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18. MIDI functions
Your FR-7x also transmits and receives MIDI data. In this chapter we'll look at what MIDI is and does and which MIDI
functions are available on the FR-7x.
IMPORTANT REMARK: To take advantage of the FR-7x's MIDI functions, you must connect it to the supplied FBC-7,
because the FR-7x itself has no MIDI sockets.
About MIDI
Even though your FR-7x is already a remarkably flexible
instrument, you may also want to use it with other
MIDI-compatible instruments, sequencers and comput-
ers to record your performances in the same way as key-
board players, drummers, guitarists, etc., have been
doing for a while.
Another important application for the FR-7x's MIDI
functions is controlling an arranger module that sup-
plies the accompaniment. "Arranger modules" use short
accompaniment patterns that can be selected in real-
time and whose key depends on the note information
they receive. You can select those patterns by assigning
the corresponding MIDI messages to the FBC-7's foot-
switches (see p. 87), so that you do not have to stand or
sit next to your arranger module.
Both module types (and all MIDI-compatible sound
sources) also allow you to use the FR-7x's Treble and
Bass keyboards for playing sounds the FR-7x does not
provide.
This is possible thanks to a common language for musi-
cal applications, which is called "Musical Instrument
Digital Interface" or "MIDI" for short.
MIDI OUT
External MIDI device
To take advantage of the FR-7x's MIDI functions, you
must connect the FBC-7 as follows:
Socket
Function
MIDI OUT
This socket transmits messages describing
actions (such as playing on a keyboard) to the
MIDI IN jack on the external device. The
receiving MIDI device executes the incoming
MIDI messages and plays notes, selects other
sounds, etc.
MIDI IN
This socket receives the MIDI messages trans-
mitted by an external MIDI device.
MIDI THRU
This socket retransmits the MIDI messages
received via the FBC-7's MIDI IN port. You
can connect it to the MIDI IN port of an
another MIDI device.
Note: The MIDI THRU port does not transmit the MIDI mes-
sages generated by the FR-7x. Those messages are only sent to
the FBC-7's MIDI OUT port.
MIDI can simultaneously transmit and receive messages
on 16 channels, so that up to 16 instruments (or parts of
a module or synthesizer) can be controlled. Nowadays,
most instruments –like your FR-7x– are multitimbral,
which means that they can play several musical parts
with different sounds. This requires the use of several
MIDI channels. The FR-7x, for instance, has several
accordion and orchestral sections that can be played
simultaneously. They can transmit and receive on differ-
ent channels.
r
V-Accordion
MIDI functions (Advanced)
MIDI IN
107
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