* For the drum part, this message is not received by certain instruments.
7Note On
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
9nH kkH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
kk = note number: 00H–7FH (0–127)
vv = note on velocity: 01H–7FH (1–127)
7Control Change
* The value specied by a Control Change message will not be reset even by a
Program Change, etc.
6 Bank Select (Controller Number 0, 32)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 00H mmH
BnH 20H llH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
mm, ll = Bank number: 00H, 00H–7FH, 7FH (bank.1–bank.16384),
Initial Value = 00 00H (bank.1)
* If “GM1 System On” is received, Bank Select is not received.
* Bank Select is transmitted at power-on and when “GM2 System On” is received.
* Bank Select processing will be suspended until a Program Change message is
* The resulting eect is determined by System Exclusive messages. With the initial
settings, this is Pitch Modulation Depth.
6 Portamento Time (Controller Number 5)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 05H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Portamento Time: 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial value = 00H (0)
* This adjusts the rate of pitch change when Portamento is ON or when using the
Portamento Control. A value of 0 results in the fastest change.
6 Data Entry (Controller Number 6, 38)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 06H mmH
BnH 26H llH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
mm, ll = the value of the parameter specied by RPN
mm = MSB, ll = LSB
6 Volume (Controller Number 7)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 07H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Volume: 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial Value = 64H (100)
* Volume messages are used to adjust the volume balance of each Part.
6 Pan (Controller Number 10)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 0AH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = pan: 00H–40H–7FH (Left–Center–Right),
Initial Value = 40H (Center)
* For Rhythm Parts, this is a relative adjustment of each Instrument’s pan setting.
* Some Tones might not be capable of being panned all the way to the left or right,
or might not be able to respond to this message.
6 Expression (Controller Number 11)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 0BH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Expression: 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial Value = 7FH (127)
* This adjusts the volume of a Part. It can be used independently from Volume
messages. Expression messages are used for musical expression within a
performance; e.g., expression pedal movements, crescendo and decrescendo.
6 Hold 1 (Controller Number 64)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 40H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127)
6 Portamento (Controller Number 65)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 41H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value : 00H–7FH (0–127)
0–63 = OFF, 64–127 = ON
6 Sostenuto (Controller Number 66)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 42H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127)
0–63 = OFF, 64–127 = ON
6 Soft (Controller Number 67)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 43H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Resonance (Controller Number 71)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 47H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv= Resonance value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value = 40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Release Time (Controller Number 72)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 48H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Release Time value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value = 40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Attack Time (Controller Number 73)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 49H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Attack time value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value=40H (no change)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 4AH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Cuto value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value = 40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Decay Time (Controller Number 75)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 4BH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Decay Time value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value = 40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Vibrato Rate (Controller Number 76)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 4CH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Vibrato Rate value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value = 40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Vibrato Depth (Controller Number 77)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 4DH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Vibrato Depth Value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial Value = 40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Vibrato Delay (Controller Number 78)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 4EH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Vibrato Delay value (relative change): 00H–7FH(-64–0–+63),
Initial value=40H (no change)
* Some Tones will not exhibit any change.
6 Eect 1 (Reverb Send Level) (Controller Number 91)
Status 2nd bytes 3rd byte
BnH 5BH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value : 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial Value = 28H (40)
* This message adjusts the Reverb Send Level of each Part.
6 Eect 3 (Chorus Send Level) (Controller Number 93)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 5DH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial Value = 00H (0)
* This message adjusts the Chorus Send Level of each Part.
6 RPN MSB/LSB (Controller Number 100, 101)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 65H mmH
BnH 64H llH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
mm = upper byte (MSB) of parameter number specied by RPN
ll = lower byte (LSB) of parameter number specied by RPN
* The value specied by RPN will not be reset even by messages such as Program
Change or Reset All Controller.
**RPN**
The RPN (Registered Parameter Number) messages are expanded control changes,
and each function of an RPN is described by the MIDI Standard.
