NOTE: You may find that you are not familiar with some of the terminology and abbreviations I use on all the pages of this website. I have now incorporated within the text further pop out details, simply by hovering your mouse cursor over any word with a row of dots underneath
For example: . . . . Hover over the word MIDI
MIDI, is a language that allows electronic instruments such as our LOWREY Organs, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other.
One point of interest is the EXP. switch shown above. This switch is only included on early Lowrey Organs such as the Majesty, From SU and upwards this is missing as this function is now selected directly from the Touch Screen.
MIDI is a vital part of music production nowadays, and very much underused or misunderstood by LOWREY owners and Organists, MIDI enables absolute and precise control, Multi sequencing, and synchronization of our other MIDI enabled real instruments with our organs as well as an ever increasing abundance of Virtual instruments can be used with a MIDI equipped Lowrey Organ,
Music Making could never be better.
In its place is a Video Out, this will show the contents of the touch screens output on a Television or video projector via this single phono connection (no sound) You can also connect it to a computers USB input via a Video capture device – More info available elsewhere on this website.
While LOWREY has always included the ability of using MIDI with the inclusion of Hardware Inputs and Outputs on higher end LOWREY Models (see above) Lowrey has never moved away from what is termed the traditional MIDI ports of IN OUT and THRU, whilst all new MIDI capable equipment adopt the MIDI to USB cable, this along with being a simple one cable connection, is also bi-directional.
Unfortunately, LOWREY has never got seriously involved 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 and demonstrated later on loweryorgan.uk