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Section 5
Synchronizing with MIDI devices
In this chapter, you will learn the basic features of the MIDI
interface and how to synchronize output with a MIDI
sequencer.
MIDI Fundamentals
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is
a worldwide standard that was developed in order to allow
music data and sound data to be exchanged among
electronic musical instruments and computers. Devices that
are MIDI-compatible can exchange music data according to
their capabilities, even if they are different types of device or
were made by different manufacturers.
MIDI Connectors
MIDI messages (the data handled by MIDI) is transferred
using the following three types of connector.
MIDI IN:
Receives MIDI messages from another MIDI device.
MIDI OUT:
Sends MIDI messages from the BR-864.
MIDI THRU:
Sends out the MIDI messages that arrive at the MIDI IN
connector.
* The BR-864 is equipped only with a MIDI OUT connector.
MIDI channels
MIDI allows you to independently control two or more
devices over a single MIDI cable.This is possible because
MIDI provides for multiple channels of control.
You can think of MIDI channels as being similar to television
channels. Although many broadcast channels are in the air at
any one time (many channels of MIDI data are moving
through a single cable), a television set receives only the
channel to which it is set (the MIDI device receives only the
channel to which it is set).
Similarly with MIDI, if the MIDI channel being used by the
transmitter is “1,” the MIDI channel of the receiver must also
be set to “1” or else the MIDI messages will not be received.
About MIDI Implementation Charts
MIDI allows a wide variety of electronic musical instruments
to communicate with each other. However, it is not
necessarily the case that every device is able to transmit and
receive every type of MIDI message. Only MIDI messages
that are supported by both devices can be conveyed.
The operating manual of every MIDI device includes a
“MIDI implementation chart.” This chart makes it easy to see
the types of MIDI message that can be transmitted and
received. When you wish to connect two MIDI devices, you
should compare their charts to see which types of MIDI
message can be conveyed between them.
* For more details about MIDI of the BR-864, please refer to
“MIDI Implementation” (p. 185).
Using the rhythm guide to play
an external MIDI sound module
Perform the procedure given below to use a MIDI sound
module and choose the sounds you desire for the rhythm
guide.
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect the BR-864 and your MIDI
sound module as shown in the diagram.
fig.05-401
2. Press [UTILITY].
3. Press CURSOR [ ] [ ] to move the cursor to
“SYNC,” and press [ENTER].
fig.05-402d
MIDI Sound Module
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN