Chapter 10: Connecting To External Sound Generators And Sequencers; About Midi; Midi; Controlling An External Midi Sound Device - Roland GR-30 Manual

Chapter 10: Connecting to External Sound Generators and Sequencers

Connecting an external sound generator to the GR-30
makes it possible to play sounds not included the 384
built-in tones, and to create fatter sounds by combin-
ing notes from the GR-30 and the external device.
The GR-30 can also serve as a convenient input tool
for a MIDI sequencer (a device for recording perfor-
mances). This chapter explains how to make such
steps using external devices (and how to use MIDI
functions).

About MIDI

MIDI stands for "Musical Instrument Digital
Interface," a worldwide standard that enables elec-
tronic instruments and peripherals to share informa-
tion about performances, sound switching, and other
functions.
MIDI is a standard that is shared by a wide range of
instruments from different manufacturers. For
instance, you could use a MIDI controller from com-
pany A to play a sound module from company B or
send data to a sequencer from company C.
MIDI connectors (IN and OUT) are a standard feature
of the GR-30. With MIDI, you can use the guitar to
control external sound generators (such as synthesiz-
ers and samplers), or play the music you want to
input into a MIDI sequencer. Also, as we've already
seen on p. 31, you can send data such as patch data to
other equipment for performance or storage.

MIDI

Controlling an External MIDI Sound Device

Connecting to an External MIDI Sound Device

Follow the figure below to connect the GR-30 to an external MIDI sound device.
<<fig. 10-1>>
70
MIDI OUT
What follows is a list of some of the different types of
MIDI messages that the GR-30 can handle.
Note On messages provide information on what
string was played, and its pitch and force.
Note Off messages provide information on when a
string stops vibrating.
Bend messages provide information for changing
the pitch smoothly, such as when bending, sliding,
or hammering.
Program Change messages transmit commands for
switching patches.
Control Change messages provide information on
changes in volume and effects.
System Exclusive (SysEx) messages provide infor-
mation for exchanging patch data with external
instruments.
MIDI IN
External MIDI Sound Device