USB MIDI v2_0.pdf"Universal Serial Bus Device Class Definition for MIDI Devices, Version 2.0"

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 of the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) and the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI), have updated the USB Class Definition for MIDI Devices. This spec defines how USB transports MIDI data.

The key to the updated spec is use of the new Universal MIDI Packet to support MIDI 2.0’s new functionality, while retaining backward compatibility with MIDI 1.0.

USB MIDI v1_0.pdf"Universal Serial Bus Device Class Definition for MIDI Devices"

The Univeral Serial Bus (USB) is well suited for connecting MIDI Interfaces and MIDI instruments to computers. MIDI is a recognized protocol for music control that is serving the marketplace very well. The USB builds on the strengths of MIDI by adding higher speed of transfer and increased MIDI channels through its multiple "virtual" cable support.