MIDI

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a technical standard that defines the connection and communication protocol between musical instruments and electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. It enables electronic musical instruments, such as keyboards and synthesizers, to communicate with one another and to interact with other electronic devices such as computers.

MIDI was developed by a consortium of musicians, sound engineers, and manufacturers in the early 1980s as a way to create a digital interface for musical instruments. MIDI is based on the concept of digital encoding of musical data, and is not an audio format. Instead, MIDI data is represented as a series of events that are sent between two or more devices. Each of these events includes a type of controller, such as pitch bend, or a note on or off signal, as well as additional information such as key pressure and velocity.

MIDI is popular among musicians, producers, and audio engineers due to its versatility and low cost. MIDI can be used for live performances, recording sessions, and sound synthesis. It can also be used to control effects and other software items such as virtual instruments, drum machines, and samplers. MIDI is also widely used in digital musical instruments such as synthesizers, samplers, sequencers, and drum machines.

MIDI is a key element of many modern music production systems, and it is used in a variety of ways. Some of the most common uses of MIDI include sequencing audio in a digital audio workstation (DAW), controlling virtual instruments in a DAW, sequencing and playing back loops and patterns in a DAW, and triggering effects and automation in a DAW.

Many modern keyboards, synthesizers, and drum machines include MIDI ports for connection to other MIDI-compatible devices. MIDI data can also be transferred across a computer network using standardized protocols such as RTP, and it can be transmitted wirelessly using Bluetooth.

Since its introduction in the 1980s, MIDI has become a widely used and accepted part of the music production and performance world. It is an essential tool for any musician or audio engineer seeking to create, produce, or perform music using digital technology.