PRELIMINARY FILE FOR M.I.D.I. DICTIONARY c.A.C.

CONTI 1986,1987

AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)-A flow of electricity which reaches a

maximum value in one polarity,decreases to zero,reverses, then

reaches a maximum value in the opposite polarity.(compare DC)

ACIA- Asyncronous Communications Interface Adapter.A device which

enables the parallel output of a computer to be converted to

serial output.(see UART)

ACTIVE SENSING-A method by which an instrument or other piece of

equipment detects disconnection.A message is sent to the

receiver every 300 ms.If no message is received in a 300 ms

period,the unit assumes the MIDI connection has been broken, and

a routine to reestablish normal operation must be implemented.

ADSR-Attack Decay Sustain Release.-four parameters for

synthesizing sounds.The basic sound envelope consists of four

elements or parameters which determine the final sound as it

changes over time.(see specific entries)

AFTER TOUCH-(KEY PRESSURE)(CHANNEL PRESSURE)the maintainance of

keyboard pressure after the keys have been struck.In MIDI, this

is a teo or three byte channel voice message.(see SUSTAIN)

AFTER TOUCH COMMANDS -A channel voice message, of either two or

three bytes.A two byte command of the form (1) 1101nnnn (&HD w/

channel number ) (2) 0vvvvvvv (pressure value) will control the

pressure for a specific channel.A three byte command of the form

(1) 1010nnnn (&HA w/channel number) (2) 0kkkkkkk (key number) (3)

0vvvvvvv (pressure value) will control pressure for each key.

ALGORITHM- A method of solving a problem.A procedure that will,

if followed,provide a solution to a problem.

ALL NOTES OFF- A three byte MIDI channel mode message which can

turn off all notes which have been previously turned on via

MIDI,of the form (1) 1011nnnn (&HB w/ channel number) (2) 0111

1001 (&H7B) (3) 00000000 (&H0-zero velocity data)

ALIASING (FOLD-OVER)-The result of sampling frequencies greater

than one-half the sampling rate. In the digitization of such a

signal, a false or ALIAS signal is created from the sampled

data,then, when outputted, a false signal within the system's

bandwith is heard.

AMPERSAND-"&"-the `and' symbol, used to designate a hexadecimal

number when used before the number. Example &h10 is equivelent to

decimal 16.

AMPLIFIER (AMPLIFICATION)-a device which causes the ratio of

output to input magnitude of a signal to increase.The output

signal is a reproduction of the input signal except for an

increase in voltage current or power.

AMPLITUDE-The magnitude of any changing quantity when compared to

its `at rest' or `zero' value.

ANALOG- information about the world which is a direct and

proportionate analogy of actual physical occurences.(compare

DIGITAL)

ANALOG SYNTHESIS- utilization of waveforms to create various

sounds varying through time.The shape of the wave,the harmonics

of the wave and the ADSR (which see) times will effect the

resultant sound.A direct electrical model of an accoustic sound

generator is created by an analog synthesizer.The analog

oscillator will model a vibrating string or a column of air..A

analog filter will model resonances like a sound board in a

piano, or the shape of a violin.(Compare DIGITAL SYTHESIS)

ARPEGGIATE-to play the notes of a chord is succession rather than

simultaniously

ASCII- The American Standard Code for Information Interchange.A

seven bit code also known as the the USA Standard Code for

information Interchange (USACII).Because eight bit codes are more

common on computers, ASCII is normally imbeded in an eight

bit(one byte) code.This code provides 128 possible combinations

whereby control characters and graphic characters can be encoded

in digital representation.

ATTACK-one of the four basic sound parameters,it is the measure

of time from the initial initiation of the sound to its highest

or maximum level.

AUTO-CORRECTION-(SEE QUANTIZATION)

BAUD -The rate per second at which bits of computer information

are transmitted or received. For MIDI, this rate is 31.25 Kbaud

(31250 bits per second.) Note, although for MIDI, one bit is sent

per baud, higher and lower bit rates can exist.

BENDER- A lever or wheel on musical instruments which will change

the pitch of all notes being played.Bender information is a three

byte channel voice message of the form; (1) (STATUS byte)

1110nnnn ( &HE and the channel number) (2) (DATA byte) 0vvvvvvv
(low end of range), (3) (DATA byte) 0vvvvvvv (high end of range).

BINARY NUMBERS-A base 2 numbering system in which each digit,

instead of being 0 to 9 as in the decimal system, is either a 0

or a 1,(on or off).see HEXADECIMAL.

