How to Use a MIDI Device

MIDI devices are one of the most common ways of interfacing with music digitally. They are devices designed to communicate between computers and allow music artists and composers to create songs as if utilising the actual instrument itself. MIDI’s are used worldwide by many music enthusiasts and provide an excellent way to start familiarising oneself with digital composition.

In order to begin using a MIDI controller, some there are some basic requirements that you need to grasp in order to properly utilize the device. Just remember that the MIDI itself is not an audio device – it does not produce audio or anything we know as sound.  The MIDI simply is a device used to communicate with what is known as a sequencer which determines what notes are being played and the duration of time which it is played for – after the signals from the synthesizer have been converted, then we are able to hear the music that we would expect.

The process is very simple – computer software in this day and age act as sequencers themselves, meaning that hardware sequencers have become unnecessary. The sequencers hold a large quantity of sound files which have been derived from various instruments such as guitars and pianos. When a MIDI device is connected to the computer, software generated sequencer can playback the sounds stored in the database to create the sound and music that we are familiar with through the digital input from a MIDI.

It is possible to have a variety of different MIDI controllers and only one sequencer. This is possible due to the fact that computer software nowadays is extremely powerful, with the most professional ones being able to support a wide range of instruments. Thus, by purchasing more than one MIDI, you won’t need to worry about finding another set of software that plays specifically for that instrument and thus making the MIDI a very flexible solution.

The only drawback is that some older computers may not be able to handle being used in accordance with MIDI’s, simply because the soundcard is incompatible or too old.  Unfortunately this means that MIDI’s will not be compatible with older models, and may running sequencer software on these types of computers may cause an overload in the CPU. It is therefore recommended that you check your system specifications, especially the soundcard and cross-reference it online to see if a MIDI can run on your model first.

After that, there’s really nothing more to using a MIDI than to simply plug it in, set up the software that contains the information acting as a sequencer and get composing. The MIDI has evolved to become an extremely practical tool for musicians and composers alike, and best of all it’s a device that anyone can use. They are easy to find, easy to set up and easy to use once you grasp the basics. The MIDI is the digital artist’s best friend – and from the features mentioned above, it’s not hard to see why.

This Article was written by Robert Deans. Robert is the SEO copywriter for www.m-audiodirect.co.uk. M-Audio Direct is the UK’s Premier supplier of M-Audio equipment. Be sure to check out some of Robert’s other articles, including How to add music to your myspace profile