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there was no standard for linking several sound generators and so MIDI was a considerable
improvement. From then on it became possible to link all devices using easy and always identical
connection cables.
The basic steps are: A transmitter is always connected with one or several receivers. If, for example, a
computer is to play a synthesizer the computer is the transmitter and the synthesizer the receiver. For
this purpose all MIDI devices (with only a few exceptions) have two or three connections: MIDI IN,
MIDI OUT and possibly MIDI THRU. The transmitting device provides the information to the outside
world via its MIDI OUT connection. The data are passed on to the MIDI IN connection of the receiver
by means of a cable.
The MIDI THRU connection has a special meaning. It makes it possible for a transmitter to reach
several receivers. It works in such a way that it provides the incoming signal without any changes.
Another receiving device is then simply plugged into the MIDI THRU connector. This process creates
a chain in which one transmitter and several receivers are connected. It is, of course, a requested
feature that the transmitter can control each individual device separately. Therefore it has to be
ensured that the individual devices keep to certain rules among each other.
MIDI Channel
An important part of most messages. A receiving device only reacts to incoming messages if its set
receiving channel is identical with the transmitting channel of the message. This makes clear
information transfer to a receiver possible. The MIDI channel can be selected within the range from 1
to 16. Beyond this range a device can be switched to Omni. Then it will receive on all 16 channels.
MIDI Clock
The time interval of the MIDI Clock message defines the tempo of a musical piece. It is used for
synchronizing time-dependent processes.
Multi
In the Memotron Rack a combination of up to six tracks plus effect- and MIDI-settings.
Note on / note off
This is the most important MIDI message. It determines the tone pitch and the velocity of the tone
generated. The time of its arrival is at the same time the starting point of the tone. The pitch is the
result of the transmitted note numbers. It is within the range from 0 to 127. The velocity is within the
range from 1 to 127. The value 0 for the velocity means "NoteOff", i.e. the note is switched off.
Panning
Designates the panorama position of a sound.
Pitch Bend
Pitch Bend is a MIDI message. Although the functions of the Pitch Bend message are similar to those
of the control change messages, it represents a message type of its own. The reason why is above all
that the Pitch Bend message is transmitted with a considerably finer resolution than the "usual"
controller. This takes into account that the human ear is extremely sensitive to pitch changes.
Program Change
MIDI messages for selecting the sound program. It is possible to select between the program numbers
1 to 128.
RAM = "Random Access Memory"
Memory-area of the Memotron Rack, into which tracks and multis to be played will be loaded. When
powering down the Memotron Rack, all data stored in the RAM will be lost, therefore permanent
saving on Compact-Flash-Card is needed.
Sample data
A digitally recorded representation of a sound.
Sampling
The process of encoding an analogue signal into digital form by reading (sampling) its level at short
and precisely spaced intervals of time.
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Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual
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