Midi Messages Handled By The Sk-50 - Roland SK-50 Owner's Manual

5. MIDI MESSAGES HANDLED BY THE SK-50

All of the MIDI messages that the SK-50's controller is capable of sending out, and all MIDI
messages that the SK-50 will understand (should they be received from an external unit) are
explained in the following pages.
Each item indicated with <TX> explains a type of message that is transmitted by the SK-50; that
is, is sent (from its MIDI OUT or COMPUTER connectors) to an external device. Any message
indicated with a " " will always be sent on the channel having the same number as the
reception channel of the currently selected Part (ordinarily the same as the Part number).
At every item indicated with <RX>, you will find information describing how the internal
sound generator will respond upon reception of this type of message.
* A " " appears next to each type of message which must be responded to appropriately in
order to comply with the GM System (Level 1).
* The types of data which are transmitted when the GM/GS Setup data is sent are not included
here. For information about GM/GS Setup data, refer to page 26.
Note On Messages
These messages convey what is played on the keyboard, and cause the sound generator to
produce sound. They include information which describes which keys have been pressed, and
the amount of pressure applied to them.
<TX> Transmitted when the SK-50's keyboard is played.
<RX> Results in the production of the specified note at the specified strength.
Note Off Messages
These messages relay the fact that fingers have been released from keys on the keyboard, and
cause the sound generator to stop producing sound. They include information which describes
which keys have been released, and the speed at which they were released.
<TX> Transmitted when keys on the SK-50's keyboard have been released.
<RX> Cause the specified notes to stop sounding.
Bank Select Messages (Control Change No. 0, 32)
Program Change Messages
These messages relay instructions about changes in the sounds that are to be used. On
conventional MIDI devices, Program Change messages alone are used to select among the
sounds available. However, Program Change messages provide for a maximum of only 128
possible choices. That is why GS Format sound generating units use a Bank Select message in
combination with a Program Change message—in order to greatly increase the overall number
of sounds which are available for selection.
<TX> Relay the specifics about any changes in the Tones or Drum Sets. Whenever a change to
a different Tone is made, a Bank Select message followed by a Program Change message are
transmitted. When a Drum Set is selected, only a Program Change message is transmitted.
12