MIDI technology revolutionized music production in the 1980s, enabling electronic instruments to communicate and synchronize. This innovation marked a significant shift in modern music, allowing for more complex compositions and performances with multiple electronic instruments.

MIDI's development began with early electronic instruments like the theremin and Moog synthesizer. The MIDI 1.0 specification, released in 1983, defined 16 channels and various message types, laying the groundwork for digital music communication and shaping the sound of contemporary music.

Origins of MIDI

• MIDI technology revolutionized music production in the 1980s, enabling electronic instruments to communicate and synchronize
• MIDI's development marked a significant shift in the Music of the Modern Era, allowing for more complex compositions and performances with multiple electronic instruments

Early electronic instruments

• Theremin introduced in 1920s pioneered electronic sound generation without physical contact
• Moog synthesizer in the 1960s popularized voltage-controlled sound synthesis
• RCA Mark II Sound Synthesizer (1957) used punch paper tape for music sequencing, a precursor to MIDI
• Early drum machines like the Roland CR-78 (1978) featured rudimentary programming capabilities

MIDI standard development

• MIDI 1.0 specification released in 1983 after collaboration between major synthesizer manufacturers
• Initial MIDI standard defined 16 channels, note on/off messages, and control change data
• MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) formed to oversee MIDI standard development
• MIDI Time Code (MTC) added in 1987 to synchronize MIDI with other media (video, tape)

Key figures in MIDI history

• Dave Smith of Sequential Circuits proposed the Universal Synthesizer Interface (USI), MIDI's predecessor
• Ikutaro Kakehashi of Roland Corporation collaborated with Smith to refine and promote MIDI
• Robert Moog's innovations in synthesizer design influenced MIDI's development
• Tom Oberheim contributed to MIDI's polyphonic capabilities through his work on voice allocation

MIDI protocol basics

• MIDI protocol forms the foundation of digital music communication, enabling devices to share musical data
• Understanding MIDI basics is crucial for modern music production and performance in the context of contemporary music studies

Data transmission format

• MIDI data transmitted serially at 31,250 bits per second
• Messages consist of status byte followed by one or two data bytes
• Status byte indicates message type (note on, control change, etc.)
• Data bytes provide specific information (note number, velocity, etc.)
• Running status allows omission of status byte for consecutive messages of same type

MIDI channels and messages

• 16 MIDI channels allow simultaneous control of multiple instruments
• Channel messages include note on/off, aftertouch, pitch bend, and control change
• System messages affect all channels (timing clock, active sensing)
• Program change messages select instrument sounds or patches
• Channel mode messages determine instrument's response to MIDI data

Note on vs note off

• Note on message initiates sound with specified pitch and velocity
• Note off message terminates sound, often with release velocity
• Note on with zero velocity commonly used as alternative note off
• Timing between note on and off determines note duration
• Overlapping note on/off messages create polyphonic textures

MIDI hardware

• MIDI hardware forms the physical backbone of electronic music production and performance
• Integration of MIDI hardware with traditional instruments has expanded the sonic palette available to modern composers and performers

MIDI controllers and keyboards

• Range from simple 25-key controllers to 88-key weighted hammer action keyboards
• Often include additional controls (knobs, faders, pads) for expressive control
• Aftertouch capability allows pressure-sensitive control after initial key press
• Some controllers feature MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) for per-note control
  • Allows individual control of pitch, timbre, and volume for each note
• Wind controllers and MIDI guitar systems adapt traditional instrument techniques to MIDI

Sound modules and synthesizers

• Dedicated hardware units containing sound generation engines
• Can be controlled via MIDI input from keyboards, sequencers, or computers
• Often include multiple synthesis types (subtractive, FM, wavetable)
• Rack-mount modules popular in studio setups for space efficiency
• Some modern synthesizers combine controller and sound engine in one unit
  • Examples include workstations like the Yamaha Montage or Korg Kronos

MIDI interfaces and connections

• MIDI ports use 5-pin DIN connectors for IN, OUT, and THRU connections
• USB MIDI interfaces convert MIDI data to/from USB for computer connectivity
• MIDI THRU allows daisy-chaining of multiple devices
• Some interfaces include multiple MIDI ports for expanded connectivity
• Network MIDI protocols (RTP MIDI) enable MIDI transmission over Ethernet or Wi-Fi

MIDI software

• MIDI software has become an integral part of modern music composition and production
• Digital tools have expanded the creative possibilities for musicians in the Modern Era, blending traditional and electronic elements

Digital audio workstations (DAWs)

• Serve as central hubs for recording, editing, and producing music
• Integrate MIDI sequencing with audio recording and mixing capabilities
• Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and FL Studio
• Feature piano roll editors for precise MIDI note editing
• Often include built-in virtual instruments and effects processors
• Allow for non-linear composition and arrangement of MIDI and audio

