The Ultimate Beginner’s Glossary for MIDI

Active Sensing - A MIDI message used to check the connection between devices.

Aftertouch - Pressure applied to a key after it’s pressed, which can send additional MIDI data.

Arpeggiator - A tool that automatically plays notes of a chord in sequence.

Automation - Using MIDI to control parameters (e.g., volume, pan) over time.

A

B

Bank Select - A MIDI message used to access different banks of sounds or patches.

Baud Rate - The speed at which MIDI data is transmitted (31.25 kbps).

Binary - The base-2 numeral system used to encode MIDI messages.

Bit Depth - The resolution of digital audio, sometimes referenced in MIDI audio workflows.

Buffer Size - The amount of data a MIDI system processes at once, affecting latency.

C

CC (Control Change) - A type of MIDI message used to control parameters like volume or modulation.

Channel - One of 16 available paths for sending MIDI data within a device.

Clock - A signal used to synchronize MIDI devices.

Controller - A MIDI hardware device that sends performance data to another device or software.

D

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) - Software used for recording, editing, and producing music.

DIN Connector - The standard 5-pin cable used in traditional MIDI hardware.

Drum Map - A preset layout of MIDI note numbers assigned to specific drum sounds.

Dynamic Range - The difference between the quietest and loudest sound a MIDI instrument can produce.

E

Expression - A MIDI CC message (CC11) used for dynamic control of volume or sound.

External Sync - When a MIDI device is synchronized to an external clock source.

F

Filter - A tool that removes specific MIDI messages or frequencies.

Firmware - The software embedded in MIDI hardware to manage its functionality.

Fixed Velocity - A setting where all notes are played at the same velocity.

G

General MIDI (GM) - A standard set of 128 sounds and drum kits for MIDI instruments.

Global Channel - A MIDI channel used to control all sounds on a device simultaneously.

Ground Loop - An unwanted hum caused by improper grounding in MIDI/audio setups.

H

Handshaking - The process of devices confirming a successful MIDI connection.

Hardware Synth - A physical synthesizer that can send and receive MIDI data.

I

Implementation Chart - A chart showing which MIDI messages a device supports.

Input Port - The port on a MIDI device that receives MIDI data.

Instrument Definition - Predefined settings that map MIDI data to specific instruments or sounds.

J

Jitter - Variability in the timing of MIDI messages, which can affect synchronization.

K

Key Range - The range of keys assigned to a specific MIDI sound or instrument.

Key Pressure - See Aftertouch.

L

Latency - Delay between a MIDI input and the resulting sound.

Local Control - A setting that determines whether a MIDI device controls itself or external devices.

Loopback - Routing MIDI data back into the same device or software

M

MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a protocol for music communication.

MIDI Channel - One of 16 separate communication paths within a MIDI connection.

MIDI Clock - A timing signal used to synchronize MIDI devices.

MIDI Interface - A device that connects MIDI hardware to a computer.

MIDI Map - A layout of MIDI notes or CC messages assigned to specific parameters.

MIDI Merge - Combining MIDI data from multiple sources.

MIDI Mode - Determines how a device responds to MIDI data (e.g., Omni, Poly, Mono).

MIDI Note Number - A number that corresponds to a specific musical note (e.g., 60 = Middle C).

MIDI Out - The port that sends MIDI data from a device.

MIDI Thru - A port that passes incoming MIDI data to another device.

Mod Wheel - A hardware control used to send modulation data (CC1).

Multi-Timbral - The ability of a device to play multiple sounds simultaneously on different MIDI channels.

N

Note On - A MIDI message that signals a note being played.

Note Off - A MIDI message that signals a note being released.

NRPN (Non-Registered Parameter Number) - A custom MIDI message for controlling parameters not covered by standard CCs.

O

Octave - A range of 12 semitones in MIDI, often labeled by number (e.g., C3, C4).

Omni Mode - A MIDI mode where a device listens to all MIDI channels simultaneously.

P

Panic Button - A function to stop all MIDI notes and reset devices.

Patch - A specific sound or preset on a MIDI instrument.

Patch Change - A MIDI message to switch between patches or presets.

Pitch Bend - A MIDI message that alters the pitch of a note.

Polyphonic - The ability to play multiple notes simultaneously.

Program Change - A MIDI message that selects a specific patch or sound.

Q

Quantization - Adjusting MIDI note timing to align with a grid.

R

Real-Time Messages - MIDI messages used for synchronization, like MIDI Clock.

Registered Parameter Number (RPN) - Standardized MIDI control messages for specific parameters.

Resolution - The precision of MIDI timing, often measured in PPQ (Pulses Per Quarter Note).

S

Sample Dump Standard (SDS) - A protocol for transferring audio samples over MIDI.

Sequencer - A device or software that records and plays back MIDI data.

SMF (Standard MIDI File) - A file format for storing MIDI data.

Soft Thru - A software-based equivalent of MIDI Thru.

Split - Dividing a MIDI keyboard into zones for different sounds.

Sustain Pedal - A pedal that sends MIDI CC64 messages to sustain notes.

Sysex (System Exclusive) - A MIDI message for device-specific data transfer.

Sync - Synchronizing MIDI devices to a common clock.

T

Thru Port - A port on a MIDI device that passes incoming data to another device.

Timing Clock - See MIDI Clock.

Track - A lane in a sequencer for recording MIDI data.

Transpose - Shifting MIDI notes up or down by a set interval.

Trigger - A signal that initiates a MIDI event, such as playing a note.

U

USB MIDI - MIDI data transmitted via USB instead of traditional DIN cables.

V

Velocity - The speed or force with which a key is pressed, affecting volume or timbre.

Virtual Instrument - Software that emulates a musical instrument and responds to MIDI.

Virtual MIDI Port - A software-based MIDI connection.

Voice - A single instance of a sound or note on a MIDI device.

W

WaveTable Synthesizer - A synthesizer that uses waveforms stored in memory for sound generation.

X

XG (Extended General MIDI) - Yamaha’s extended version of the General MIDI standard.

Y

Yoke - A virtual MIDI driver used for routing MIDI data between software applications.

Z

Zone - A defined range of keys on a keyboard assigned to specific sounds.

Related Topics

• The History of MIDI: How This 1980s Tech Changed Modern Music Forever