BITS(BYTES)- Computer mode of information expression composed of

`ones' and `zeros'.One bit equqls a `one' or a `zero'. Usually 8

bits=1 byte, however, MIDI uses a 10 bit-byte, sending a start

bit,("0"="L"), the 8 bit data, and a stop bit,("1"= "H").

BUFFER- an area or device for the temperary storage of data.

CHANNELS-(CHANNEL COMMANDS) (channel messages) there are 16

discrete channels assigned to MIDI commands. Channel messages

include both VOICE messages and MODE messages. Channel Voice

Messages carry data which control the tones(pitch) and channel

number, and can include such data as NOTE ON,NOTE OFF, AFTER

TOUCH, BENDER,CONTROL CHANGES, AND PROGRAM(PATCH)CHANGES. For

example , a channel voice message is composed of three bytes. The

first byte is called the `STATUS' byte(which see), the second

byte (DATA byte) indicates what `key' is to be sounded(pitch),the

third byte (DATA byte) indicates the velocity (which see).

Channel Mode messages include OMNI ON/OFF, MONO, POLY, ALL NOTE

OFF,LOCAL ON/OFF(SEE MODE)

CHORUSing- an effect whereby an sound can be made to sound like

an entire ensemble.The initial signal is split a various number

of times, delayed slightly and then the delay time and level are

modulated by the Low frequency oscillator.(LFO)

CONTROLLERS- equipment such as levers, handles, or buttons that

allow variation of data through the range of the

controller.Examples are joysticks, benders, potentiometers,etc.

CUT-AND-PASTE- a function of sequencer software where one section

of a piece of music can be ammended or replaced with another

piece of music.(see SEQUENCER).

DATA- any kind of information.Itis the content of a MIDI

message, defined by the MIDI status byte.(see STATUS BYTE)

DECEBELS-Db'S-(FROM BEL-named for Alexander Graham Bell) a Db is 1/10th of

a bel. It is the measure of relative sound strength when

comparing two signals. This ratio is logarithmic; i.e. 20db= a

factor of 10 in voltage change.

DC-(DIRECT CURRENT)-A current of electricity which always flows

in one direction. A battery delivers this type of current.

(compare AC).

DECAY- One of the four basic parameters of sound synthesis. Itis

the component parameter measured from the point of greatest level

to the point of sustain.

DEFAULT- A preprogramed or preestablished condition to which a

command will be initialized, usually called `power up'

settings. Also,in the absence of the ability to accept certain

kinds of data (see velocity), the machine will `default' to a

certain value.

DELAY-The time difference between the arrival of the direct sound

and the first reflection to reach the listeners' ears. Usually

measured in milliseconds, with 1000 milliseconds equal to one

second. Human perception of delay occurs around 30 milliseconds.

DIGITAL -symbolic representation of physical information by using

fixed voltage levels to represent information in numeric code.The

binary representation of digital information is in ones and

zeros. (compare ANALOG)

DIGITAL SYNTHESIS(DWS)- the representation and generation of

waveforms by the use of streams of numbers. Each digital number

represents a particular point in time of the represented

waveform.The numbers represent samples of the waveforms.The

digital signal is discrete in time and in amplitude.+

DIN PLUG-a five pin female plug.In MIDI, only three of the five

are used.Pins 1 and 3 are not used.

DISTORTION-Any change in the waveform of a signal resulting in

abnormal sound qualities

DRUM MACHINE-an electronic device which allows the creation of

percussive sounds and patterns.

DYNAMICS-the relative loudness or softness of a piece of music.

ECHO-The repetition of a sound delayed in time.

ENCODING- conversion of analog information into digital

information, ones and zeros, which represent quantized values.

ENVELOPE- the total variation of a sound over time. Envelope

descriptions usually follow the ADSR( attack,decay,sustain,re-

lease)format.An envelope represents the changes of pitch, volume

and timbre, over time.(see specific entries)

EQUALIZATION-(E.Q.) The boosting or cutting of various frequen-

cies by amplitude adjustment.

EVENT-a musical data message consisting of one or more

bytes. Execution of a routine that performs an output action:

(SEE MESSAGES or system messages)

EXCLUSIVES -SEE SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES.

FILTER- a circuit which permits certain frequencies to `pass'

easily while inhibiting or preventing other frequencies from

passing.For example,a low pass filter (LPF) only allows low

frequencies to continue through the circuit.

