Akai S950 Operator's Manual page 103

FIG. 2b Connecting a MIDI sequences to MIDI synths using the Akal ME30PIl
But there is even more to MIDI than that. At its simplest level, you can
layer one instrument on top of another to create a richer sound. At a
slightly higher level, you can use a sequences to control as many as 16
synths or samplers and to synchronise drum machines where each instrument
plays a different musical part. There's an even higher level known as SYSTEM
EXCLUSIVE.
If MIDI is a universal
Basically, there is room in the MIDI specification for each manufacturer to
have their own personal identification code so that ail the equipment they
make can talk to each other on a much higher level. This sort of thing is
useful for remotely programming one synth from another or for dumping sounds
from one synth or sampler to another so long as they ere made by the same
manufacturer. System Exclusive, therefore, allows each manufacturer to use
MIDI for their own purposes independently of the main MIDI specification.
The world of modern music is very exciting right now. It's not only synths
that have microprocessors In them but reverb, other effects devices and
mixers also have them so, using MIDI, It is possible to have your keyboard
controlling them as well - using a sequences synchronised to a timecode on a
mufti-track tape,
instruments and vocals and have as many as sixteen or more sequenced synths,
samplers and modules being mixed in 'live' whilst the sequences also controls
effects switching AND the mix levels for a fully automated mixdown.
The older synths with their voltage control were good, but they weren't that
good!!
Interfacing
it is possible to
language, System
run the mufti-track
83
Exclusive is not.
with acoustic