SP Studio Systems SP-12 manual Appendix D Understanding MIDI/SMPTE, What does the Midi cable do?

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APPENDIX

APPENDIX D: UNDERSTANDING MIDI/SMPTE

MIDI is causing a certain amount of confusion among musicians. Fear not -- it’s not all that difficult to understand, and the SP-12 makes it particularly easy to deal with MIDI.

For those of you who aren’t that familiar with MIDI, we’ll first answer some common questions. -

What does the MIDI cable do?

An instrument already has an AC cord that carries electrical current, and an audio cord that carries audio signals to an amplifier. Now you have a third connection: the MIDI cable. This carries neither audio nor power, but transmits information about the status of the instrument to, and receives “status reports” from, other MIDI instruments. This information is coded in a computer language. . a somewhat primitive language with few words and several dialects, but a language nonetheless.

What does MIDI stand for?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. You already know what “musical instrument” means, so that takes care of the first half of this phrase. Digital means that the instrument’s information is conveyed in digital, or computer, language. Interface is the term for the actual link between instruments, where data passes from one instrument to another. So MIDI is a link between musical instruments that speaks data in computer language.

How can information control a synthesizer or drum machine?

First we need to know a bit about computers, since MIDI instruments have microcomputer souls...in fact, MIDI could not exist without microcomputers.

Computers are decision makers, and they base those decisions on the data they receive. However, to be useable by a computer any data has to first be translated into a number-based language that the computer can understand. Actually, when you press a keyboard key with a computer-based instrument, you are not directly [[controlling the sound source. Instead, each time you close a keyboard switch you’re sending a number to the computer, and this number tells the computer what note you want it to play for you.

The computer’s “window on the world,” where it receives and transmits numerical data, is called its data - The computer looks to see whether any information is on the data bus, and if so, acts on this data. For example, if it sees a digital “word” that says “play F#” on the data bus, it will do as the data commands and control a sound source so that it plays an F#. However, note that the computer doesn’t care whether this word is placed on the data bus due to closing a keyboard switch or striking a drum head -- once MIDI translates a note into computer language, the note becomes compatible with any device that speaks the same language. MIDI provides access to the computer’s data bus and selects which device will be “on the bus” at any

