MIDI Functions
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EZ-250i Owner’s Manual
Your keyboard performance and all panel operations of this instrument are processed as MIDI
data. The auto accompaniment patterns (styles) are also made up of MIDI data.
MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and it allows different
musical instruments and devices to instantly communicate with each other, via digital data. The
MIDI standard is used all over the world and was designed to transmit performance data between
electronic musical instruments. (and computers).
MIDI messages can be divided into two groups: Channel messages and System messages.
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Channel Messages
This instrument is capable of handling 16 MIDI channels simultaneously—mean-
ing it can play up to sixteen different instruments at the same time. Channel mes-
sages transmit information such as Note ON/OFF, Program Change, for each of
the 16 channels.
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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 EZ-250i are shown in the MIDI Imple-
mentation Chart on page 78.
Message Name
EZ-250i 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 (vol-
ume, etc.).
Message Name
EZ-250i Operation/Panel Setting
Exclusive Message
Reverb setting, etc.
Realtime Messages
Clock, Start/stop operations
GM System Level 1
“GM System Level 1” is an addition to the MIDI standard which ensures that any GM-compatible
music data can be accurately played by any GM-compatible tone generator, regardless of manufac-
turer. The GM mark is affixed to all software and hardware products that support GM System Level
1. The EZ-250i supports GM System Level 1.
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