4 MIDI: connecting instruments together

Overview

Chapter 2 and 3 have introduced the ways in which sound can be produced in electronic instruments. This gives an indication of the way in which the voice of such instruments can be produced. However, this says nothing about the way in which the voice is controlled. Any viable instrument needs a performance interface through which a musician can play it. This chapter considers one popular means of achieving this musical task.

The Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) has been with us since 1983. In this relatively short period of time it has been responsible for a revolution in making music with electronic instruments. Opinion is divided over whether or not it is a good thing, but MIDI has ...

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