Roland VS-1680 User Manual download pdf (Page 4)

This section explains the basic concepts of MIDI, and

how the VS-1680 handles MIDI messages.

What is MIDI

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital

Interface. It is a worldwide standard that allows elec-

tronic musical instruments and personal computer to

exchange musical performance data and messages

such as sound selections. Any MIDI-compatible device

can transmit musical data (as appropriate for the type

of device) to any other MIDI-compatible device,

regardless of its manufacturer or model type.

MIDI connectors

MIDI messages (the data handled by MIDI) are trans-

mitted and received using the following three types of

connectors. On the VS-1680, MIDI OUT and MIDI

THRU are handled by a single connector, which can

be switched to act as the desired connector. (Owner’s

Manual p. 129)

MIDI IN: This receives MIDI messages from exter-

nal MIDI devices.

MIDI OUT: This transmits MIDI messages from the

VS-1680.

MIDI THRU: This re-transmits all MIDI messages that

were received at MIDI IN, without mod-

ifying them.

MIDI channels

MIDI is able to send information over a single MIDI

cable independently to two or more MIDI devices.

This is made possible by the concept of MIDI channels.

You can think of MIDI channels as being somewhat

similar in function to the channels on a television. By

changing the channel of a TV set, you can view a vari-

ety of programs being transmitted by different broad-

cast stations. This is because data is received only from

the transmitter whose channel is selected on the

receiver.

In the same way, a MIDI device whose receive channel

is set to “1” will receive only the data being transmit-

ted by another MIDI device whose transmit channel is

also set to “1.”

MIDI messages

The VS-1680 uses the following types of MIDI mes-

sage.

Note messages:

These messages are used to play notes. On a keyboard,

these message transmit the key (note number) that

was pressed, and how strongly it was pressed (veloci-

ty). On the VS-1680, these messages are used when

you use a MIDI sound source to play the metronome

sound.

Program Change messages:

These messages are for the purpose of selecting

sounds, and contain a program number of 1–128. The

VS-1680 uses these messages to select scenes and

effects. (Owner’s Manual p. 138, 139)

Control Change messages:

In general, these messages are used to transmit infor-

mation such as vibrato, hold, and volume etc., that

makes a performance more expressive. The various

functions are differentiated by a controller number

from 0–127, and the controller number is defined for

each function. The functions that can be controlled on

any given device will depend on that device.

On the VS-1680, these messages are used in a

completely different way than on most instruments;

they are used to control mixer parameters.

Exclusive messages:

Unlike note messages and control change messages,

exclusive messages are used to transmit settings that

are unique to a particular device. On the VS-1680,

exclusive messages can be used to control mixer para-

meters (in the same way as control change messages).

Normally, control change messages are easier to han-

dle, so they should be used rather than exclusive mes-

sages. Exclusive messages intended for different units

are distinguished by their Device ID, rather than by

MIDI channel. When exclusive messages are to be

transmitted or received, you must set the Device ID of

both units to a matching setting.

MIDI implementation chart

MIDI allows a variety of electronic musical instru-

ments to communicate with each other. However it is

not necessarily the case that all devices will be able to

communicate using all types of MIDI message. They

can only communicate using those types of MIDI mes-

sage that they have in common.

Each owner’s manual for a MIDI device includes a

MIDI Implementation Chart. This chart shows you at a

glance the types of MIDI message that can be transmit-

ted and received. By comparing the implementation

charts of two devices, you will be able to see the types

of message with which they will be able to communi-

cate.

About MIDI

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 135 136

Comments to this Manuals

No comments

Roland VS-1680 User Manual Page 4

Comments to this Manuals

Related products and manuals for Musical Instruments Roland VS-1680