MIDI in USB refers to using the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection to transmit and receive MIDI data between devices.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a widely adopted standard protocol for interconnecting computers with musical instruments, stage lighting, and other time-oriented media. Originally designed for serial connections, MIDI has been adapted to work seamlessly over modern interfaces like USB.
Understanding MIDI Over USB
Using USB for MIDI communication offers several advantages over older methods, including:
- Simplified Connections: A single USB cable can handle both MIDI data and sometimes power, eliminating the need for separate MIDI In/Out cables and power adapters for some devices.
- Higher Speed: USB provides faster data transfer rates, which can be beneficial for complex MIDI setups or when dealing with large amounts of data.
- Driverless Operation: Many modern MIDI devices connected via USB are "class-compliant," meaning they work without requiring specific drivers to be installed on the computer or mobile device.
Essentially, when you use "MIDI in USB," you are sending MIDI messages – such as notes being played, controller movements, program changes, etc. – through the USB port of a device (like a keyboard, audio interface, or computer) to another device capable of understanding those messages.
Key Aspects
- Transport Layer: USB acts as the physical and logical layer (the "transport") over which the MIDI data is sent. The MIDI messages themselves remain the same, regardless of whether they are sent over traditional MIDI cables or USB.
- Device Types: USB MIDI is commonly used for:
- Connecting MIDI keyboard controllers to computers/tablets.
- Linking digital pianos and synthesizers to recording software (DAWs).
- Connecting drum machines and sequencers.
- Interfacing audio interfaces with built-in MIDI ports.
- MIDI 2.0 Support: As the reference states, the newer MIDI 2.0 standard, defined in 2020, adds enhanced capabilities and features. Support for MIDI 2.0 over the USB transport was notably added starting in Android 13, enabling devices running this OS version to fully utilize the new standard when connected to compatible USB MIDI 2.0 hardware.
How it Works
When a MIDI device is connected via USB, it typically appears to the computer or receiving device as a standard USB device. The operating system handles the communication between the USB port and the application (like a music software program) that wants to send or receive MIDI data.
| Feature | Traditional MIDI (DIN Cables) | MIDI over USB |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Separate In/Out DIN cables | Single USB cable |
| Power | External power or separate MIDI phantom | Often bus-powered via USB |
| Speed | Slower (31.25 kbaud) | Faster (USB speeds vary, much higher) |
| Drivers | Hardware interfaces might need drivers | Often class-compliant (no specific drivers) |
| Ports | Limited to physical In/Out ports | Multiple virtual ports possible over one USB |
In summary, "MIDI in USB" is simply the modern and convenient method of transmitting the standard MIDI language between devices using the ubiquitous Universal Serial Bus connection.