FREQUENCY- the rate per second at which an oscillating material

completes one cycle.Usually measured in HERTZ.(Hz) For example, a

sound at 440 Hz, completes one cycle of air oscillation 440 times

per second.

FSK-FREQUENCY SHIFT KEYING.In order to send or store digital data

in an audio format, the audio tone will shift between two

frequencies,differentiating ones and zeros.Can be used for

start and stop syncronization (SEE TIMING OR MIDICLOCK).

HERTZ- a unit of electromagnetic wave frequency equal to one

cylce per second. Named after Heinrich R. Hertz.

HEXADECIMAL(HEX)- A counting system using 16 as its base.The

decimal system uses 10 and the binary system uses 2 as their

bases. It is a convenient way to represent binary numbers to a

computer.In order to alert the reader that hex symbols are being

used, the letter H will follow the number,or the symbol `&'

(ampersand) and `h' will appear before the number.

 Binary Value Decimal Value Hex Value

0000 0 0

0001 1 1

0010 2 2

0011 3 3

0100 4 4

0101 5 5

0110 6 6

0111 7 7

1000 8 8

1001 9 9

1010 10 (&h) A (H)

1011 11 B

1100 12 C

1101 13 D

1110 14 E

1111 15 F

INTERFACE -a device or method where two or more machines,

instruments or processes are enabled to cooperate. Examples

includes UARTs, buffers, I/O devices,software and hardware.

JOYSTICK CONTROLLER-(SEE CONTROLLERS)

KEY-a note sounded, or specified. In a composition, the most

frequently used pitch, around which the other notes are

related. In a MIDI channel voice message, the key number data is

contained in the second byte of a note on command. When this key

data is received by the instrument, the corresponding note on the

keyboard sounds.

KEY SPLIT- a configuration of a keyboard where, from acentral

key, all the sounds downward are of one patch, all of the sounds
upward are of another.

LCD- Liquid Crystal Display. Frequently used on instruments to

display the data.

LOCAL ON/OFF-a three byte channel mode message of the form; (1)

(STATUS byte) 1011nnnn ( &HB then the channel number) (2) (DATA

byte) 0ccccccc (ccccccc=122 equals local control) (3) (DATA byte)

0vvvvvvv (if vvvvvvv=0 then local control off, if vvvvvvv=127

then local control on. If LOCAL ON is sent, the receiver is able

to produce sounds from the MIDI data and the keyboard.If LOCAL

OFF is sent, only MIDI data is accepted, the keyboard is disabled.

LOOPS-SEQUENCER LOOPS- the repetition of a particular pattern. In

sequencers, the beginning and ending of a phrase can usually be

specified. In sampling, the point in a sound envelope when the

sample returns to the beginning (ATTACK) of the sound, or to the

SUSTAIN portion of the envelope.

MEMORY-the amount of available space for digital information or

events. Memory is usually expressed in Kbytes. That is 64k means

64000 bytes of memory are available. In general, there are two

kinds of computer memory, ROM (read only memory), and RAM (random

access memory). ROM memory can only be read by the computer and

the data is usually not able to be altered by the user. RAM

memory, is the memory that is user-accessable and the data can be

altered through programs.

MERGING-the combining of one set of data with another.(see midi

merge)

MESSAGES- one or more bytes of data.Another term for an event.Any

MIDI information sent over the MIDI bus.Catagories include Chan

nel messages,voice messages,mode messages,system exclusive,system

common, and system real time messages.(see specific entries)

METRONOME-a device or method providing a discrete pulse.Used for

a rhythmic continuity. Click tracks,pulse codes, timing clocks

can all provide metronomic pulses.

M.I.D.I. - An acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

An international standard which facilitates communication and

intercommunication ofperformance data by means of digital

signals. Enables communication between equipment from different

manufacturers.

MIDI CLOCK-a system real time message (which see) over the MIDI

bus to enable the synchronization of other equipment such as

sequencers, drum machines, or other keyboards. The usual rate is

24 divisions per beat, but can be configured on some equipment

into 48 or 96 divisions per beat (see quantization).

MIDI IN, OUT AND THRU.The female DIN connector through which the

MIDI IN receives the MIDI signal. MIDI OUT transmits the MIDI

signal through a female DIN connector. The MIDI THRU provides an

exact (transparent) electrical copy of the signal coming into

a device via the MIDI IN, however approx. a 10 millisecond delay

is introduced.

