Roland U-20 Owner's Manual page 84

Q
ABOUT
MIDI
Here
we
will
explain the
MIDI concepts that
you
will
need
to
understand
when
using
the U-20. Please
be sure
to
read
this
explanation before using
MIDL
MIDI
(Musical
Instrument Digital Interface)
is
a world-wide
standard
for
sending
and
receiving
musical data such
as
notes
and
controller
movements.
If
a
device has MIDI,
it
can be connected to
any
other
MIDI
device (even of
a different
type
or
manufacturer) to
exchange musical
data.
MIDI
transmits various types of
musical
data
;
for
example, data
indicating that a
key has been
pressed/
released, or
that a
controller
has been
moved,
etc.
When
you play a MIDI-equipped Instrument,
it
transmits
MIDI
data to indicate
the notes that are
being played.
Another
MIDI
device that receives this
data
will
produce sound
just
as
though
it
were
the
instrument being played.
1.
How
MIDI Data
is
Transmitted and Received
Here
is
how
MIDI
data
is
transmitted
and
received.
a Connections
MIDI-equipped
devices usually
have three connectors
;
M,
OUT, and
THRU.
Use a
MIDI
cable to
connect these connectors
to
other devices as
needed.
Accepts MIDI
data
Connect
to the MIDI
OUT
or
MIDI
THRU
of another device
1==^
This
connector transmits data
from the
unit itself
h=z^
Passes MIDI data received
from MIDI
IN
Connect
to the
MIDI IN of
another device
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