Virtual instruments and plugins

• Software-based sound generators controlled via MIDI
• Range from emulations of classic synthesizers to complex sample-based instruments
• VST (Virtual Studio Technology) and AU (Audio Units) are common plugin formats
• Many virtual instruments use sampling technology for realistic acoustic instrument sounds
• Some plugins focus on specific genres or styles (orchestral, electronic, world music)
• CPU efficiency varies, with some instruments requiring significant processing power

MIDI sequencing and editing

• Allows for precise control and manipulation of musical performances
• Step sequencing enables programming of rhythmic and melodic patterns
• Quantization aligns MIDI notes to a rhythmic grid for tighter timing
• MIDI editors provide visual representation of note data for detailed editing
• Automation enables recording and editing of parameter changes over time
• MIDI effects can transform incoming MIDI data (arpeggiators, chord generators)

MIDI file formats

• MIDI file formats standardize the storage and exchange of MIDI data
• These formats have facilitated collaboration and distribution of digital sheet music in the Modern Era

Standard MIDI file (SMF)

• Widely supported format for storing and exchanging MIDI sequence data
• Contains track and timing information along with MIDI events
• Compact file size compared to digital audio files
• Allows for easy sharing of musical ideas between different devices and software
• Can include metadata such as song title, composer, and copyright information

General MIDI (GM) standard

• Defines a standardized set of 128 instrument sounds and drum maps
• Ensures consistent playback across different GM-compatible devices
• Introduced in 1991 to improve MIDI file compatibility
• GM Level 2 (1999) expanded the standard with additional sounds and effects
• Facilitates creation of MIDI files that sound similar on various playback systems

MIDI file types 0, 1, 2

• Type 0: Single track containing all MIDI data
  • Simplest format, suitable for single-instrument pieces
• Type 1: Multiple tracks with a shared time base
  • Most common format, allows separation of parts for multi-instrument compositions
• Type 2: Multiple tracks with independent time bases
  • Rarely used, allows for more complex structures like multiple songs in one file
• Choice of file type depends on the complexity and structure of the musical piece
• Most modern sequencers and DAWs can read and write all three types

MIDI in music production

• MIDI has become a cornerstone of modern music production, enabling precise control and editing of musical elements
• In the context of Music of the Modern Era, MIDI has expanded compositional possibilities and streamlined production workflows

MIDI orchestration techniques

• Layer multiple MIDI tracks to create complex textures and full orchestral arrangements
• Use MIDI controllers to record expressive performances for each instrument
• Employ MIDI continuous controllers (CCs) to adjust dynamics, articulations, and timbres
• Create realistic orchestral mockups using high-quality sample libraries
• Utilize MIDI-controlled articulation switching for authentic instrument performances
  • Keyswitches or MIDI CCs can trigger different playing techniques (legato, staccato, pizzicato)

Quantization and humanization

• Quantization aligns MIDI notes to a precise rhythmic grid for tight timing
• Percentage quantization allows for partial correction while retaining some human feel
• Swing quantization adds a rhythmic groove by slightly delaying even-numbered beats
• Humanization adds subtle timing and velocity variations to quantized MIDI data
• Groove templates can be extracted from live performances and applied to MIDI sequences
• Advanced quantization algorithms can preserve intentional timing nuances while correcting errors

MIDI for film and game scoring

• MIDI allows for quick adjustments to match musical cues with visual elements
• Tempo mapping synchronizes MIDI sequences with video timecodes
• Virtual instruments enable composers to create full orchestral scores without live musicians
• MIDI-controlled sound effects can be precisely timed with on-screen actions
• Interactive game music uses MIDI to seamlessly transition between different musical sections
• MIDI data can be easily replaced or augmented with live recordings in later production stages

MIDI vs digital audio

• Understanding the relationship between MIDI and digital audio is crucial in modern music production
• The interplay of MIDI and audio has shaped the sound of Music in the Modern Era, blending precise control with high-quality sound reproduction

Advantages of MIDI

• Extremely small file sizes compared to audio recordings
• Easily editable, allowing for changes in pitch, timing, and instrumentation
• Enables non-destructive editing of musical performances
• Facilitates transposition and tempo changes without affecting audio quality
• Allows for complex algorithmic composition and generative music techniques
• Provides precise control over synthesizer and sampler parameters

Limitations of MIDI

• Lacks the nuanced timbral variations of acoustic instrument recordings
• Dependent on the quality of sound sources (synthesizers or samplers) for playback
• Cannot capture certain performance techniques specific to acoustic instruments
• May sound mechanical if not programmed with attention to human performance nuances
• Limited resolution in some parameters (127 velocity levels) compared to audio
• Playback consistency across different systems can be challenging due to varying sound sources

