1. European Robotic LABoratory
EURLAB
European
Robotic
LABoratory
Basic skill I.1:MIDI & Arduino
MIDI files

2. BS I.1: MIDI sequencing MIDI file
A MIDI file is a collection of MIDI events and timing informations necessary to reproduce them correctly.
Event
Time

3. BS I.1: MIDI event
A MIDI event is a sequence of bytes. Each byte has its own meaning, linked to the type of event:
First Byte : type of event (4 bit)+destination channel (4 bit)
Second Byte: parameter 1
Third Byte : parameter 2 (when present)
Fourth byte : parameter 3 (when present)
Event list:
1001 = note on
1000 = note off
1100 = program change
….. and so on….
byte byte byte byte 4
MIDI event:
event
channel
parameter 1
parameter 2
parameter 3
As example, pressing key C1 (note number 36) with velocity 87, will be generated the following NOTE ON event:
Note on:
1001
channel
36 (note)
87 (velocity)
When depressing the same key, will be generated the following NOTE OFF event
Note off:
1000
channel
36 (note)

4. BS I.1: MIDI sequencing
A MIDI file can be played by using a normal media player and the computer's built-in synthesizer.  
Instead, a MIDI usb cable is necessary in order to use an external synth (expander or keyboard).

5. BS I.1: MIDI sequencing
you can record and edit MIDI files using one of the many free or commercial software available on the net or on the market (MIDI sequencer).
With a MIDI sequencer you can:
organize a MIDI song in TRACKS (one for each instruments)
record and play MIDI events
edit MIDI events
synchronize MIDI tracks with con audio and video tracks
and much more…