What is midi – Roland UM-ONE mk2 - In-Line USB MIDI Interface User Manual

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What is MIDI?

MIDI is an internationally recognized standard for exchanging performance information between

electronic musical instruments and computers.
For example, in the illustration below, a MIDI signal meaning “the ‘C’ key on the MIDI keyboard was

pressed” passes through the UM-ONE and is received by the computer’s software sound module,

and then the software sound module plays the note “C.”

Software sound module

“C” is played

MIDI signal

“C” key is pressed

Information meaning “the ‘C’ key was pressed”

In this way, MIDI is used to send performance information to other instruments; for example “the

‘C’ key was pressed with a certain amount of force,” “the instrument was changed to a violin sound,”

“the volume was raised/lowered,” “the pitch was raised/lowered,” etc. In other words, MIDI is the

“language of musical instruments.”
MIDI signals are merely performance instructions, therefore a MIDI sound module, such as a software

sound module, is required to produce sound.
All software sound modules and DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software support MIDI.

DAW software is a term that refers to music production software, such as SONAR.

Note

Do not connect the UM-ONE to the computer until the driver has been installed (p. 9).

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and

“IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 3; p . 5). These sections provide important information concerning the

proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good

grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, this Owner’s Manual should be read in its

entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

Roland is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.