Yamaha mdf3 Manual Do Utilizador

10

Here we define several basic terms used in this manual. These terms are frequently
used in describing the functions of MIDI equipment.

An abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digi-
tal Interface, which is the name of an interna-
tional standard providing for the communica-
tion of data between electronic musical instru-
ments. MIDI allows musical instruments such
as synthesizers and drum machines to com-
municate with each other, and to be controlled
by sequencers or computers.

Any piece of electronic equipment capable of

receiving or sending data in a manner that com-
plies with the MIDI standard. This term is of-
ten applied to synthesizers, tone generators,
rhythm machines, and sequencers; however,
it also includes a variety of peripheral devices
including signal processors and patch bays, not
to mention MIDI data recorders such as the
MDF3.

Data in a format that complies with the MIDI
standard. MIDI data can be divided between
two broad categories : sequence data and bulk
data.

The data used to record and play back music.

Generally speaking, sequence data consists of
note on and off messages, control change mes-
sages, and program change messages. In spe-
cial cases, however, it may also include cer-
tain types of system exclusive data.

Data transmitted in units known as blocks, usu-
ally for the purpose of storage or retrieval. Each
MIDI device usually transmits bulk data in a
unique format that distinguishes it from the bulk
data of other devices; thus, it is also known by
the name “system exclusive data”. Bulk data is
usually not directly related to a musical per-
formance; rather, it is used as a means for trans-
ferring large blocks of data, such as voice data,
samples, or system setup data, between two
MIDI devices.

A transmission of bulk data from one MIDI
device to another.