Key takeaways

• MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• It allows electronic instruments, computers, and devices to communicate by sending data, not audio
• MIDI messages control musical elements like pitch, velocity, modulation, and more
• MIDI events are specific actions (like pressing a key or moving a knob) that trigger changes in your sound or setup
• Scale functions and chord modes on modern MIDI controllers simplify playing complex progressions
• Arpeggiators and other creative tools transform basic chords into rhythmic, melodic patterns
• Common MIDI connections include MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports, alongside USB and wireless options for modern workflows

What is MIDI?

MIDI is short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and it’s essentially a way for electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to connect and exchange information. Introduced in 1983, MIDI became a revolutionary tool in music production, enabling synthesisers, drum machines, samplers, and computers to work together seamlessly, regardless of their make or model.

The most important thing to recognise with MIDI is that it doesn’t transmit audio. Instead, it sends data between devices that represent things like the pitch of the notes you play, their duration, velocity (how hard they’re played), and even control changes like volume or modulation. This allows your music gear to interpret and reproduce musical performances accurately.

A brief history of MIDI

As a producer, it’s hard to imagine not using MIDI or a time when MIDI wasn’t the norm, but everything has to start somewhere, and MIDI was born out of necessity more than anything else.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, electronic instruments were gaining popularity. However, with this influx came one significant issue: each manufacturer used its own proprietary system, making it nearly impossible to integrate instruments from different brands. Musicians found this limiting, especially as the use of synthesisers and drum machines became central to many genres.

To solve this problem, Dave Smith of Sequential Circuits and Ikutaro Kakehashi of Roland spearheaded the development of a universal communication standard. Their shared vision was simple: create a protocol that would allow different electronic instruments and computers to “speak” the same language. The result was MIDI. Its first public demonstration at the 1983 NAMM Show marked a turning point in music technology.

The effects and benefits of MIDI

MIDI was designed to make all electronic instruments and gear compatible with each other, and in turn, improve musicians’ and producers’ creative possibilities. The results of MIDI’s creation far outstretch this.

It allows musicians to control multiple instruments from a single keyboard, layer complex sounds, and use computers for advanced sequencing and composition. It has also majorly streamlined the recording process, making editing, arranging, and production more efficient.

MIDI has long been the backbone of music production and live performances, going from strength to strength over the years with new and exciting innovations such as wireless MIDI and more. Decades later, MIDI remains a core tool in modern music, powering everything from home studios to professional film scores.

How does MIDI work?

MIDI messages and events

At the core of MIDI communication are messages and events. A MIDI message is a packet of data sent from one device to another, instructing it to perform a specific action. These messages are categorised into different types, each serving a unique function:

• Note On/Off messages: These messages signal when a key is pressed (Note On) or released (Note Off) on a MIDI controller. They include information about which note is played and the velocity, indicating how forcefully the note is struck.
• Control Change (CC) messages: These adjust various parameters of the sound. For instance, CC#1 typically controls modulation, altering aspects like vibrato or tremolo. CC#7 adjusts the channel volume, while CC#10 changes the pan position, determining the sound’s placement in the stereo field.
• Program Change Messages: These instruct a device to switch to a different preset sound or patch, allowing you to change instrument sounds seamlessly during a performance.
• Pitch Bend Messages: These messages enable smooth variations in pitch, allowing for expressive techniques like guitar string bends or vocal glides.

Each of these messages corresponds to a MIDI event, representing a specific action or instruction within a sequence. When recorded in a MIDI sequencer, these events can be edited individually, providing precise control over each aspect of the performance.

Modulation and more

If you’re using a MIDI keyboard, you’ll notice it features a modulation wheel; you can use this to alter sound parameters and add expression to your performance in real-time. When in action, CC#1 messages are sent to control parameters like vibrato depth or filter frequency, allowing you to infuse your sound with dynamic variations.

Beyond modulation, MIDI supports a range of real-time sound changes. For example, CC#64 controls the sustain pedal, enabling notes to continue sounding after the keys are released, emulating the damper pedal on a piano. Additionally, CC#11 adjusts expression, providing fine-tuned control over the instrument’s dynamics and allowing for gradual crescendos or decrescendos within a piece.