To use these messages, you must rst use RPN MSB and RPN LSB messages to specify
the parameter to be controlled, and then use Data Entry messages to specify the
value of the specied parameter. Once an RPN parameter has been specied, all Data
Entry messages received on that channel will modify the value of that parameter. To
prevent accidents, it is recommended that you set RPN Null (RPN Number = 7FH 7FH)
when you have nished setting the value of the desired parameter. Refer to Section 4.
“Examples of actual MIDI messages” <Example 4>
On this instrument, RPN can be used to modify the following parameters.
RPN Data entry
MSB LSB MSB LSB Explanation
00H 00H mmH --- Pitch Bend Sensitivity
mm: 00H–18H (0–24 semitones),
Initial Value = 02H (2 semitones)
ll: ignored (processed as 00h)
specify up to 2 octaves in semitone steps
00H 01H mmH llH Master Fine Tuning
mm, ll: 00 00H–40 00H–7F 7FH
(-100–0–+99.99 cents),
Refer to 4. Supplementary Material,
“About Tuning”
00H 02H mmH --- Master Coarse Tuning
mm: 00H–40H–7FH
(-64–0–+63 semitones),
ll: ignored (processed as 00h)
00H 05H mmH llH Modulation Depth Range
mm: 00H–04H (0–4 semitones)
ll: 00H–7FH (0–100 cents)
100/128 Cent/Value
7FH 7FH --- --- RPN null
Set a condition in which RPN is not
specied. The data entry messages
after set RPN null will be ignored.
(No Data entry messages are required
after RPN null).
Settings already made will not change.
mm, ll: ignored
7Program Change
Status 2nd byte
CnH ppH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
pp = Program number: 00H–7FH (prog.1–prog.128)
* The sound will change beginning with the next note-on after the Program Change
is received.
7Channel Pressure
Status 2nd byte
DnH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Channel Pressure : 00H–7FH (0–127)
* The resulting eect is determined by System Exclusive messages. With the initial
settings there will be no eect.
7Pitch Bend Change
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
EnH llH mmH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
mm, ll = Pitch Bend value: 00 00H–40 00H–7F 7FH
(-8192–0–+8191)
* The resulting eect is determined by System Exclusive messages. With the initial
settings the eect is Pitch Bend.
2
MIDI Implementation
9 Channel Mode Messages
7All Sounds O (Controller Number 120)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 78H 00H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
* When this message is received, all currently-sounding notes on the corresponding
channel will be turned o immediately.
7Reset All Controllers (Controller Number 121)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 79H 00H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
* When this message is received, the following controllers will be set to their reset
values.
Controller Reset value
Pitch Bend Change ±0 (Center)
Channel Pressure 0 (o )
Modulation 0 (o)
Expression 127 (max)
Hold 1 0 (o)
Portamento 0 (o)
Sostenuto 0 (o)
Soft 0 (o )
RPN unset; previously set data will not change
7All Notes O (Controller Number 123)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 7BH 00H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
* When All Notes O is received, all notes on the corresponding channel will be
turned o.
However if Hold 1 or Sostenuto is ON, the sound will be continued until these are
turned o.
7OMNI OFF (Controller Number 124)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 7CH 00H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
* The same processing will be carried out as when All Notes O is received.
9 System Exclusive Message
Status Data byte Status
F0H iiH, ddH, ......, eeH F7H
F0H: System Exclusive Message status
ii = ID number: An ID number (manufacturer ID) to indicate the
manufacturer whose Exclusive message this is.
Roland’s manufacturer ID is 41H.
ID numbers 7EH and 7FH are extensions of the
MIDI standard; Universal Non-realtime Messages
(7EH) and Universal Realtime Messages (7FH).
dd,...,ee = data: 00H–7FH (0–127)
F7H: EOX (End Of Exclusive)
The System Exclusive Messages received by this instrument are; messages related
to mode settings, Universal Realtime System Exclusive messages, and Universal
Non-realtime System Exclusive messages.
7System Exclusive Messages Related to Mode Settings
These messages are used to initialize a device to GM mode.
When creating performance data, you should insert “GM1 System On” at the beginning of a GM1 score, or “GM2 System On” at the beginning of a GM2 score. However,
each song should contain only the single mode message that is appropriate for that
song. (Do not insert multiple mode setting messages in the same song.)
