What is MIDI? How it powers modern music
MIDI carries no audio. It sends instructions that tell your instruments what to play, at what velocity, and when.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a communication protocol created in 1983 that lets electronic instruments and computers talk to each other.
A MIDI signal does not contain sound. It contains data: which note was pressed, how hard it was pressed, and when it was released.
The three key MIDI messages
Most production work involves three types of MIDI data: Note On/Off, Velocity, and Control Change (CC).
- Note On/Off: which pitch plays and when it stops
- Velocity: how hard the key was pressed (0-127)
- Control Change: knob or fader movements like modulation, volume, or filter cutoff
MIDI vs. audio
Audio is a recording of sound. MIDI is a set of instructions. You can edit MIDI after recording: change the pitch, timing, or velocity of any note without re-recording.
This is why producers record a piano part as MIDI, not audio. They can fix wrong notes, transpose the whole part, or swap the piano sound for strings instantly.
What you can control with MIDI
Beyond notes, MIDI controls almost every parameter in your DAW and plugins.
- Pitch and timing of individual notes
- Plugin parameters: filter cutoff, reverb mix, delay time
- DAW automation: volume faders, mute buttons
- Live performance: sustain pedal, pitch bend, modulation wheel
Frequently asked questions
Does MIDI carry audio?
No. MIDI carries performance data: which notes to play, how hard, and when. The actual sound is generated by the instrument or plugin receiving the MIDI signal.
Do I need a MIDI keyboard to produce music?
No. You can draw MIDI notes directly in your DAW piano roll using a mouse. A MIDI keyboard speeds up the workflow but is not required.
What is the difference between MIDI and audio tracks in a DAW?
A MIDI track stores performance data that triggers a software instrument. An audio track records and plays back an actual sound file. Both types are used in most productions.
Can MIDI control hardware equipment?
Yes. MIDI was originally designed for hardware synths and drum machines. A MIDI interface lets you send MIDI from your DAW to control hardware instruments and vice versa.
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