MIDI Controllers (Products, Physical Controls, and Messages) Unfortunately the word controller is overburdened in the MIDI lexicon and probably the most overused word in the world of MIDI.  It can refer to three different things- products, physical controls and messages.  MIDI Controller=Product  People can say MIDI Control...

Here is a collection of tutorials on MIDI which is a great place to get started.  For quick access to a list of all MIDI Messages, see our Reference Tables section. MIDI Basics  Why MIDI Matters -   MIDI is like air, it's all around you, most of the time you can take it for granted, but if you are a digital musician you probably...

DAW software, like Ableton Live, Logic, Pro Tools, Studio One, etc. isn't just about audio. Virtual instruments that are driven by MIDI data produce sounds in real time, in sync with the rest of your tracks. It's as if you had a keyboard player in your studio who played along with your tracks, and could play the same part, over and over again, with...

Ask.Audio and Non Linear Educating Ask.Audio is one of our favorite technology websites and has been a great partner to The MIDI Association. We have worked with Ask.Audio's parent company, Non Linear Educating to provide extensive video training right here on the MIDI.org website in our courses section.  Here's a brief des...

Introduction The Arduino UNO is a popular open-source microcontroller that, in many respects, is a perfect complement to the extensible nature of the Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol. Microcontroller platforms such as Arduino, Teensy, and others, make it relatively easy to develop custom MIDI controllers that respond to light, pre...

USB MIDI 2.0 ADOPTED  MIDI 2.0 Progress Continues with Updated USB Specification -   As computers have become central components in many MIDI systems, USB has become the most widely used protocol for transporting MIDI data. With the introduction of MIDI 2.0, the USB Implementers Forum's USB MIDI 2.0 working group, headed by members o http...

Join the MIDI Association and download the 21 page booklet "What is MIDI" excerpted from "MIDI for the Professional" by Paul Lehrman and Tim Tully.  We're always trying to help our MIDI Association members get the most out of MIDI.  Paul Lehrman has been involved with MIDI since its inception. Paul has w...

Standard MIDI Files ("SMF" or *.mid files)   Standard MIDI Files ("SMF" or *.mid files) are a popular source of music on the web, and for musicians performing in clubs who need a little extra accompaniment. The files contain all the MIDI instructions for notes, volumes, sounds, and even effects. The files are loaded into some form of 'player' ...

MIDI (pronounced "mid-e") is a technology that makes creating, playing, or just learning about music easier and more rewarding. Playing a musical instrument can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and friendship. Whether your goal is to play in a band, or you just want to perform privately in your home, or you want to develop your skills as a music com...

Part 2: MIDI Cables & Connectors Many different "transports" can be used for MIDI messages. The speed of the transport determines how much MIDI data can be carried, and how quickly it will be received. 5-Pin MIDI DIN Using a 5-pin "DIN" connector, the MIDI DIN transport was developed back in 1983, so it is slow compared to common high-spee...