Instead of streaming audio like the AU or VST standards, MIDI defines a number of MIDI events that instruct instruments what to do. The MIDI standard includes the protocol that instruments use to communicate, the physical connectors on MIDI instruments and devices, and how MIDI information is stored. MIDI is the Musical Instrument Digital Interface standard that defines a way for instruments by different manufacturers to communicate with one another, and with computers.But before we get started, let's settle on some terminology.
This multi-part series describes how Live handles MIDI files and covers some applications and instruments that will help you make the thousands of free General MIDI files available on the Internet work inside Live.