Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > January 1997 > 1997.01.23 > 12Prev  Next


MIDI is Musical Instrument Digital Interface
By Terry Macham

The term "MIDI" is an acronym for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface" and as such all letters should be capitalized. An "interface" is not a physical thing but is a description of an electrical or electronic communication standard such as "RS232 Interface." MIDI is a standard which describes how musical instruments are to electrically communicate with each other.

However, the ongoing corruption (or advancement) of the English language has changed the word MIDI. We now speak of MIDI Organs, MIDI Keyboards, MIDI Sequencers, etc. I have even seen the phrase "MIDI musician." So at this point it probably doesn't matter much if the letters are capitalized or not.

Terry Macham
Kimberley, BC, Canada

(Message sent Thu 23 Jan 1997, 05:05:58 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Digital, Instrument, Interface, is, MIDI, Musical

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page