MIDI MERGE- the combining of MIDI data from one or more sources

into one source, usually with the ability to later seperate the

data later into its constituant parts.

MIDI PATCHER-A device to allow various configurations and

reconfiguration of MIDI equipment,keyboards, drum

machines,etc.(see networking)
MILlISECOND- (ms) One thousanth of a second,(see DELAY)

MODE-a three byte MIDI message which determines the information

that a receiver will receive regarding channel data and voice

(note) data, of the form; (1) (STATUS byte) 1011nnnn (&HB then

the channel number), (2) (DATA byte) 0ccccccc (ccccccc=Type of

control), (3) (DATA byte) 0vvvvvvv (vvvvvvv=number of channels).

There are four possible modes in MIDI:

MODE 1-OMNI ON POLY ON

In this mode,voice messages are sent on the basic

channel,and received from all channels,then assigned to voices

polyphonically

MODE 2-OMNI ON,MONO ON(POLY OFF)

In this mode, voice messages are received from all channels,

and are assigned to control only one voice,monophonically.

MODE 3-OMNI OFF, POLY ON

In this mode, voices only in the basic channel number(n) are

received, and are assigned to voices polyphonically Voices

without the basic channel number are ignored.

MODE 4-OMNI OFF,MONO ON(POLY OFF)

In this mode, voices are received on the basic channel and

channels upward to the limit of the particular instrument. That

is, if an instrument contains eight channel receive capability,

the incoming voices are received on the basic channel(n) through

n+7 inclusively, then assigned to voices one through eight,

respectively.The number of voices is specified in the third byte

of the mono mode message.

Mode messages also include ALL NOTE OFF, and LOCAL

ON/OFF(WHICH SEE)

MODULATION -a periodic change in sound.Can be the a trill or

vibrato, a swell, or attack. Can also be the motion of a piece of

music from one key to another.

MONOPHONIC- a single sound source or note.A devive which can

generate only one sound at a time.The UNISON setting outputs a

monophonic sound.(COMPARE POLYPHONIC)

NETWORKING-Linking various MIDI devices together in order to

share or exchange information, or performance data.

SOME LINKING SCHEMES

(1) UNIDIRECTIONAL- Masterto Slave,

MIDI OUT OF A IS CONNECTED MIDI IN OF B

(2) BIDIRECTIONAL- Two masters interchange functions MIDI

OUT OF A IS CONNECTED TO MIDI IN OF B, MIDI OUT OF B IS CONNECTED

TO MIDI IN OF A.

(3) DAISY CHAIN-One master drives several slaves using MIDI

Thru,however delays (howmuch?)will occur in performance.MIDI OUT

OF A CONNECTED TO MIDI IN OF B,MIDI THRU OF B CONNECTED TO MIDI

IN OF C, MIDI THRU OF C CONNECTED TO MIDI IN OF D,ETC

(4) RING-EXTENSION OF BIDIRECTIONALITY CONNECTING THREE OR

MORE DEVICES.MIDI OUT OF A TO MIDI IN OF B,MIDI OUT OF B TO MIDI

IN OF C.MIDI OUT OF X CONNECTED TO MIDI IN OF A

(5)STAR- MASTER UNIT HAS SEVERAL UNIDIRECTIONAL AND/OR

BIDIRECTIONAL LINKS

NOTE COMMANDS- a channel voice message usually referring to a

particular note to be sounded. A three byte message of the form;

(1) (STATUS byte) 1001 nnnn (&H9 then the channel number), (2)

(DATA byte) 0kkkkkkk. This is the key number of the note to be

sounded (0011 1100=60 which is middle C), (3) (DATA byte)

0vvvvvvvv. The velocity or loudness of the note.(0000 0001 is the

softest, 0111 1111 is the loudest.)

OHM(OHM'S LAW)- a measure of electrical resistance.Ohm's Law

states that V=IR, where V is the voltage across a resistor in

volts,I is the current produced in amperes,R is the resistance

measured in Ohms.

OPTO-ISOLATOR-a device in a MIDI circuit which converts the input

signal into a data stream that a MIDI device can utilize. This is

an electrically isolated switch; the input side,(an LED-Light

Emmitting Diode) will turn on a transistor (the switch) with

light. This keeps the devices electrically seperated in order to

minimize noise and grounding interference.Examples include, a

Sharp PC-900 or HP 6N138. Sould require less than 5mA to turn

on, and a rise and fall time less than 2 microseconds.

OSCILLATOR-a circuit,device or program that generates an alterna-

ting or pulsating current,waveform,or numerical values.