MIDI in practice

Integrating MIDI into your productions

So, we know that incorporating MIDI into your music production has endless benefits due to the way it gives you such precise control over your electronic gear. But how do you actually integrate it into your setup?

It’s simple; in its most basic form, you just need a MIDI controller and a DAW (digital audio workstation). With these connected, you can input notes, adjust parameters, and automate changes with ease.

Studio setups

In a studio setting, you’ll need a computer running a DAW connected to a MIDI controller – as mentioned above. Taking it a step further, you might choose to incorporate hardware synthesizers – MIDI is vital here as it enables all your software and hardware components to communicate with one another.

Live performance setups

Live performances require more portable and reliable configurations than those used in the studio. Musicians will still use a laptop with a DAW, paired with a MIDI controller, but the controller might be smaller, e.g., a 61-note keyboard rather than the full 88 keys.

Alternatively, standalone hardware synthesizers and drum machines can be interconnected using MIDI, allowing for synchronized performances without the need for a computer.

Hybrid setups

Some musicians opt for hybrid setups, combining elements of both studio and live configurations. For instance, a performer might use a laptop running a DAW alongside hardware synthesizers, all connected through a MIDI interface. This arrangement offers the flexibility of software instruments and the tactile control of hardware, catering to dynamic performance needs.

Understanding MIDI sequencers

MIDI sequencers record, edit, and playback MIDI data. They enable you to arrange notes and control messages in a timeline, allowing for meticulous editing and arrangement of your compositions.

Modern DAWs often include built-in MIDI sequencers, providing a visual interface to manipulate MIDI events, quantize performances, and experiment with different arrangements without altering the original audio.

Nowadays, you’ll also find sequencers that are part of all-in-one production stations, featuring built-in audio interfaces equipped with MIDI, such as Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3 or for expanded DAW sequencing – the Novation Launchpad Mini MK3.

Exploring MIDI Channels

MIDI operates on 16 discrete channels, which means multiple instruments can receive unique sets of instructions over a single connection. Assigning different channels to various instruments allows you to control multiple devices from a single controller or sequence multiple parts within your DAW.

This multi-channel capability is particularly beneficial in complex setups, such as orchestral arrangements or multi-timbral synthesizers.

Utilising MIDI controllers

MIDI controllers come in various forms, including keyboards, pad controllers, and even wind controllers, each designed to transmit performance data to other MIDI-compatible devices. For instance, the Arturia Keylab MK3 61 offers a compact design with 61 semi-weighted keys, chord mode, onboard arpeggiator, and more, making it ideal for mobile music production setups. The fully-weighted, 88-key Keylab MK3, on the other hand, comes with a Fatar TP/110 keybed that provides an extremely realistic playing experience, just like that of an acoustic piano.

Another great MIDI keyboard controller is the Novation Launchkey 37 MK4, which also features an onboard chord mode as well as eight encoders and performance pads. These controllers often feature additional controls like knobs, faders, and pads, providing tactile interaction with your software instruments and effects, thereby enhancing the expressive potential of your performances.

MIDI controllers aren’t just limited to keyboards, they come in all shapes and sizes. For example, there are many DJ controllers that come equipped with MIDI connectivity, allowing you to map your controls to in-software tools for advanced mixing capabilities.

DJ controllers such as the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7 allow you to map your controls with maximum efficiency. With this, you can create transitions and load custom samples at the touch of a button.

Connecting with MIDI cables

Traditional MIDI connections utilise 5-pin DIN cables to transmit data between devices. While USB-MIDI interfaces are now commonplace, it’s good to understand the use of standard MIDI cables, especially when integrating vintage gear or hardware synthesizers into your setup. These cables ensure reliable communication and are essential for connecting devices that lack USB functionality.

MIDI In, Out, and Thru Ports

MIDI devices are equipped with specific ports to manage data flow:

• MIDI In: Receives MIDI data from another device
• MIDI Out: Sends MIDI data generated by the device
• MIDI Thru: Passes a copy of the received MIDI data to another device, enabling daisy-chaining of multiple instruments

MIDI controller vs. keyboard

MIDI controllers

MIDI controllers are designed to send MIDI data to other hardware or software instruments.

