Customer Reviews

The MIDI Manual

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is full of just plain incorrect information, none of which has been corrected from the first edition. The section on the binary language of MIDI is particularly full of errors; not just typos, but errors of fact. Let the buyer beware!

This book contains a collection of reference material about MIDI. It covers the MIDI specification, MIDI hardware, instruments, sequencing, digital audio in MIDI production, synchronization, and mixing. I'm no expert on MIDI, and I can't say that I really developed my understanding of MIDI by reading this book. Much of the prose I found rather obtuse, such as the following definition of multimedia: "Basically, multimedia is nothing more than a unified programming and operating system (OS) environment that lets multiple forms of program data and playback media coexist and be routed directly to the appropriate hardware device for output, playback, and/or processing." Perhaps someone who knows more about MIDI would find this book useful, but it's definitely not intended as an introductory book for novices. On the other hand, I get the feeling from the brevity of the book that it might not contain enough depth of detail to satisfy experts either.

I found this book to be useful, but then i am an electronics designer and can recognize and work around the occassional error. The inclusion of the midi spec is good, but much of the hardware examples are dated, a problem common to anything solidified in print in a constantly evolving universe of products. I will use it as a reference for a good while. There are not many titles to choose from in this category, and this is a useful tool.

Too broad, irrelevant information, many mistakes (ex: "patch chords"), too conversational (i prefer a more professional text book style, high informational density). This book is not worth the cost.

I teach music technology and recording at several colleges. I was introduced to this book by a colleague at a school I had just started working at. I actually ended up purchasing both the 2nd and 3rd editions, because I didn't realize I needed to teach out of the 3rd edition until after I had purchased the 2nd. So, this review is about my experience with the 3RD edition of the MIDI Manual.
I've found this book to be quite comprehensive. It not only explains MIDI and all of its applications, but it also touches on important DAW-related topics, such as computers and digital audio. I've taught these subjects for many years, but still found great enjoyment out of reading this book in preparation for my new classes. I'd not only recommend it for "MIDI" classes, but also for digital audio students as well.
My only complaint would be that there isn't much information about the history of MIDI. I'd like to see more information about the key players and how MIDI came to be. But, by far, I believe this is probably the best MIDI book on the market. I'd recommend it to students and teachers.

This book delivers everything it promises to deliver. It is easy to read for both the student and the beginner, yet comprehensive enough to be of great value to the experienced MIDI user and educator. The illustrations, while not professionally-rendered at times (some are jagged, bit-mapped images), are very clear and helpful.

The book gives a clear, concise, and easily-understood description of how binary code is used to control MIDI devices. In addition, it serves as a good introduction to digital audio and multi-media.

Included in the appendices are the MIDI 1.0 Specification and the MIDI Implementation Chart.