“GM System On” uses Universal Non-realtime Message format.
6 GM1 System On
This is a command message that resets the internal settings of the unit to the General
MIDI initial state (General MIDI System-Level 1). After receiving this message, this
instrument will automatically be set to the proper condition for correctly playing a
GM1 score.
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7EH, 7FH, 09H, 01H F7H
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7EH ID number (Universal Non-realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
09H Sub ID#1 (General MIDI Message)
01H Sub ID#2 (General MIDI 1 On)
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
* Once this message is received, Bank Select is no longer received.
* There must be an interval of at least 50 ms between this message and the next.
7OMNI ON (Controller Number 125)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 7DH 00H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
* OMNI ON is only recognized as “All notes o”; the Mode doesn’t change (OMNI OFF
remains).
7MONO (Controller Number 126)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 7EH mmH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
mm = mono number : 01H (1)
* The same processing will be carried out as when All Sounds O and All Notes O
are received, and the corresponding channel will be set to Mode 4 (M=1). Only M=1
is supported.
7POLY (Controller Number 127)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 7FH 00H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
* The same processing will be carried out as when All Sounds O and All Notes O is
received, and the corresponding channel will be set to Mode 3.
6 GM2 System On
This is a command message that resets the internal settings of the unit to the General
MIDI initial state (General MIDI System-Level 2). After receiving this message, this
instrument will automatically be set to the proper condition for correctly playing a
GM2 score.
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7EH 7FH 09H 03H F7H
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7EH ID number (Universal Non-realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
09H Sub ID#1 (General MIDI Message)
03H Sub ID#2 (General MIDI 2 On)
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
* When this message is received, this instrument will be able to receive the messages
specied by General MIDI 2, and use the General MIDI 2 soundmap.
* There must be an interval of at least 50 ms between this message and the next.
3
MIDI Implementation
7Universal Realtime System Exclusive Messages
6 Master Volume
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7FH, 7FH, 04H, 01H, llH, mmH F7H
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7FH ID number (universal realtime message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
04H Sub ID#1 (Device Control messages)
01H Sub ID#2 (Master Volume)
llH Master volume lower byte
mmH Master volume upper byte
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
llH: ignored (processed as 00H)
mmH: 00H–7FH 0–127
* The lower byte (llH) of Master Volume will be handled as 00H.
6 Master Fine Tuning
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7FH, 7FH, 04H, 03H, llH, mmH F7H
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7FH ID number (Universal Realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
04H Sub ID#1 (Device Control)
03H Sub ID#2 (Master Fine Tuning)
llH Master Fine Tuning LSB
mmH Master Fine Tuning MSB
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7FH, 7FH, 04H, 04H, llH, mmH F7H
7Global Parameter Control
Parameters of the Global Parameter Control are newly provided for the General MIDI
2.
6 Reverb Parameters
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7FH, 7FH, 04H, 05H, 01H, 01H, F7H
01H, 01H, 01H, ppH, vvH
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7FH ID number (Universal Realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
04H Sub ID#1 (Device Control)
05H Sub ID#2 (Global Parameter Control)
01H Slot path length
01H Parameter ID width
01H Value width
01H Slot path MSB
01H Slot path LSB (Eect 0101: Reverb)
ppH Parameter to be controlled.
vvH Value for the parameter.
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
pp=0 Reverb Type
vv = 00H Small Room (Room1)
vv = 01H Medium Room (Room2)
vv = 02H Large Room (Room3)
vv = 03H Medium Hall (Hall1)
vv = 04H Large Hall (Hall2)
vv = 08H Plate (Plate)
pp=1 Reverb Time
vv = 00H–7FH 0–127
6 Chorus Parameters
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7FH, 7FH, 04H, 05H, 01H, 01H, F7H
01H, 01H, 02H, ppH, vvH
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7FH ID number (Universal Realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
04H Sub ID#1 (Device Control)
04H Sub ID#2 (Master Coarse Tuning)
llH Master Coarse Tuning LSB
mmH Master Coarse Tuning MSB
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
llH: ignored (processed as 00H)
mmH: 28H–40H–58H (-24–0–+24 [semitones])
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7FH ID number (Universal Realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
04H Sub ID#1 (Device Control)
05H Sub ID#2 (Global Parameter Control)
01H Slot path length
01H Parameter ID width
01H Value width
01H Slot path MSB
02H Slot path LSB (Eect 0102: Chorus)
ppH Parameter to be controlled.
vvH Value for the parameter.
