Midi Connections; About Midi - Yamaha A4000 Owner's Manual

MIDI Connections

This section explains how to connect the A5000/A4000 to MIDI devices.
• Be sure that power to the A5000/A4000 and to peripheral devices is OFF before making MIDI con-
nections. Connecting devices while power is ON may result in MIDI processing errors or unex-
pected and continuous sound output.

About MIDI

The following overview introduces some basic MIDI concepts. Readers familiar with MIDI may wish to
skip to "MIDI Connection Configurations," on the next page.
What is MIDI?
MIDI (for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface") is a standard, internationally-recognized interface
for music-related digital communication among electronic instruments, computers, sequencers, and
related devices.
MIDI connectors and cables
MIDI devices provide MIDI connectors marked IN, OUT, and THRU. The IN connector receives data
from external devices, the OUT connector outputs locally produced data, and the THRU connector
relays data received at the IN connector. MIDI connections are made by running standard MIDI cables
between connectors on different devices. Each MIDI cable connects the OUT or THRU connector of
one device to the IN connector of another device.
Channels
A single MIDI cable carries up to 16 channels of performance data. If you have a MIDI setup consist-
ing of three keyboards outputting performance data to a fourth device, for example, each keyboard
would be transmitting data over a different channel. Each channel is identified by its channel number
(1 to 16).
Data types
Each channel can carry a variety of data types. Data types include the following.
Note data: Keys (on keyboard), and key striking force
Control change: Controller movement (modulation wheel, foot controller, etc.)
Program change: Change in voice or program
Aftertouch: Pressure applied to key after initial strike
Pitchbend: Movement of the pitchbend wheel
Bulk data: Voice and device settings and related data

MIDI Connections

Chapter 1 Setting Up
A5000/A4000 •
25