Hybrid MIDI-audio workflows

• Combine MIDI-controlled virtual instruments with recorded audio tracks
• Use MIDI to trigger and manipulate audio samples for greater realism
• Record MIDI performances and later replace with audio recordings (audio replacement)
• Extract MIDI data from audio recordings for editing and re-synthesis
• Layer MIDI-generated sounds with audio recordings to enhance timbres
• Employ MIDI for precise control of audio processing and effects parameters

Modern MIDI developments

• Recent advancements in MIDI technology have expanded its capabilities and applications
• These developments continue to shape the evolution of Music in the Modern Era, offering new creative possibilities

MIDI 2.0 specifications

• Introduced in 2020, offering significant improvements over MIDI 1.0
• Increased resolution from 7-bit to 32-bit for smoother controller data
• Profile configuration allows devices to automatically exchange feature information
• Property exchange enables detailed metadata communication between devices
• Supports per-note controllers for more expressive performances
• Backward compatible with MIDI 1.0 devices through auto-sensing and translation

Network MIDI protocols

• RTP MIDI (also known as AppleMIDI) enables MIDI transmission over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
• Open Sound Control (OSC) provides a more flexible alternative to traditional MIDI
• Web MIDI API allows browsers to access MIDI devices for web-based music applications
• Network Musical Performance (NMP) systems facilitate real-time collaboration over the internet
• Virtual MIDI cables create inter-application MIDI routing on a single computer
• Cloud-based MIDI services enable remote collaboration and storage of MIDI data

MIDI in mobile devices

• iOS and Android devices support MIDI input/output through USB and Bluetooth
• Mobile DAWs and synthesizer apps offer full MIDI sequencing and sound generation
• MIDI controller apps turn touchscreens into expressive control surfaces
• Smartphone sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) can be mapped to MIDI controllers
• Mobile MIDI interfaces allow connection of traditional MIDI gear to mobile devices
• Pocket-sized MIDI controllers enable music creation on the go

MIDI in live performance

• MIDI technology has revolutionized live music performances, enabling complex setups and interactive elements
• In the context of Music of the Modern Era, MIDI has expanded the boundaries of what's possible in live musical experiences

MIDI-controlled lighting

• Synchronize lighting effects with musical elements using MIDI clock and note data
• DMX lighting systems can be triggered and controlled via MIDI messages
• Create dynamic light shows that respond to specific instruments or musical phrases
• Use MIDI continuous controllers to adjust lighting parameters in real-time
• Integrate video projections and LED panels with MIDI-controlled content playback
• Software like Ableton Live can send MIDI data to lighting consoles for seamless integration

Live MIDI sequencing

• Utilize hardware sequencers or laptop-based DAWs to trigger and manipulate MIDI sequences live
• Layer pre-programmed MIDI parts with live instrumental performances
• Employ loop-based MIDI sequencing for building tracks in real-time
• Use MIDI clock to synchronize multiple hardware and software sequencers
• Incorporate generative MIDI algorithms for evolving, algorithmic performances
• Ableton Push and similar controllers enable intuitive live MIDI sequencing and performance

MIDI for interactive installations

• Create responsive sound environments that react to audience movement or input
• Use sensors (proximity, pressure, light) to generate MIDI data for interactive soundscapes
• Implement gesture recognition systems that translate movement into MIDI control signals
• Develop multi-user MIDI interfaces for collaborative music-making experiences
• Integrate MIDI with visual art installations for audiovisual interactivity
• Employ machine learning algorithms to interpret complex inputs and generate MIDI responses

Future of MIDI technology

• The ongoing evolution of MIDI technology continues to shape the future of music creation and performance
• These advancements are likely to play a significant role in defining the next phase of Music in the Modern Era

AI and machine learning integration

• Neural networks generate MIDI sequences based on large datasets of existing music
• AI-powered MIDI plugins assist in composition, harmonization, and arrangement
• Machine learning algorithms analyze performance data to improve MIDI quantization and humanization
• Intelligent MIDI routing systems adapt to user behavior and optimize signal flow
• AI-enhanced virtual instruments use MIDI input to generate more realistic and expressive sounds
• Predictive MIDI systems suggest complementary parts or variations during composition

MIDI in virtual reality

• VR environments allow for three-dimensional MIDI controller interfaces
• Gestural control in VR translates complex movements into multidimensional MIDI data
• Virtual reality DAWs provide immersive music production experiences
• Collaborative VR spaces enable remote musicians to interact using MIDI instruments
• MIDI-controlled virtual instruments can be visualized and manipulated in 3D space
• Integration of haptic feedback enhances the physicality of virtual MIDI performances

Emerging MIDI-based instruments

• New MIDI controllers explore alternative form factors and playing techniques
• Breath controllers with high-resolution sensors offer wind instrument-like expressivity
• Wearable MIDI devices translate body movements into musical control signals
• Augmented traditional instruments incorporate MIDI capabilities without compromising acoustic properties
• Modular MIDI controller systems allow for customizable and expandable performance setups
• Adaptive MIDI instruments use machine learning to evolve based on player's style and preferences