The MIDI Companion: The Ins, Outs and Throughs [Paperback]

Jeff Rona (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1994

Here's your complete guide to using MIDI synthesizers, samplers, soundcards, sequencers, computers and more! The MIDI Companion shows how a MIDI system or systems for a wide range of situations can be assembled quickly, easily and trouble-free. Describes how to synchronize MIDI sequencers, drum machines, multitrack equipment, SMPTE-based equipment, and other MIDI instruments. Describes each and every MIDI code and the techniques used in transmitting these codes between various MIDI devices. Explains how to get the most out of any musical situation that calls for the use of synthesizers and electronic musical instruments. This totally new edition includes more information on the actual applications and musical uses for MIDI. A complete chapter devoted to General MIDI, plus the charts for GM sounds. Two additional new chapters on The MIDI Studio and MIDI And The Personal Computer. New diagrams, updated diagrams, new graphics. Profusely illustrated with pictures, photographs and diagrams, and also includes a detailed glossary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation (February 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793530776
• ISBN-13: 978-0793530779
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Recording & Sound
  • #99 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > CAD

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on MIDI and home studios I've found., September 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The MIDI Companion: The Ins, Outs and Throughs (Paperback)

This book taught me how to put together a whole home studio with a computer adn different kinds of keyboards and synthesizers. It was clear, easy to understand and even pretty funny. I definately recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about MIDI, synthesizers, home recording, song writing or film scoring.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for beginners!, October 12, 2000

By 

"dna-groove" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The MIDI Companion: The Ins, Outs and Throughs (Paperback)

Very comprehensive, can get you up and running in 48 hours. A very thin book that contains the bare essentials as to familiarize yourself with MIDI and the initial steps to set up a working compilation of MIDI products. Explains concepts such as sequencers, samplers, MIDI-IN/OUT/THRU and countless more... the good part is that even though it holds great amounts of information, the book is orgenized in a way that is easily referenced in the future. It's easy... it's wonderful.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book for MIDI overview, April 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The MIDI Companion: The Ins, Outs and Throughs (Paperback)

Who would be better at writing an over view of MIDI than Mr Rona, who was one of the founders of the MIDI Manufacturers' Association? i am thoroughly enjoying this book, because it is not too technical for the average reader, and yet it does explain the internal functions of computers and digital machines to the extent of providing a good understanding of the instruments we use. i always find it useful to know a little background information to anything i'm learning, and there is a (very) short history of how MIDI was developed. the book is written in a very lively manner, with some subtle humour found in the illustrations, veyr clear (almost condescendingly simple) diagrams. the sections are structures in a logical way, so the whole learning process is very comfortable. i know nothing about computers, and wanted to really understand how MIDI works so that i can properly hook up a few pieces of drum machines/sampler/sequencer/MIDI controller i have, and i find this book very helpful. i highly recommend it for the MIDI newbie.