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MIDI
channels are very similar in concept to channels
on a TV. TV stations transmit on a particular
channel. When you set your TV to a channel, it
simply ignores all of the other channels that
it is receiving.
MIDI channels work this way
as well. A MIDI instrument transmits information
on whatever MIDI channel it is set to (this instrument
is usually referred to as the "Master").
If another MIDI instrument is set to the same channel
and is connected to the "Master", it is
ready to receive MIDI information (this instrument
is usually referred to as a "Slave").
In the MIDI setup seen
below, MIDI Keyboard "A" is set to transmit
on channel 1 and MIDI Keyboard "B" is
set to receive on MIDI channel 1. If you play
a note on "A", a note will also be played
on keyboard "B".
On the other hand, in the MIDI
setup seen below, a MIDI Keyboard "A" is
set to transmit on channel 1 and MIDI Keyboard "B" is
set to receive on MIDI channel 2. In this situation,
the keyboard "B" will ignore any notes
that it receives on channel 1.
There are 16 different MIDI
channels (numbered 1-16). So that means, over 1
MIDI cable, there can be 16 different parts played
back (one for each MIDI channel). Many synthesizers
have the ability to play back more than one part
at a time, these are what as known as Multi-timbral
synthesizers. Most can play back 16 different parts,
and some now can play 32 or 64 different parts.
For each set of 16, these synthesizers need to have
another MIDI in.
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