MIDI

Introduction to Midi

Midi is short for Musical instrument digital
interface. Midi has a wide amount of features to
allow music to be created on many different
softwares in many different ways.

Midi came around in 1983 in the development of
synthesizers. The first instrument with MIDI
capability was a synthesiser called the Prophet-
600, which was designed by Dave Smith.

The rest of this booklet will show you what
MIDI really is and the advantages of MIDI
being around.
MIDI keyboards

Midi keyboards have a port so you can connect
directly into software on a computer, laptop, I
pad or any similar devices. The keyboard sends
commands that it wants the software to do. For
example you press the G key on a Midi
keyboard this would be played into the software
and create a sound.




The USB port on a midi controller is so you can
connect your midi controller straight to your
electronic device with software.

The power port is so you can power your midi
controller.

(The back of a Midi keyboard)

POWER USB

MIDI IN

MIDI OUT SUSTAIN
PEDAL

EXPRESSION
PEDAL
The sustain pedal port allows you to have a
variety of option on your sound that comes from
the keyboard. Sustain pedals usually allow a dry
or damp sound.

MIDI IN or MIDI OUT port is for connection to
external hardware such as synthesizers.

Expression pedals are generally used to control
sound. This is another port on this keyboard.





When using a keyboard you need to be using the
correct posture to avoid strain or harm to
yourself. The correct posture would be sitting
straight on a chair that supports your back.
Having your elbows keyboard height.

Also when using a MIDI keyboard you should
warm up. An example of this is doing the scales
on the keyboard. This avoids any strain to your
fingers.


Advantages
This MIDI keyboard can connect to an I pad.
This maybe useful as you can use it most
places and its more portable.
The keyboard is powered by the I pad.
The keyboard is basic. This might be better
for a beginner.

Disadvantages
The keyboard doesnt let you experience the
full use of a midi keyboard due to lack of
keys etc.
The keyboard doesnt have any inputs in the
back so no microphone etc. can be used.
The design is plain and boring,




Advantages.
The keyboard has an octave feature so you
can use most of the keys as if was on a grand
piano.
There is a variety of inputs so you dont just
use internal software on your device which
has for example logic to change the sounds.
Mic input is good as if you need vocals you
can have them.
There is a clip device on this keyboard
notifying you if the sound that is coming out
is to loud.
You have pitch benders on this keyboard.
You also have a effect on the keyboard to
add a reverb type effect.

Disadvantages
The keyboard isnt portable.

DAWS

Equipment for using MIDI.
A computer or a laptop.
A soundcard.
Midi interface.
A midi keyboard

Cables for using MIDI
MIDI cable
MIDI Pro Cable, 3m

Software for using MIDI
Logic



MIDI messages

Midi keyboards can send lots
of messages due to the
software adapting the
keyboard to be able to send
different sounds. For example
of a midi keyboard you can
send drum sounds from a
keyboard.

On a full MIDI keyboards there are 64 keys. This
allows you to be able to use the full scale of
sounds.

On logic you can select your sound and use the
keyboard to hear the different sounds. When
you use logic you can change the sound from the
original as well.

An example of this is adding reverb.


Before and after.

Carrying on from adding reverb you can also
add other effects.

Another effect you could do is quantize your
audio.




Quantizing make a rhythm that is out of time
snap back in time. This is helpful as if you are
playing free hand you might be slightly out of
time when playing. This puts the rhythm back in
time.

Also on logic you can change the velocity of
sounds.


The velocity tool in logic changes the note from
a blunt note to a strong stern note. This is
helpful, as you dont need to play the whole of
the notes over again.

You can also change the length of a note.



This tool is good as you can extend a note if you
havent held it long enough. This again means
that you dont need to play the note again.










































Why has midi changed the way we make
music?

Producers use Midi. Producers use midi to
perfect their sounds and make their actual
songs. Midi has helped do this as technology
develops more and more things have become
easier to do.

Midi is used in most recording studios as midi
can change effects of sounds and notes as shown
through the booklet. Midi is a must have in a
recording studio as this has developed the way
music is made through its time. Midi allows
songs to be perfected.

A composer would find midi useful as it clearly
shows what you have been working on. Also a
composer wouldnt have to get a whole band in
to make music or could even do the basis of
what they wanted the band to do via midi.

If midi were created 250 years ago music would
be changed completely. This is because of what
midi allows you to do. Before the 1980s midi
was not around and you would have to make
music in a completely different way just by
recording basic instruments only changing the
way they sound through their amps.
If midi was created beforehand then I dont
think music would be the same and wouldnt be
as big as it is now. Knowing that midi wasnt
around when some of the best songs which are
still played to this day make people more
amazed by how old songs still sound good.

On the other hand if music were created before
maybe there would be new software developed
already as technology advances.

Conclusion

Composing with midi can be hard. Midi isnt as
easy as it seams and a new comer to midi
defiantly needs to practice. Some elements like
finding the wright sound and how was difficult
to find out.

To play keys into the software your using with
midi is easy. Also with using midi you dont need
to have a full band. You can easily select a sound
e.g. drums and use drums without an actual
drummer.

In the future I would like the ease of making
music to become easier. This would allow more
people to make music making there be more
variety in music. There would also be lots more
people liking certain music.