I F8: Midi Functions; G A Brief Introduction To Midi; F8.1: Midi Transmit Channel Selection; F8.2: Midi Receive Channel Selection - Yamaha P-120 P-120S Owner's Manual

F8: MIDI Functions _________________________________

G A Brief Introduction to MIDI

MIDI IN MIDI OUT
Synthesizer
or
Tone Generator
MIDI Cable
possible to create "systems" of MIDI instruments and equipment that offer far greater versatility and control than is available
with isolated instruments. For example, most MIDI keyboards (including the P-120/P-120S, of course) transmit note and veloc-
ity (touch response) information via the MIDI OUT connector whenever a note is played on the keyboard. If the MIDI OUT
connector is connected to the MIDI IN connector of a second keyboard (synthesizer, etc.) or a tone generator (essentially a syn-
thesizer with no keyboard), the second keyboard or tone generator will respond precisely to notes played on the original trans-
mitting keyboard. The result is that you can effectively play two instruments at once, providing thick multi-instrument sounds.
This same type of musical information transfer is used for MIDI sequence recording. A sequence recorder can be used to
"record" MIDI data received from a P-120/P-120S, for example. When the recorded data is played back, the P-120/P-120S auto-
Data Being Recorded
MIDI IN MIDI OUT
Sequence
Recorder
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
Playback Data
After selecting "F8. Y ", press the [+/YESL] button to engage the MIDI function sub-mode, then
use the [TEMPO/FUNCTION# M, L] buttons to select the desired MIDI function, as listed below.
• The side-panel HOST SELECT switch must be set to "MIDI" in order to use the MIDI connectors. When you
NOTE
• Always use a high-quality MIDI cable to connect MIDI OUT to MIDI IN terminals. Never use MIDI cables

F8.1: MIDI Transmit Channel Selection .........................................................

F8.2: MIDI Receive Channel Selection ..........................................................

Sequence
Recorder
The MIDI system allows transmission and reception of MIDI data on 16 different channels. Mul-
tiple channels have been implemented to allow selective control of certain instruments or devices
connected in series. For example, a single MIDI sequence recorder could be used to "play" two dif-
ferent instruments or tone generators. One of the instruments or tone generators could be set to
receive only on channel 1, while the other is set to receive on channel 2. In this situation the first
instrument or tone generator will respond only to channel-1 information transmitted by the sequence
recorder, while the second instrument or tone generator will respond only to channel-2 information.
This allows the sequence recorder to "play" two completely different parts on the receiving instru-
ments or tone generators.
use the TO HOST connector, set the HOST SELECT switch to the appropriate position for the type of com-
puter you are using (see page 41). In this situation, all MIDI settings described below will have affect on the
MIDI signal in and out of the TO HOST connector.
longer than about 15 meters, since cables longer than this can pick up noise which can cause data errors.
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
Tone Generator
(Set to receive on MIDI
channel 2)
MIDI, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a
world-standard communication interface that allows MIDI-
compatible musical instruments and equipment to share
musical information and control one another. This makes it
matically "plays" the recorded performance in precise
detail.
The examples given above really only scratch the sur-
face. MIDI can do much, much more. The P-120/P-120S
MIDI functions allow it to be used in fairly sophisticated
MIDI systems.
MIDI
MIDI IN
THRU
(Set to receive on MIDI channel 1)
The Function Mode
37
P-120/P-120S