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Contents SP-12 Contents Part 3 Creating a Song Part 2 Recording SegmentsPart 5 Saving Your Data Part 6 MIDI, SYNC, & SmptePart 7 Mixing and Processing AppendixWhat is IT IntroductionIntroduction What is IT? SP-12 Ground Rules Accessing Functions Within the ModuleWhat’s a Default? Activating and De-activating ModulesLeading Zeroes Settings and ValuesEntering Segment and Song ModesRight Arrow/Left Arrow Buttons stepping and fast forwarding Transitory Nature of Segment ModeBeep Messages Current Song Display1A Setup Getting ReadyPart 1 Getting Ready 1A Setup 1B Instant Gratification 1C Background the Performance Module 1D Selecting Drum Sounds1E Adjusting the MIX 1F Tuning the DRUMS/CHANGING Decay SET-UP 1G Background Setting UP Additional Sounds1H ACCESSING/EXITING Multilevel SET-UP 12 1I ACCESSING/EXITING Multipitch SET-UP 11 Enter1J Accessing Dynamics SET-UP 1K Storing Defining a MIX SET-UP1L Auditioning Selecting a MIX SET-UP 1M Assigning Drum Sounds to Output Channels1N Playing Back Segments 1O Setting Tempo 1P Programming the Metronome Recording Segments Part 2 Recording Segments2A Recording a Segment Overview 2B Erasing a Segment Part 1 Standard Dimensioning Part 2 Real-Time Dimensioning 2D Understanding Auto Correct Recording Segments 2E Setting Auto Correct 2F Recording a Segment in Real TimeRecording Segments 2G Recording a Segment in Step Time 2H Erasing a Specific Drum Sound 2I Erasing a Specific Note of a Drum Track2J Copying and Appending Segments 2K Adding Swing 2L Swapping Drum Sounds 2M Copying Sounds2N Clearing the Memory 2M Check Remaining MemoryCreating a Song Part 3 Creating a Song3A Creating a Song Overview 3B Selecting a Song 3C Chaining Segments Together Segment #3D Ending a Song 3E Editing Songs STEPPING, INSERTING, Deleting 3F Using Repeats Song Step # 3G Changing the Song Drum Sound MIX 3H Setting Song Tempo 3I Programming Tempo Changes Within a Song Example3J Jumping to a SUB-SONG 3K Programming Trigger Outputs3L Starting AT a Specified Point in the Song 3M Efficient USE of Memory Sampling Your OWN Sounds Part 4 Sampling Your OWN Sounds4A Sampling AN Overview 4B Setting Levels Prior to Sampling 4D Setting the Sampling Threshold 4C Assigning the Sample4E Setting the Sample Length 4F Initiating and Stopping Sampling4G Deleting a User Sound 4H Modifying a Sample VIA Truncation and Loop Sampling Your OWN Sounds Mu Systems, Inc Enhanced by The Emulator Archive Saving Your Data Part 5 Saving Your Data5A Background Saving Data 5B General Care & Handling of Disks & CassettesLabeling Write-protecting disks and cassettesSaving Your Data 5C Hooking UP the 1541 Disk Drive or Cassette 5D Formatting Disks CASSETTE/DISK 5E Disk and Cassette Operations Load Sounds Disk Key in 2 then Cassette Key 1 thenVerify Sequences Disk Key in 2 then 7 Cassette Key 1 then MIDI, Sync & Smpte Part 6 MIDI, SYNC, & Smpte6A Midi Channel and Mode Select OverviewAfter selecting the desired mode, press Enter 6B Background Synchronization 6C Internal Sync Sync6D Midi Sync Sync 6E Smpte Sync Sync 6F Click Sync Sync 6G Writing Smpte Time Code on Tape 6H Writing a 24 Ppqn Click Sync Track on Tape Mixing and Processing Part 7 Mixing and Processing7A Mixing and Processing Overview 7B Pseudo Automated Mixdown7C Creating Ambience 7D Using Special Effects in the Studio Appendix AppendixAppendix a the ART of Sampling Part 1 Taking the Best Possible SampleGeneral Tips Dynamics Appendix Sampling from Tapes Part 2 Manipulating the Sample Mu Systems, Inc Enhanced by The Emulator Archive Appendix B Understanding Rhythmic Notation Appendix C Understanding Time Signatures What does Midi stand for? Appendix D Understanding MIDI/SMPTEWhat does the Midi cable do? How can information control a synthesizer or drum machine?How does Midi differentiate between different instruments? Channels, huh? Sounds like a lot of patch cords to meWhat kind of words does the Midi language include? Dealing With MlDlosyncracies SmpteAppendix E Tips on Creating Realistic Drum Parts Appendix F Tips on Using Cassette Interfaces Appendix Appendix G HOW the SP-12 Works Appendix H Special Functions SET-UP #23 Procedure Display Reads Press Appendix

SP-12 specifications

The SP Studio Systems SP-12 is a cutting-edge digital audio workstation that embodies innovation, versatility, and user-friendly design. Designed for both professional studios and home setups, the SP-12 sets a new standard in sound production and music creation. It combines advanced technology with an intuitive interface, making it suitable for both seasoned producers and beginners alike.

At the heart of the SP-12 is its powerful multi-core processor, allowing for seamless performance and efficient audio processing. This hardware design ensures that users can run multiple plug-ins and tracks without experiencing latency or lag, providing a smooth workflow that enhances creativity. Additionally, the SP-12 boasts a robust memory capacity, supporting extensive sample libraries and a vast array of sounds for diverse musical styles.

One of the standout features of the SP-12 is its advanced sampling technology. Users can import, edit, and manipulate samples with precision. The unit supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring pristine sound quality. The intuitive software interface allows for easy navigation through samples, enabling users to chop, slice, and rearrange audio files effortlessly. This flexibility is a game-changer for producers looking to create unique tracks.

Another key characteristic is the SP-12's extensive connectivity options. It includes multiple USB ports, MIDI inputs and outputs, and analog connections, allowing for integration with various instruments and external devices. This versatility ensures that users can expand their studio setup according to their specific needs, whether they use it for live performance or studio recording.

Additionally, the SP-12 features an in-built sequencer that supports advanced MIDI functionalities, enabling users to create complex arrangements and orchestrate their musical ideas. Moreover, the workstation includes a comprehensive suite of virtual instruments and effects, allowing producers to shape their sound without needing third-party software.

Moreover, the SP-12's durable build quality and sleek design make it a stylish addition to any studio. Its compact form factor makes it portable, catering to musicians who need to produce music on the go.

In sum, the SP Studio Systems SP-12 is not just a digital audio workstation; it is a creative powerhouse. With its high-performance hardware, advanced sampling capabilities, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly interface, it stands out as an essential tool for anyone serious about music production. Whether you’re composing, recording, or performing, the SP-12 is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your sound to new heights.
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