MIDI, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, was established as a hardware and software specification which would make it possible to exchange information (musical notes, program changes, expression control, etc.) between different musical instruments or other devices such as sequencers, computers, lighting controllers, mixers, etc. This ability to transmit and receive data was originally conceived for live performances, although subsequent developments have had enormous impact in recording studios, audio and video production, and composition environments.

This latest revision of the basic MIDI 1.0 specification includes the original definition of the core layout of MIDI 1.0 messages, the classic MIDI 1.0 tranport of 5 pin DIN connectors, and several core additions collected together in 1996. Other additions to MIDI 1.0 since 1996 are available as separate downloads.