PAN- the moving of a singal from the left area of perception to

the right, or vice-versa.

PARAMETERS- elements of sound synthesis which determines the

conture, limits or distinguishing characteristics of a sound,

sound source, software, or any piece of equipment.

PATCHES-programs, timbres, or voices. Thse are the sounds that

can be generated by a particular piece of equipment or software,

and are usually locatable and referenced under one number which

can be recalled and outputted.

PITCH-a continuous frequency over time.

PITCH BEND- The variation, by means of a bender or controller,

off the initial pitch, either up or down.(see BENDER)

POLYPHONIC-multiple sounds.A keyboard is said to be polyphonic if

simultanious sounds can be generated.(COMPARE MONOPHONIC)

PORTS(SERIAL, PARALLEL)- The recieving and transmitting areas of

a computer.

POTENTIOMETER-a variable resistor used to change or divide

voltage.( called a pot)

PRESETS-settings provided by the manufacturers which incorporate

features the manufacturer feels are useful to the user. These can

include patches, programs, loop lengsths, default values, etc.

PROGRAMS (SEE PATCHES)-a program relative to a computer is a set

of commands which control the operation of the computer. A

program in MIDI refers to a two byte message sent when a

patch (timbre) change is desired. A program change command is a

channel voice message of the form; (1) (STATUS byte) 1100nnnn

(&HC then the channel number. (2) (DATA byte) 0ppppppp (ppppppp=

the program number).

QUANTIZATION-(auto-correction) Whenever a measurement is rounded

or truncated to the nearest whole or quantum value.In most

sequencers, this allows adjustment of recorded material to be

performed precisely on a selected division of the beat,(usually

up to 96 divisions per quarter note).

REAL TIME- Actual time as it occurs, includes recording MIDI

information in a manner similar to analog tape recording. For

example, by performing a piece of music on a MIDI keyboard, a

sequencer will store the data for later playback, exactly as it

was performed, within the specified quantization limits.(compare

STEP TIME)
REAL TIME MESSAGES- System real time messages are for

syncronizing all of a MIDI system in real time.(see SYSTEM REAL

TIME COMMANDS)

RELEASE- One of the four basic parameters of sound synthesis. It

is a measure of the length of time for the envelope of a sound to

go from the sustain level to zero.

RESONANCE- (resonance frequency) An increase in sound

intensity caused by the amplification of a DC voltage ,or

the addition of original and reflected sound waves. Resonance

frequency is the frequency at which something will

sympathetically vibrate with the original signal.

REVERBERATION -the result of myriad reflected sound waves in an

accoustical environment.(COMPARE DELAY/ECHO)

SAMPLING- digitizing a waveform by measuring the waveform's

level at precisely timed intervals, then converting these

measurements into one's and zeros. Usually accomplished by an A

to D (analog to digital) coverter. What levels and at what time

intervals the wave is sampled determine the sampling scheme and

the SAMPLING RATE.

SAMPLING RATE- The rate at which samples are taken of a

waveform. Sampling theory suggests the Nyquist rate be the

minimum rate of sampling. This is equal to twice the highest

frequency to be represented. The Nyquist frequency is the highest

frequency that can be represented by a digital signal. It is

equal to one-half the sampling rate.

SEQUENCER-a software or hardware device which is analogous to a

tape recorder, in that sounds are stored and can later be

replayed. Major differences are that a sequencer usually allows

QUANTIZATION of performance, the ability to MERGE various data

tracks, a CUT-AND-PASTE option, an ability to accelerate or

decellerate a piece of music without changing the PITCH, an

ability to TRANSPOSE a piece of music without changing its speed,

the ability to enter data either through REAL TIME performance or

STEP TIME performance,and many other options which will vary with

manufacturers.

SMPTE CODE-(Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

(TIME CODES ( MIDI CLOCK) AND SYNC CLOCKS

SONG POSITION POINTER- A SYSTEM COMMON MESSAGE which is an

internal register which holds the number of MIDI beats (1 MIDI

beat= 6 MIDI clocks) since the start of a song. Normally, this

register is set to 0 when a start switch is pressed, which starts

sequence playback. It continues to increment until stop is

pressed. It can be arbitrarily preset, to a higher resolution, by

the SONG POSITION POINTER message.The message is off the form;

(1) (STATUS byte) 11110010 (&HF2) (2) DATA 0lllllll (lllllll=LS)

(3) 0hhhhhhh (hhhhhhh= MS)

SONG SELECT- A SYSTEM COMMON MESSAGE which specifies which song

or sequence is to be played upon receipt of a start (REAL TIME)

message. A two byte message of the form (1) (STATUS) 11110011

(&hF3) (2) (DATA) )sssssss (sssssss=song number)

SPLITS-an option whereby upper and lower ranges of the keyboard

can be asigned different timbres.

