Art
Fact-checked

At MusicalExpert, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is MIDI?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

MIDI, short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is the standard electronic language "spoken" between electronic instruments and the computerized devices which control them during performances. Developed in the early 1980s, this technology allows a keyboardist to kick off a drum synthesizer with one key or a computer to store a sequence of composed notes as a MIDI file, for example. The keyboard, drum synthesizer and computer all recognize the same set of binary code instructions.

Before the development of the MIDI system, professional keyboardists would often need to set up towering banks of synthesizers, pianos, organs and other electronics in order to perform live. They would go from instrument to instrument in order to produce the necessary sounds. With the introduction of MIDI, these same musicians could connect all of the peripheral keyboards together with 5-pin DIN cables and control them all through one master keyboard. A synthesizer set for background strings, for example, could "teach" another keyboard how to generate that sound through a MIDI connection.

Many cellphone ringtones are MIDI files.
Many cellphone ringtones are MIDI files.

This technology is not restricted to musical synthesizers, however. It is not unusual to find other stage equipment, such as lighting banks, under the control of MIDI-compatible computers. Each light may be assigned a specific channel and turned on or off according to a master program. These programs may also control effects pedals for guitarists or pre-recorded sequences to supplement the sound onstage.

MIDI files are commonly used on video game programs.
MIDI files are commonly used on video game programs.

MIDI files do not actually record the sound of the keyboard instrument, but rather record instructions on how to recreate that sound elsewhere. For instance, a keyboardist might play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on a MIDI-compatible synthesizer connected to a computer. The file would change each note into a series of 1s and 0s, similar to binary code language. The coding incorporates other aspects of the performance besides notes, including dynamics, note-bending and changes in key pressure.

A MIDI cable may be used to send MIDI data to a keyboard.
A MIDI cable may be used to send MIDI data to a keyboard.

If someone wanted to play that recorded version of the Moonlight Sonata on a different computer, the MIDI file would play exactly what the original keyboardist played on the original instrument. The sound reproduction qualities of the computer itself may present a problem. The computer's sound generation card might render a very weak-sounding version of the MIDI file, with some unpleasant electronic noises. Modern computers with advanced sound cards have eliminated many of these reproduction problems, but many people still associate MIDI files with a less-than-spectacular performance.

Because these files are relatively small and easy to produce, they have become very popular for use on websites, video game programs and MIDI-compatible cellular phones. The ring tones on many cellphones are actually MIDI files which reproduce the original tunes using the phone's own sound card.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular MusicalExpert contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular MusicalExpert contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Illych

MIDI files can also be helpful in learning how to play keyboards. There is now software available that allows you to play along to MIDI files and will provide statistics on how in time you were or if you missed any notes or made any other errors. You can also slow down the MIDI files so you can practice at your own pace. You don't even need a MIDI keyboard to do this, even a cheap USB keyboard will work, but remember you want something with enough octaves so as to be able to play full songs.

redstaR

It's true that MIDI files are often associated with cheesy sounding instruments regardless of advancements in sound cards. One tip I can offer is that if the instrument you are using to record a MIDI file creates sound - for example if it's a digital piano or a synthesizer - you can use a MIDI to USB cable and have the output of the MIDI file go into the input of your instrument. By doing this, you can playback MIDI files on your instrument instead of having to rely on your sound card's capabilities. MIDI to USB cables are relatively cheap and popular, you should be able to find one at your local music store.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many cellphone ringtones are MIDI files.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Many cellphone ringtones are MIDI files.
    • MIDI files are commonly used on video game programs.
      By: Serjik Ahkhundov
      MIDI files are commonly used on video game programs.
    • A MIDI cable may be used to send MIDI data to a keyboard.
      By: Minerva Studio
      A MIDI cable may be used to send MIDI data to a keyboard.