What is MIDI?
MIDI stands for Musical
Instrument Digital Interface. It consists of a computer "language" that
allows electronic musical instruments to "talk" or communicate with each
other. MIDI is recorded in such a way that there is enormous flexibilty
for the user to change things such as tempo, key, instruments used, and
many other options.
To use your MIDI files,
you will need to have one of the following hardware set-ups connected to
your sound system or to speakers:
A Synthesizer with a MIDI
Data Player (this can be in the form of a built-in floppy disk drive and
sequencing, or it can simply have the capability to play MIDI disks--most
electronic keyboards come with MIDI capabilities);
A stand-alone MIDI Data
Player or sequencer (this can have a built-in sound module or it can be
connected to a synthesizer or sound module via a MIDI cable);
A personal computer
(either Mac or PC-compatible) that has MIDI capabilities and is connected
to an internal sound card or an external sound module or synthesizer (via
a MIDI cable).
What Are GM, GS, and
XG?
All of the disks
we carry conform to GM Standard and are compatible with all MIDI
performance equipment. General MIDI (GM) is an agreed-upon standard that
was developed so that MIDI music productions play with the correct
instruments, volumes, and other performance information, regardless of the
manufacturer of the general MIDI synthesizer. Be sure to consult your
hardware and/or software's manuals to get the full benefit of the MIDI
files you play.
In addition, as
an extension of the GM format, Roland (major MIDI equipment manufacturer)
developed the GS Format. GS is compatible with GM and it enhances GM for a
greater level of expressiveness. GS produces amplified results, adding
more highly-defined instruments/voices.
XG is similar to
GS, but it is Yamaha Corporation's enhancement of General MIDI. These
enhancements are only available if you are using Yamaha's equipment.
What Are The Pros
Saying?
"MIDI is perhaps
the most pervasive technological development in the contemporary music
scene today. It is being used on Broadway and at theme parks to
orchestrate critical multimedia and staging effects, and in boardrooms to
run sophisticated audio-visual presentations. And, as my experience
demonstrates, churches, too, are putting MIDI to good use. MIDI shines in
live-performance situations. We have become accustomed to rich musical
textures that would be difficult to reproduce in a live setting without a
great number of highly-skilled musicians charging equally high fees. MIDI
allows...that full sound at much less cost."
—Dennis Clements, Harvest Bible Chapel, Carol Stream, IL
"For a lot of
churches, MIDI may conquer the problem of how to get a technically sharp,
full-band sound with a small worship band or orchestra. MIDI offers sound
with flexibility. Unlike tape or CD tracks, MIDI files allow you to change
the key, the tempo, and the number of components played. No drummer?
MIDI’s got it covered. But if you have a drummer, you can play the file
minus the drum sound. It’s like hiring your own specialized support."
—Rob Hewitt, Christianity Today Magazine
"We can never
change the gospel of Christ. It is the same yesterday, today, and
tomorrow. However, we always have to look at our methods of portraying the
gospel message to an ever-changing world."
—Bill Gaither, Singer/Composer
"We don’t need to
fear technology in worship. If we can use technology to raise the level of
our music and our proclamation, then we’re improving our methods to reach
the world."
—Doug Prewitt, Music Minister, Kansas City, MO
