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ODROID C2 USER MANUAL
dard instrument interface, and does not show any signs of falling into
obscurity as have many early computing standards.
What is MIDI?
MIDI encompasses not only the MIDI connector hardware spec-
ification, but also includes the communication protocol used for instru-
ments and synthesizers, and a MIDI file format specification for MIDI
recording and playback. The standard MPU-401 physical MIDI inter-
face is a 5-pin DIN connector. Internal sound cards no longer include
this connector, but it can be found on some high-end external USB
sound modules. However USB-to-MIDI adapters are inexpensive
and widely available. The MIDI Manufacturers Associated website at
http://bit.ly/1Gn2cYw
is a good source for additional information.
Linux Support for Music and MIDI
MIDI adapters, USB Sound Devices, and Music Applications
have wide support on Linux. For example, the Ubuntu Studio project
is an excellent open-source Linux build that has extensive device sup-
port with pre-configured applications. The official Ubuntu Studio site
page has an http://bit.ly/1FFKyvh which will give you an idea of the
range of Music and MIDI applications possible on Linux.
Ubuntu Studio includes some of the most popular audio apps
available - including tools for DAW (Digital Audio Workstations) for
multi-track mixing, sequencers for MIDI music, drum machines, soft-
ware synthesizers, and even music creation via programming. Ubun-
tu Studio is available from the Ubuntu Software Center and Synaptic
Package Manager.
How do I add a MIDI interface to the C2 ?
Three basic options for MIDI are available for the C2:
USB sound module:
If you wish to use a USB sound module, look
for a device that has solid Linux and/or Android device driver support
which includes the MPU-401 interface.
USB-to-MIDI-Adapter:
A number of basic devices are available which
have been proven to work on both Android and Linux. Compatible de-
vices will be advertised as a “no device driver required” model.
Direct UART to MIDI interface:
Since MIDI is a asynchronous serial
interface, standard serial ports can often be easily converted to a MIDI
interface.
Chapter 3