STATUS BYTE- Defines what MIDI data the message carries.For

instance, in a NOTE ON command, the first four bits of the status

byte will indicate that a pitch is to be sounded, the second four

bits will determine the channel number.

STEP TIME:the recording of notes by individually specifying their

pitch and duration. In SEQUENCER software, this means be able to

take an individual note specification, match it with a durational

specification and store it in the program to be performed in real

time. (compare real time)

SUSTAIN-one of the four basic parameters of sound synthesis.It is

the measure of time from the end of the decay period to the

beginning of the release period.

SYNC CLOCKS- Algorithms which allow the syncronization of

devices. MIDI clocks enable one MIDI device to be syncronized

with anoth, FSK syncronization allows external analog tape

recorders to syncronize MIDI devices. SMPTE clocks allow the

syncronization of MIDI, tape and video or movie film to be

syncronized.(VARIOUS SPEEDS & TYPES OF SYNC CODES ???)

SYSTEM COMMON MESSAGES- MIDI messages used to activate or record

song data, or used to tune a MIDI instrument. Current examples

are: SONG POSITION POINTER, SONG SELECT,TUNE REQUEST, EOX.

SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES(SYSTEM COMMANDS)-UNIQUE messages of a

particular manufacturer.Can be used for specific purposes such a

sending sequencer data, bult patch information, parameter

information,etc.Each MIDI equipment manufacturer has a unique ID.

This ID number can be obtained from the MIDI committe.Format is

(1) status byte (F0H),(2) manufacturers Identification

Number(ID),(3)Command(usually three bytes but can vary per

manufacturer),(4) End of system exclusive(F7H)

Some manufacturer ID's are: HEX

 Sequential Circuits 01

Big Briar 02

Octave Plateau 03

Passport Designs 05

Kurtzweil 07

Oberheim 10

Roland 41

Korg 42

Yamaha 43

Casio 44

SYSTEM REAL TIME MESSAGES-commands which communicate timing

information which is used to synchronize one MIDI device with

another.

TIMBRE- that element of sound which distinguishes one sound

source from another.A difference in waveform will cause a differ-

ence in timbre

TIME CODE In video, a method of identifing each frame by an eight

digit format:hours;minutes;seconds;frame. for ex. 00;05;14;26

means the 26th frame located 5 minutes and 14 seconds into the

piece.

TRANSPOSE-raising or lower a sequence of notes by a fixed

value.For instance to change a melody in C to D, 2 can be added

to each note number and the melody is transposed.

TREMELO-a rapid alternation of two tones. Usually a third apart.

On a synthesizer, this effect can usually be controlled by the

modulation wheel or modulation amount.

TUNE REQUEST- A SYSTEM COMMON MESSAGE used with analog

synthesizers to request that they tune their oscillators. It is a

one byte STATUS request of the form, (1) (STATUS) 11110110 (&HF6)

with no data.

U.A.R.T.(Universal Asynchronous receiver/transmitter).Used by

MIDI interface to convert parallel data formats to serial data

formats and vice versa.(see also ACIA).This device is used to

carry out parallel to serial and serial to parallel conversions.

Usually a single chip that also controls transmission rate(baud

rate), generates start and stop bits, and provide other control

functions involved in interfacing.

VELOCITY-determines the characteristics of decay(NOTE OFF) or

attack,(NOTE ON).Describes a level of loudness (`hardness') of

key striking. Some machines do not recognize velocity information

and therefore default(which see) to a value of 64

VOICES-(SEE PATCHES)

VOLTAGE- A UNIT OF ELECTRICAL PRESSURE MEASURED BETWEEN ANY TWO

POINTS IN A CIRCUIT.One volt is the amount of pressure needed to

force one ampere of current through a resistance of one ohm

WAVEFORM- The shape of a vibrating body of air when viewed on an

oscilliscope.There are three basic waveforms,sine-wave,saw-tooth,

and squarewave, used in sound synthesis, although Fourier

analysis enables virtual any waveform to be generated from the

addition of simple sinewaves with various frequencies and

amplitudes#