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7EH, 7FH, 08H, 08H, H, ggH, F7H
hhH, ssH...
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7EH ID number (Universal Non-realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
08H Sub ID#1 (MIDI Tuning Standard)
08H Sub ID#2 (scale/octave tuning 1-byte form)
H Channel/Option byte1
bits 0 to 1 = channel 15 to 16
bits 2 to 6 = Undened
ggH Channel byte2
bits 0 to 6 = channel 8 to 14
hhH Channel byte3
bits 0 to 6 = channel 1 to 7
ssH 12 byte tuning oset of 12 semitones from C to B
00H = -64 [cents]
40H = 0 [cents] (equal temperament)
7FH = +63 [cents]
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
6 Key-Based Instrument Controllers
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7FH, 7FH, 0AH, 01H, 0nH, F7H
kkH, nnH, vvH...
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7FH ID number (Universal Realtime Message)
7FH Device ID (Broadcast)
0AH Sub ID#1 (Key-Based Instrument Control)
01H Sub ID#2 (Controller)
0nH MIDI Channel (00–0FH)
kkH Key Number
nnH Controller Number
vvH Value
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7EH, 10H, 06H, 01H F7H
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7EH ID number (Universal Non-realtime Message)
10H Device ID
06H Sub ID#1 (General Information)
01H Sub ID#2 (Identity Request)
F7H EOX (End Of Exclusive)
* Device ID = 10H or 7FH
5
MIDI Implementation
2. Transmit Data
9 Channel Voice Messages
7Note O
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
8nH kkH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
kk = note number: 00H–7FH (0–127)
vv = note o velocity: 00H–7FH (0–127)
7Note On
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
9nH kkH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
kk = note number: 00H–7FH (0–127)
vv = note on velocity: 01H–7FH (1–127)
7Control Change
6 Bank Select (Controller Number 0, 32)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 00H mmH
BnH 20H llH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
mm, ll = Bank number: 00H, 00H–7FH, 7FH (bank.1–bank.16384)
6 Volume (Controller Number 7)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 07H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Volume: 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial Value = 64H (100)
7Program Change
Status 2nd byte
CnH ppH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
pp = Program number: 00H–7FH (prog.1–prog.128)
9 System Exclusive Messages
6 Identity Reply
Status Data byte Status
F0H 7EH, 10H, 06H, 02H, 41H, 19H, 03H, F7H
00H, 00H, 0BH, 01H, 00H, 00H
Byte Explanation
F0H Exclusive status
7EH ID number (Universal Non-realtime Message)
10H Device ID
06H Sub ID#1 (General Information)
02H Sub ID#2 (Identity Reply)
41H ID number (Roland)
19H Device family code (LSB)
03H Device family code (MSB)
00H Device family number code (LSB)
00H Device family number code (MSB)
0BH Software revision level
01H Software revision level
00H Software revision level
00H Software revision level
F7H EOX (End of Exclusive)
6 Expression (Controller Number 11)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 0BH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Expression: 00H–7FH (0–127), Initial Value = 7FH (127)
6 Hold 1 (Controller Number 64)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 40H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127)
6 Sostenuto (Controller Number 66)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 42H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H-7FH (0-127)
0 = OFF, 127 = ON
6 Soft (Controller Number 67)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 43H vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127)
6 Eect 1 (Reverb Send Level) (Controller Number 91)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
BnH 5BH vvH
n = MIDI channel number: 0H–FH (ch.1–ch.16)
vv = Control value: 00H–7FH (0–127)
6
MIDI Implementation
3. Supplementary Material
7Decimal and Hexadecimal Table
In MIDI documentation, data values and addresses/sizes of exclusive messages etc.
are expressed as hexadecimal values for each 7 bits.
