The MIDI Implementation Chart

[parametric]

Perhaps an overview of this chart with some more detailed explanations of what the various parameters mean (in words of one).

MIDI Modes for instance, and those strange strings of asterisks *********

This chart is often stumbled upon in a desperate attempt to get a module or board to "do something" which is very clear in the users mind - but the reality of whether or not the item can "DO" it is safely hidden away amongst strangely-named parameters (unless you are a MIDI guru).

I'm sure this is the point at which many users decide that its too difficult - and give up . . . .and the capabilities of their devices are as a result, never fully realised.

For instance - My Alesis Fusion 8HD has two charts. One for the Board as a whole, and one for the Sequencer.

The latter mentions program change - but no mention of Bank Select . . . which, given the number of Banks I have would seem to be an oversight - unless I'm being thick - (always a possibility )

Best Regards

parametric

[JohnG]

Hi Parametric,

Yes, good idea.
The original decode (a bit inadequate in my view) was published in the MIDI 1.0 specification, there is a new one, introduced maybe a year or so ago, which hasn't really "hit the streets" so to speak, but can be downloaded from the MMA site www.midi.org/techspecs/.

Of course, the bank select messages are controller messages, so need to be sought within that section of the spec. Look for "0" and "32" (MSB and LSB respectively) and this will define whether they can be received or sent. The values they can be set to should be within the MIDI data list of the product, not in the chart (too much detail). In the case of my MU1000 over 1400 entries!

I'll put together a "Deciphering the Implementation Chart" tutorial.

Thanks for the idea.
Kind regards,
JohnG.

[JohnG]

Mar 25, 2013 1:02:08 GMT parametric said:

For instance - My Alesis Fusion 8HD has two charts. One for the Board as a whole, and one for the Sequencer.

The latter mentions program change - but no mention of Bank Select . . . which, given the number of Banks I have would seem to be an oversight - unless I'm being thick - (always a possibility )

Best Regards

parametric

Hi Chris,
I've done a bit of research into your Fusion, and you could have knocked me over with a feather, it seems they have never published the MIDI implementation, e.g. bank selects and the MIDI controllers used to edit voices etc.

It means it's impossible for anyone to write an external editor program for it. What a useless company!

Just my 2d!
JohnG.