MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a language that allows electronic instruments such as our LOWREY Organs, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other.
MIDI is a vital part of music production nowadays, and very much underused or misunderstood by LOWREY organists, MIDI enables absolute and precise control, Multi sequencing, and synchronization of our other MIDI enabled real instruments with our organs and combined with the many software packages available Music Making could never be better than today.
While LOWREY has always included the ability of using MIDI with the inclusion of Hardware Inputs and Outputs on all the LOWREY Models (see above). Unfortunately, LOWREY has never indulged very much in helping us with using MIDI, and basically has left the individual to find out for themselves. LOWREY even state in their manuals – “You never need to use these connections to fully enjoy using the LOWREY organ”
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How it works
MIDI sends instructions and information about how notes and patterns are performed, rather than the sound itself. MIDI data includes instructions for pitch, velocity, and timing of notes, as well as general transport controls like play, record, and stop. This is the magical part of MIDI that LOWREY has left the user to explore on their own. . . . . . I wonder Why ?
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How it’s used
MIDI can be used to play one synth or organ from another, record and arrange the data that passes between them, and control virtual instruments or a DAW with physical hardware.
( DAW is explained in much more detail HERE) -
How it was developed
Dave Smith MIDI was developed in the early 1980s by Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits, and Ikutaru Kakehashi, founder of Roland. The first MIDI-compatible instruments were released in 1983.
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Benefits
MIDI offers a level of precision and flexibility that traditional recording methods cannot match. It allows musicians and producers to create intricate melodies, layer multiple tracks, and fine-tune every aspect of a composition.
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DisadvantagesOne of the main disadvantages of MIDI is that it depends on the quality and compatibility of the sound source and the playback device. This will all be fully explained later.