The following table shows how these correspond to decimal numbers.
* Decimal values such as MIDI channel, bank select, and program change are listed as
one (1) greater than the values given in the above table.
* A 7-bits byte can express data in the range of 128 steps. For data where
greater precision is required, we must use two or more bytes. For example, two
hexadecimal numbers aa bbH expressing two 7-bits bytes would indicate a value
of aa x 128 + bb.
* In the case of values which have a ± sign, 00H = -64, 40H = ±0, and 7FH = +63, so
that the decimal expression would be 64 less than the value given in the above
chart. In the case of two types, 00 00H = -8192, 40 00H = ±0, and 7F 7FH = +8191.
For example if aa bbH were expressed as decimal, this would be aa bbH - 40 00H =
aa x 128 + bb - 64 x 128.
* Data marked “nibbled” is expressed in hexadecimal in 4-bits units. A value
expressed as a 2-byte nibble 0a 0bH has the value of a x 16 + b.
<Example 1>
What is the decimal expression of 5AH?
>From the preceding table, 5AH = 90
<Example 2>
What is the decimal expression of the value 12 34H given as hexadecimal for each 7
bits?
>From the preceding table, since 12H = 18 and 34H = 52
18 x 128 + 52 = 2356
<Example 3>
What is the decimal expression of the nibbled value 0A 03 09 0D?
>From the preceding table, since 0AH = 10, 03H = 3, 09H = 9, 0DH = 13
((10 x 16 + 3) x 16 + 9) x 16 + 13 = 41885
<Example 4>
What is the nibbled expression of the decimal value 1258?
16) 1258
16) 78... 10
16) 4... 14
0... 4
7Examples of Actual MIDI Messages
<Example 1> 92 3E 5F
9n is the Note-on status, and n is the MIDI channel number. Since 2H = 2, 3EH = 62,
and 5FH = 95, this is a Note-on message with MIDI CH = 3, note number 62 (note
name is D4), and velocity 95.
<Example 2> CE 49
CnH is the Program Change status, and n is the MIDI channel number. Since EH = 14
and 49H = 73, this is a Program Change message with MIDI CH = 15, program number
74 (Flute in GS).
<Example 3> EA 00 28
EnH is the Pitch Bend Change status, and n is the MIDI channel number. The 2nd byte
(00H = 0) is the LSB and the 3rd byte (28H = 40) is the MSB, but Pitch Bend Value is a
signed number in which 40 00H (= 64 x 128 + 0 = 8192) is 0, so this Pitch Bend Value
is 28 00H - 40 00H = 40 x 128 + 0 - (64 x 128 + 0) = 5120 - 8192 = -3072
If the Pitch Bend Sensitivity is set to 2 semitones, -8192 (00 00H) will cause the pitch
to change 200 cents, so in this case -200 x (-3072) / (-8192) = -75 cents of Pitch Bend is
being applied to MIDI channel 11.
<Example 4> B3 64 00 65 00 06 0C 26 00 64 7F 65 7F
BnH is the Control Change status, and n is the MIDI channel number. For Control
Changes, the 2nd byte is the controller number, and the 3rd byte is the value. In a
case in which two or more messages consecutive messages have the same status,
MIDI has a provision called “running status” which allows the status byte of the
second and following messages to be omitted. Thus, the above messages have the
following meaning.
In other words, the above messages specify a value of 0C 00H for RPN parameter
number 00 00H on MIDI channel 4, and then set the RPN parameter number to 7F
7FH.
RPN parameter number 00 00H is Pitch Bend Sensitivity, and the MSB of the value
indicates semitone units, so a value of 0CH = 12 sets the maximum pitch bend range
to +/- 12 semitones (1 octave). (On GS sound sources the LSB of Pitch Bend Sensitivity
is ignored, but the LSB should be transmitted anyway (with a value of 0) so that
operation will be correct on any device.)
