About The Midi Implementation; Exchanging Midi Messages; About Midi Channels - Roland V-Bass VB-99 Owner's Manual

About the MIDI Implementation

While the use of MIDI allows various devices to communicate with
each other, this does not mean that it enables exchanges of all
information. The data that can be exchanged between any two
connected devices is limited to the messages common to both
devices.
Therefore, MIDI device owner's manuals always contain a MIDI
Implementation chart, which allows the user to determine quickly
what MIDI messages the particular device supports. Comparing the
MIDI Implementation charts for each device allows you to confirm
what information can be exchanged and how to accomplish this.
Since these charts are uniform in size, you can overlay the charts for
the transmitting and receiving devices when checking the
information.
Fold here
MIDI Device A
Function Transmit
A separate publication titled "MIDI Implementation" is also
available. It provides complete details concerning the way MIDI
has been implemented on this unit. If you should require this
publication (such as when you intend to carry out byte-level
programming), please access the Roland web site.
http://www.roland.com/
MIDI Device B
Recognized Remarks
Chapter 5 Using MIDI

Exchanging MIDI Messages

This section provides a simple description of how MIDI messages
are exchanged.
About MIDI Connectors
MIDI messages are exchanged via the connectors described below.
Connect MIDI cables to these connectors according to the use.
MIDI Description
Connector
Messages from other MIDI devices are received
MIDI IN
here.
MIDI OUT Messages from the VB-99 are transmitted here.

About MIDI Channels

MIDI allows various different messages to be sent separately to
multiple MIDI devices over a single MIDI cable. This is possible
thanks to the concept of MIDI channels.
MIDI channels use an approach similar to that of television channels.
Switching channels on the TV allows the viewer to watch programs
from a variety of broadcasters. This is because information is
transferred over the channel to which both the transmitter and
receiver are tuned.
TV information from many different broadcasting
station is sent through an antenna.
Broadcasting
Station A
Broadcasting
Station B
Broadcasting
Station C
MIDI includes channels numbered 1–16; MIDI messages are
transmitted to (receiving) instruments set to the same channel as the
transmitting device's.
Select the channel of the broadcasting
station you wish to watch.
51