Yamaha PortaSound PSS-780 Operating Manual page 33

MIDI
What is MIDI?
MIDI stands for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface".
It is an international standard interface system that allows
musical instruments such as your PortaSound PSS-780,
synthesizers, drum machines, sequence recorders, computers
and other equipment to "communicate".
The most basic MIDI functions are something like a highly
advanced remote control — they let you play other instru-
ments from the PortaSound, using its keyboard, the Hand
Percussion drum pads and the SONG MEMORY, or control
the PSS-780 FM and PCM sound sources from externa] MIDI
equipment.
MIDI IN, OUT, THRU Connections
On the rear panel of the PSS-780, you will find three MIDI
DIN connectors labeled IN, THRU and OUT (27).
IN is for the reception of MIDI data, which are re-transmitted
as they are from THRU. This allows you to control both the
PortaSound and any equipment hooked up to THRU, such
as a DX synthesizer or a TX tone generator, via MIDI signals
received at the IN terminal. These signals might be produced
"live" by you yourself playing another keyboard, or in re-
corded form by a sequencer for an automated performance.
MIDI OUT MIDI in}
2a)
re
COC
K..j] #taaes
peor + eOOO
PERCE EEF E
= aefhbem jar —
IHEP
PSS-780 ?
This setup uses the DX7S synthesizer to program the QX5FD se-
quence recorder and play the PortaSound plus the TX81Z FM tone
generator. The PSS-780 and TX81Z can also be controlled by QX5FD
sequences.
@ Whenever MIDI data is received, the VOICE indicator
dot (in Style Select mode) or STYLE indicator dot (in
VOICE select mode) will blink. This allows you to confirm
visually whether MIDI reception is working properly.
30
e@ If too much MIDI data is received at once, the message
VOICE/STYLE TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE
tL BEAT
bus Lewis PARAMETER & VALUE
will appear, indicating that the "buffer is full".
The MIDI OUT terminal is for transmission of MIDI data
from the PortaSound itself. Again, this may be real-time
("live") information from, say, the keyboard, pitch bend
wheel or a VOICE SELECT button for program selection,
or data recorded in the SONG MEMORY.
MIDI IN
SJerEEch acne 6
MIDI OUT
= Felt eFRERD = =
un
PSS-780
Inthe above simple hook-up, the PSS- 780is used to play the TX81Z
FM tone generator.
@ Use special MIDI cables for the above type of connections.
Some more examples for practicat MIDI hook-ups are
given at the end of this chapter.
16 Channe! Control
MIDI is capable of handling up to 16 totally independent
channels simultaneously on a single cable. This is made
possible by coding each individual MIDI message (data
group) with a channel number from | to 16. Most MIDI
equipment can be set to transmit or receive data on channels
which can be freely specified by the user.
Transmitting Receiving
Instrument Instrument 1
eget
Respieal
a Message A
Receiving Receiving
Instrument 3 instrument 2
Channel 3 Channel 2
Message B