Once the parameter number has been specied for RPN, all Data Entry messages
transmitted on that same channel will be valid, so after the desired value has been
transmitted, it is a good idea to set the parameter number to 7F 7FH to prevent
accidents. This is the reason for the (B3) 64 7F (B3) 65 7F at the end.
It is not desirable for performance data (such as Standard MIDI File data) to contain
many events with running status as given in <Example 4>. This is because if playback
is halted during the song and then rewound or fast-forwarded, the sequencer may
not be able to transmit the correct status, and the sound source will then misinterpret the data. Take care to give each event its own status.
It is also necessary that the RPN parameter number setting and the value setting
be done in the proper order. On some sequencers, events occurring in the same (or
consecutive) clock may be transmitted in an order dierent than the order in which
they were received. For this reason it is a good idea to slightly skew the time of each
event (about 1 tick for TPQN = 96, and about 5 ticks for TPQN = 480).
* TPQN: Ticks Per Quarter Note
Since from the preceding table, 0 = 00H, 4 = 04H, 14 = 0EH, 10 = 0AH, the answer is
00 04 0E 0AH.
7
MIDI Implementation
7About Tuning
In MIDI, individual Parts are tuned by sending RPN #1 (Master Fine Tuning) to the
appropriate MIDI channel.
In MIDI, all parts can be tuned by sending RPN#1 to each of the MIDI channels that
you are using.
RPN#1 allows you to specify the tuning with an accuracy of approximately 0.012
cents (to be precise, 100/8192 cents).
One cent is 1/100th of a semitone.
Frequently used tuning values are given in the following table for your reference.
Values are in hexadecimal (decimal in parentheses).
Hand ClapHand ClapHand ClapHand Clap
Electric Snare 3Electric Snare 4Electric Snare 5Electric Snare 2
Low Tom 2Room Low Tom 2Power Low Tom 2Electric Low Tom 2
42
Closed Hi-Hat 1[EXC1]Closed Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]Closed Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]Closed Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]
Low Tom 1Room Low Tom 1Power Low Tom 1Electric Low Tom 1
44
Pedal Hi-Hat 1[EXC1]Pedal Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]Pedal Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]Pedal Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]
Mid Tom 2Room Mid Tom 2Power Mid Tom 2Electric Mid Tom 2
46
Open Hi-Hat 1[EXC1]Open Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]Open Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]Open Hi-Hat 2[EXC1]
Mid Tom 1Room Mid Tom 1Power Mid Tom 1Electric Mid Tom 1
High Tom 2Room High Tom 2Power High Tom 2
49
Crash Cymbal 1Crash Cymbal 3Crash Cymbal 3Crash Cymbal 3
High Tom 1Room High Tom 1Power High Tom 1
51
Ride Cymbal 1Ride Cymbal 3Ride Cymbal 3Ride Cymbal 3
Chinese Cymbal 1Chinese Cymbal 2Chinese Cymbal 2Reverse Cymbal
Ride Bell 1Ride Bell 2Ride Bell 2Ride Bell 2
MaracasMaracasMaracasMaracas
Short High Whistle[EXC2]Short High Whistle[EXC2]Short High Whistle[EXC2]Shor t High Whistle[EXC2]
Long Low Whistle[EXC2]Long Low Whistle[EXC2]Long Low Whistle[EXC2]Long Low Whistle[EXC2]
73
Short Guiro[EXC3]Short Guiro[EXC3]Short Guiro[EXC3]Short Guiro[EXC3]
Long Guiro[EXC3]Long Guiro[EXC3]Long Guiro[EXC3]Long Guiro[EXC3]
TR-808 MaracasMaracasMaracasMaracas
Short High Whistle[EXC2]Short High Whistle[EXC2]Short High Whistle[EXC2]Short High Whistle[EXC2]
Long Low Whistle[EXC2]Long Low Whistle[EXC2]Long Low Whistle[EXC2]Long Low Whistle[EXC2]
73
Short Guiro[EXC3]Short Guiro[EXC3]Short Guiro[EXC3]Short Guiro[EXC3]
Long Guiro[EXC3]Long Guiro[EXC3]Long Guiro[EXC3]Long Guiro[EXC3]