Boss Audio Systems BR-900CD Midi Fundamentals, What is MIDI?, Midi Connectors, Midi Channels

MIDI Fundamentals

By using MIDI to connect the BR-900CD to other MIDI- capable devices, you can perform the following:

●Play rhythm performances on external MIDI sound module

●Synchronize with external MIDI sequencers and rhythm machines

●Control MMC-compatible devices from the BR-900CD

This section provides a basic description of MIDI and explains the various ways it can be used.

What is MIDI?

MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” MIDI is a global standard devised so that performance data, program change data, and other similar information could be exchanged among electronic musical instruments and computers. If a device is MIDI compatible, it will be able to exchange performance data with other MIDI compatible devices, even if they are of a different type or brand.

MIDI Connectors

MIDI messages (i.e., the data handled by MIDI) are exchanged using the following three types of MIDI port.

MIDI IN:

This connector accepts the MIDI messages arriving from other MIDI devices.

MIDI OUT:

All the MIDI messages from the BR-900CD are sent out from this connector.

MIDI THRU:

This connector re-transmits all the MIDI messages that arrive at the MIDI IN connector.

The BR-900CD is equipped with a MIDI OUT port, but not with MIDI IN and MIDI THRU ports.

MIDI Channels

The MIDI standard allows data to be exchanged among multiple MIDI-compatible devices using a single MIDI cable, and this is made possible by what are known as MIDI channels.

In simple terms, a MIDI channel is quite similar to a TV channel. For example, you can change TV channels to watch programs from a variety of broadcasters. In this type of situation, information is communicated only when the channel on the transmitting end matches the channel on the receiving end.

Likewise, with MIDI as well, if the transmitting device is (for example) set to MIDI channel 1, MIDI messages will be received only if the MIDI channel on the receiving end is also set to 1.

MIDI Implementation Charts

MIDI makes it possible for a vast range of electronic musical devices to communicate with each other. However, this does not mean that every MIDI device can handle every single type of MIDI message. In reality, two MIDI-compatible devices can only exchange the MIDI messages that are supported by both.

The user’s manual for any MIDI-compatible device will contain a MIDI Implementation Chart, and this chart allows you to quickly find out which MIDI messages the device in question can transmit and receive.

When two MIDI devices are to be used together, you should compare their MIDI implementation charts to make sure that exchange of the required MIDI messages will be possible.

For more detailed information regarding the BR-900CD’s MIDI characteristics, refer to “MIDI Implementation” (p. 216).

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