What is MIDI?
MIDI is a technical standard that describes a communications protocol and digital interface for connecting musical instruments, computers, and audio devices. Unlike audio formats, MIDI files don't contain actual sound but rather instructions including notes, velocity, timing, and control information.
MIDI files are extremely small compared to audio files because they only store performance data, making them ideal for music sequencing, composition, and education.
History
- 1981: Sequential Circuits and Roland discuss standardization
- 1983: MIDI 1.0 specification released
- 1991: General MIDI (GM) standard established
- 1999: MIDI over USB released
- 2020: MIDI 2.0 announced
Key Features
- Instruction-Based: Stores notes, not audio
- Tiny Files: Usually under 100 KB
- Fully Editable: Individual notes modifiable
- Multi-Track: Up to 16 channels
- 128 Instruments: Plus percussion
- Control Data: Velocity, pitch bend, modulation
Common Uses
- Music composition and production
- Karaoke systems and backing tracks
- Video game music
- Electronic instrument control
- Music education and notation
Advantages
- Incredibly small file sizes
- Fully editable notes and instruments
- Perfect for music sequencing
- Universal standard
- Supports tempo/key changes
Limitations
- Sound quality depends on playback device
- Not suitable for vocals or live instruments
- Inconsistent playback across systems
- Limited to GM instrument set
- Not an actual audio recording
Technical Information
MIDI files contain sequences of events and messages that control musical instruments and software synthesizers. The format uses binary data to represent notes, timing, and performance parameters.
| File extension | .mid, .midi |
| MIME type | audio/midi |
| Developed by | MIDI Manufacturers Association |
| First released | 1983 |
| Data type | Performance instructions |
| Channels | 16 per MIDI port |
| Instruments | 128 GM + 47 percussion |