| | |  | | | What is a Midi File? 'A MIDI file is a set of computer instructions which trigger sounds already contained within a digital musical instrument.'
A MIDI file is simply another type of pre-recorded music, and whilst there is a general awareness that MIDI files are computer based, there is still some confusion between MIDI and audio formats. For this reason, and to fully appreciate the benefits of MIDI, it is important to understand the difference between a 'MIDI file' (or a 'Disk of MIDI files') and an 'Audio' recording on a CD, cassette or mini-disk.
In simplistic terms, when an audio recording is made - let's say of a worship band - a microphone is used to pick up the sound from the band. This sound is then burned onto a CD or put onto tape (or previously scratched onto vinyl!). When the recording is played back on a stereo system, all this does is amplify the existing sound. Even computer based audio formats such as MP3 or WAV files work in a similar way, albeit with further levels of digital encoding.
In contrast, there is NO sound on a disk of MIDI files. A MIDI file is a set of computer instructions which trigger the sounds already contained within a digital musical instrument. If that's already beginning to sound confusing, think back to the old Pianola that once used to adorn the back wall of many a Victorian drawing room. The Pianola was a real piano into which could be placed a punched paper roll. As the roll turned, the Pianola 'read' the instructions on the paper and made it's own sounds according to what had been 'recorded' onto the roll. A MIDI file carries out exactly the same function as the punched paper roll, containing instructions relating to notes, tempo, dynamics and so on. |  |
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