MIDI is the acronym for Musical Instrument Device
Interface. Developed in 1982, it is a
protocol that allows separate electronic music equipment to communicate amongst
each other (History 2012). In those
early days of MIDI, the communication was rather simple: data relating to
switching a note on and off and volume control (History 2012). In time, the MIDI protocol became much more
robust with added datasets. These
datasets can control a multitude of parameters and allows a single performer to
play a rack of synthesizers and drum machine from a single MIDI controller.
The impact of such a common data language among different
electronic instruments and computers has been dramatic. MIDI incorporated in modern software, known
as Digital Audio Workstations, or DAWs, allows complex sequences to be
programmed and played back at variable settings. And MIDI controller devices can be played as
instruments to control a huge array of musical equipment. As a result, a single performer can control a
symphony of sounds.
MIDI is now used in virtually all contemporary genres of
electronic music. I am unable to think
of an example of modern electronic music production that would not employ MIDI.
As a music producer, I thrive in a MIDI environment. The DAWs that have developed over the years
have allowed me to produce music on a relatively low budget, all things
considered. I am curious about the new
MIDI controller called QuNeo and have done some preliminary research on
it. It can control several DAW
parameters via MIDI to produce sophisticated electronic music.
As for DAWs, I primarily use three different packages. These include Apple Logic Pro, Ableton Live,
and Propellerheads’ Reason. I am able to
run two DAWs at a time using another protocol called Rewire. Rewire is in essence a virtual MIDI
connection between two DAWs, which then syncs them to playback simultaneously.
Since I have used MIDI for years, much of this blog entry is
from experience and not documented sources.
So I decided to include a few links to discuss MIDI in greater detail:
The History of MIDI: http://www.midi.org/aboutmidi/tut_history.php
A Short History of MIDI: http://www.rbjones.com/rbjpub/music/mus006.htm
Shannon McDowell
Hey Shannon! What an interesting topic to choose for this blog! I hadn't even correlated MIDI with this week's assignment. MIDI is so useful in the creation of electronic music, especially now. It started as a simple concept - data registering note on and off and volume control. Then it became this huge idea with datasets that can be used to create any audible sound.
ReplyDeleteIn our profession as music producers, it's absolutely important we use MIDI. It allows us to create and produce music cheaply and without having to pick up an instrument. I usually use a keyboard MIDI controller to impute my music, as I feel it is the easiest form of inputting data into a DAW. Once in a DAW, I use the MIDI information and I'm able to transform sounds by changing parameters and with the use of plug-ins.
I absolutely love your blog entry. I think it was a great idea to write about MIDI. You are right - it is a very important electronic music innovation. I am eager to read more from you in the future!
~Angela Russell
Shannon
ReplyDeleteI really liked your definition of MIDI. It really is amazing how much of an impact MIDI as made on the recording industry and overwhelming at times to think what this technology provides us with.
DJs are even switching to MIDI because of the amount of doors it opens during a live set. The great thing about being a DJ these days is you can do both digital and turn tables to compliment the two different styles.
I hate to imagine what it must have been like for producers like George Martin and Brian Eno to get their vision recorded. While we have all these options, a lot of the pioneers had it hard back then.
I haven’t used Reason too much but love Logic Pro and Ableton Live. Although I don’t mess around with Rewire anymore, I think it’s great that we have the option and feel very lucky to be alive during this time.
Great job on this….always enjoy reading your posts.
Ben Zuiderweg
You said: MIDI is now used in virtually all contemporary genres of electronic music. I am unable to think of an example of modern electronic music production that would not employ MIDI
ReplyDeleteQuite a few iOS software packages use WIST instead of MIDI - which is a pain b/c you can't link up wireless to your DAW.