Midi (Musical Instrument Digital Interface); Midi Coupler Controls; Midi Settings; Midi Channel - Rodgers Allegiant 657 Owner's Manual

MIDI (MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DIGITAL INTERFACE)

Rodgers organs have powerful MIDI capabilities, offering remarkable possibilities for musical
performance. MIDI, which is an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a digital
protocol for transmitting and receiving music and sound data. It allows the user to access the
capabilities of another MIDI-compatible device, such as a MIDI sound module or a MIDI
sequencer. The MIDI couplers on Rodgers Allegiant organs connect and transmit digital
information between the keyboard controller and a MIDI sound module, allowing the musician
to access these additional voices and effects in performance or recording through sequencing.
MIDI devices can be connected to the black input/output box underneath the keydesk to the
right.

MIDI Coupler Controls

The MIDI couplers are activated by tabs labeled ORCH/MIDI SWELL, ORCH/MIDI
GREAT, and ORCH/MIDI PEDAL. The tabs are labeled ORCH/MIDI because they can be
set as either MIDI Couplers or Orchestral couplers.

MIDI Settings

Each coupler also has a number of parameters accessible through the ORCH/MIDI menu (see
page 14) and provides great flexibility in the way a sound is controlled. These parameters are:
Parameter Description
Channel Specifies the MIDI channel used by the coupler (MIDI GREAT is changeable).
Tone Specifies the sound or effect controlled by the MIDI coupler.
Octave Specifies the octave of the sound; octave can be shifted up or down .
Velocity Specifies whether a sound has a fixed velocity (or attack), or whether the velocity is affected
by movements of the expression shoes or the force of fingers when actual notes are played.
Foot Switch Specifies whether a sound responds to the foot switch control and what effect is used (Off,
Sustain, Sostenuto or Soft).
Pan Specifies the location of a sound within the stereo field.
Reverb Specifies the amount of reverb for the sound.
Chorus Specifies the amount of chorus for the sound.
Expression Specifies the type of volume message used to control the level of the sound.
The parameters for each coupler can be set individually and saved in combination pistons. This
allows great flexibility and advanced control of instruments accessed via MIDI. In addition,
these controls are easy to select and change.
Each of these parameters will now be discussed in more detail.

MIDI Channel

Each of the 657/677 MIDI Couplers can control a different tone. This is accomplished by
using separate MIDI Channels. Because the channels are independent, the instruments can
be controlled individually.
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