuning specification allows the sharing of “microtunings” (user-defined scales other than 12-tone equal temperament) among instruments, and the switching of these tunings during real-time performance.

    Controller Destination Setting

    This proposal enables selecting the destination for Control Change messages, plus Channel Pressure and Polyphonic Key Pressure, using Universal Real Time System Exclusive messages.

    Key-Based Instrument Controllers

    The Key-Based Instrument Controller message is intended to be a standard method of providing individual key-based instruments with the same performance control that is available for Channel-based instruments.

    Global Parameter Control

    This proposal allows the editing of global parameters in a device using Universal Real-Time System Exclusive messages.

    Master Fine/Course Tuning

    These two new Universal Real Time SysEx messages are additional Device Control messages which control the overall tuning of a device.

    Modulation Depth Range RPN

    This proposal defines Registered Parameter Number (RPN) #05 as Modulation Depth Range to be used to scale the effective range of Control Change 1 (Modulation Wheel).

    5 Pin DIN Electrical Specs

    The MIDI 1.0 Specification includes an Electrical Specification which uses a 5-Pin DIN connector and 5 Volt electronics as was common at that time.