How does MIDI work?
MIDI data is digital, meaning that the information sent is in the form of multiple on/off signals. It is not in the form of an analog audio signal. MIDI data can only travel on direction through a single MIDI cable. Most MIDI devices are equipped with both MIDI input and MIDI output. This means that electronic instruments with MIDI capabilities are able to transmit and also sometimes play MIDI data. MIDI specifies 16 separate channels, allowing for the control of up to 16 different instruments at simultaneously. Communication between MIDI devices is done through the passing of messages, which composed of 3-byte (24 bit) strings. These messages are transmitted at a rate of 31.25 kbaud, or 31,250 bits of information per second. When the MIDI data is received by a computer, sequencer, controller, or other MIDI device, the data is decoded and interpreted. MIDI capable instruments respond to messages according their current mode.