Roland FC-200 - Manual (Page 34)

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USING MIDI
The FC-200 is equipped with MIDI terminals. Using these terminals to receive data from an external MIDI device makes
it possible to switch Program Numbers and change effect settings remotely.
About MIDI
MIDI is the acronym for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” It is an industy-wide standard that
allows for data (such as that representing the music played, or for changes in sounds used) to be
exchanged among various instruments and computers. As long as they are MIDI compatible, all
devices, regardless of model or manufacturer, can exchange whatever performance data they are
both equipped to ‘understand.’
MIDI converts every ‘performance event’ into MIDI data. When received by another instrument,
this stream of MIDI data can be used to “play” it, as if that instrument itself were being played.
The Exchange of MIDI Data
About MIDI Connectors
In carrying out the exchange of MIDI data, the three connectors shown below are used. MIDI cables
can be routed from these connectors in varying ways depending on the kind of setup you have in
mind.
MIDI IN: Receives data from another MIDI device.
MIDI OUT: Transmits data originating in the unit.
MIDI THRU: Sends out an exact copy of the data received at MIDI IN.
* The FC-200 has MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports.
MIDI Channels
In MIDI communications, a single cable simultaneously carries different streams of performance
information for a multiple number of MIDI devices. This is possible thanks to the concept of MIDI
channels.
MIDI channels are in some ways similar to the channels on a television set. On a TV, a variety of
programs broadcast from different stations can be viewed by switching channels. This is because
the information on any particular channel is conveyed only when the receiver is set to the same
channel that is being used for transmission.
Station A
On a TV, you switch channels to watch the station (program) you want.
The cable coming from
the antenna carries the
TV signals for a variety
of broadcasts.
Station B
Station C
The channels available with MIDI range from 1 through 16. When a musical instrument (the
receiver) is set so its channel matches the MIDI channel used by the transmitting device, the MIDI
data is successfully ‘communicated.’