They typically lack built-in sound generation capabilities, meaning they don’t produce sound on their own. Instead, they control external sound modules, software synthesizers, or digital audio workstations (DAWs).

MIDI controllers come in various forms, including keyboard-style controllers and pad controllers, each tailored to different performance styles.

Their primary function is to provide a tactile interface for musicians to input MIDI data, offering flexibility in controlling a wide range of sounds and parameters across multiple devices.

MIDI hacks to improve your workflow

Use your controller to its full potential

MIDI controllers are becoming more and more advanced as technology improves. Take advantage of this! Don’t just use your controller to transmit data about note pitch and velocity, use the different modes and functions to take your productions even further. These essentially help you work smarter, not harder.

We’ve mentioned the Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 and Arturia Keylab MK3, but it’s worth highlighting some of the newer features of these keyboards that can make your workflow much more efficient:

Scale functions

Scale functions are invaluable for ensuring that your performances are harmonically accurate. When you select a specific scale, the keyboard maps its keys to correspond only to the notes within that scale, effectively eliminating the possibility of playing out-of-key notes.

If you don’t have a good understanding of music theory, the scale function is a lifesaver. It allows for effortless improvisation and experimentation with different tonalities – perfect for improving your composition process.

Chord modes

Similar to the scale function, chord modes simplify complex harmonies by playing full chords with a single key press. This feature is particularly useful during live performances or songwriting sessions as it makes it exceptionally easy to experiment with various chord progressions and voicings.

By assigning specific chords to individual keys, you can swiftly navigate through different harmonic structures. For example, you might choose to activate a major seventh chord by pressing just one key, rather than the full four notes.

Arpeggiators

Arpeggiators take the notes of a chord and play them in a sequence, creating rhythmic and melodic patterns. You can adjust various parameters, such as rate, direction, and pattern, allowing for extensive customisation to suit different musical styles.

For instance, you can set the arpeggiator to play the notes of a chord in ascending order at a specific tempo, generating a cascading effect that enhances the rhythmic foundation of your track. This tool is especially popular in electronic music genres, where intricate patterns and evolving sequences are essential elements.

Use wireless MIDI integration for a streamlined setup

Wireless MIDI technology has further expanded the possibilities for modern musicians, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

Devices like the CME WIDI Master Wireless MIDI Adapter enable seamless Bluetooth connectivity between MIDI instruments. This adapter plugs directly into the MIDI ports of your instruments, facilitating low-latency communication and allowing for more dynamic stage performances or studio arrangements.

Similarly, the CME H2MIDI Pro USB Host and USB Client Interface offers versatile connectivity options, including USB host and client capabilities, along with traditional MIDI in and out ports. It supports customisable routing, filtering, and mapping, enabling you to tailor your MIDI setup to your specific creative needs.

MIDI jargon buster

FAQs

What is MIDI used for?

MIDI is used for transmitting digital instructions between musical devices, enabling them to communicate and control each other. It carries data like note pitch, velocity, and timing, allowing keyboards, synthesizers, and computers to create, edit, and sequence music without transmitting actual audio signals.

What is MIDI in USB?

MIDI in USB refers to the integration of MIDI protocol over a USB connection, allowing instruments and controllers to interface directly with computers. It simplifies connectivity, eliminating the need for traditional 5-pin DIN cables, and enables faster data transfer for music production and live performance setups.

Why do people still use MIDI?

People still use MIDI because it’s an incredibly useful tool in the studio and on stage. a versatile, lightweight protocol for controlling instruments, synthesizers, and DAWs. Its ability to transmit precise performance data without audio lag makes it essential for music production, live performances, and complex studio setups, even decades after its introduction.

Final thoughts

If you’re getting into music production and have been wondering what this vital component of the studio is, we hope our comprehensive answer to “What is MIDI?” has informed you of everything you need to know about the subject!

If you’re looking to expand your musical knowledge further or just want to browse some more articles, check out the links below:

How To Sample A Song – A Guide To Music Sampling

9 Tips For Mixing Rap and Hip-Hop Vocals

The 28 Greatest Music Producers of All Time