Midi Fundamentals; What Is Midi; Midi Connectors; Midi Channels - Boss BR-1200CD Owner's Manual

MIDI fundamentals

By using MIDI to connect the BR-1200CD to other MIDI-
capable devices, you can perform the following:
●
Play rhythm performances on external MIDI sound
module
●
Synchronize with external MIDI sequencers and rhythm
machines
●
Control MMC-compatible devices from the BR-1200CD
●
Control track volumes automatically via MIDI (MIDI
Fader)
●
Input drum and bass patterns using an external
keyboard (MIDI Recording)
This section provides a basic description of MIDI and
explains the various ways it can be used.

What is MIDI?

MIDI stands for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface."
MIDI is a global standard devised so that performance data,
program change data, and other similar information could be
exchanged among electronic musical instruments and
computers. If a device is MIDI compatible, it will be able to
exchange performance data with other MIDI compatible
devices, even if they are of a different type or brand.

MIDI connectors

MIDI messages (i.e., the data handled by MIDI) are
exchanged using the following three types of MIDI port.
MIDI IN:
This connector accepts the MIDI messages arriving from
other MIDI devices.
MIDI OUT:
All the MIDI messages from the BR-1200CD are sent out
from this connector.
MIDI THRU:
This connector re-transmits all the MIDI messages that arrive
at the MIDI IN connector.
The BR-1200CD is equipped with a MIDI IN and
MIDI OUT port, but not with a MIDI THRU port.
242

MIDI channels

The MIDI standard allows data to be exchanged among
multiple MIDI-compatible devices using a single MIDI cable,
and this is made possible by what are known as MIDI
channels.
In simple terms, a MIDI channel is quite similar to a TV
channel. For example, you can change TV channels to watch
programs from a variety of broadcasters. In this type of
situation, information is communicated only when the
channel on the transmitting end matches the channel on the
receiving end.
Likewise, with MIDI as well, if the transmitting device is (for
example) set to MIDI channel 1, MIDI messages will be
received only if the MIDI channel on the receiving end is also
set to 1.

MIDI Implementation Charts

MIDI makes it possible for a vast range of electronic musical
devices to communicate with each other. However, this does
not mean that every MIDI device can handle every single
type of MIDI message. In reality, two MIDI-compatible
devices can only exchange the MIDI messages that are
supported by both.
The user's manual for any MIDI-compatible device will
contain a MIDI Implementation Chart, and this chart allows
you to quickly find out which MIDI messages the device in
question can transmit and receive.
When two MIDI devices are to be used together, you should
compare their MIDI implementation charts to make sure that
exchange of the required MIDI messages will be possible.
For more detailed information regarding the BR-1200CD's
MIDI characteristics, refer to "MIDI Implementation" (p. 343).