MIDI Functions
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MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which
allows electronic musical instruments to communicate with each other, by send-
ing and receiving compatible Note, Control Change, Program Change and various
other types of MIDI data, or messages.
The DGX-500/300 can control a MIDI device by transmitting note related data
and various types of controller data. The DGX-500/300 can be controlled by the
incoming MIDI messages which automatically determine tone generator mode,
select MIDI channels, voices and effects, change parameter values and of course
play the voices specified for the various parts.
MIDI messages can be divided into two groups: Channel messages and System
messages. Below is an explanation of the various types of MIDI messages which
the DGX-500/300 can receive/transmit.
●
Channel Messages
The DGX-500/300 is an electronic instrument that can handle 16 channels. This is
usually expressed as “it can play 16 instruments at the same time.” Channel mes-
sages transmit information such as Note ON/OFF, Program Change, for each of
the 16 channels.
●
System Messages
This is data that is used in common by the entire MIDI system. System messages
include messages like Exclusive Messages that transmit data unique to each
instrument manufacturer and Realtime Messages that control the MIDI device.
The messages transmitted/received by the DGX-500/300 are shown in the MIDI
Implementation Chart on page 102.
Message Name
DGX-500/300 Operation/Panel Setting
Note ON/OFF
Messages which are generated when the keyboard is played. Each
message includes a specific note number which corresponds to the
key which is pressed, plus a velocity value based on how hard the
key is stuck.
Program Change
Voice number (along with corresponding bank select MSB/LSB set-
tings, if necessary).
Control Change
Messages that are used to change some aspect of the sound (mod-
ulation, volume, pan, etc.).
Message Name
DGX-500/300 Operation/Panel Setting
Exclusive Message
Reverb/chorus/DSP settings, etc.
Realtime Messages
Start/stop operation
MIDI Terminals
In order to exchange MIDI data between multiple
devices, each device must be connected by a cable.
The MIDI terminals of the DGX-500/300 are located on
the rear panel.
MIDI IN
Receives MIDI data from another MIDI device.
MIDI OUT
Transmits the DGX-500/300’s keyboard information as MIDI
data to another MIDI device.
• Special MIDI cables (sold sepa-
rately) must be used for connect-
ing to MIDI devices. They can be
bought at music stores, etc.
• Never use MIDI cables longer
than about 15 meters. Cables
longer than this can pick up noise
which can cause data errors.