Gewa G9, Owner'S Manual

Page: 177 / 180

14 U
SEFUL
I
NFORMATION
14.1 E
XPLANATION OF
T
ERMS
Term Definition
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a data transfer protocol. With this, musical control
information is transferred between electronic instruments such as digital pianos, keyboards,
synthesizers, drum computers or even PCs or laptops. To exchange this control information,
the instruments/computers require MIDI connections and a link must be established be-
tween them. There are different MIDI connections with various functions:
MIDI-IN (input), MIDI-OUT (output) and MIDI-THRU. The last one routes received data un-
touched from MIDI to be used for another MIDI device.
Here is an example:
If a key on the digital piano is pressed, digital data packets are sent from MIDI IN to MIDI
OUT (MIDI-OUT). The data packets contain information on pitch, keyboard dynamic and
the duration of the keystroke. The data packets output can be e.g. recorded, stored,
played back on the computer and also displayed as notation on the screen if the applica-
tion is able to do this.
Recorded MIDI data can then be sent to a MIDI instrument, e.g. a digital piano, to make it
audible again.
GM
General MIDI defines a lot more than what is defined in the basic MIDI protocol. It com-
bines hardware and protocol specifications. General MIDI also specifies content. For this,
GM sets a minimum standard for the assignment of the instruments to 128 program places.
According to GM, a compatible GM MIDI instrument must be able to generate 24 sounds
simultaneously. Furthermore, according to GM, additional control parameters are defined,
such as e.g. effect control.
General MIDI
standard sounds
Sounds or instruments in compliance with the specifications of the General MIDI standard
protocol.
Reverb
This simulates a room environment. It is preconfigured for some sounds to give them a more
lively and realistic appeal.
Chorus
The chorus effect adds another slightly detuned note to every note that is played. This
produces a fuller ensemble like impression.
Samples
Samples are audio clip recordings from natural instruments. All sounds of sampled instru-
ments are recorded and saved to logically defined locations. This then leads to an orga-
nized sum of sampled single notes, which, when played back, sound like the originally
sampled natural instrument.
DSP
A digital signal processor (DSP) is a chip which is responsible for a continuous processing of
digital signals such as audio and video signals.
Polyphony
Maximum number of simultaneously playable notes. A high number of simultaneously
playable notes ensure a highly natural sound impression.
Piezo
Short term for piezo ceramic element (aka Buzzer). When deforming a piezo, a low electric
voltage is generated, which depends on the degree of deformation. These sensors are
used to detect the “velocity” or impact of a stroke in electronic d rums and cymbals.
FSR
Force Sensitive Resistor are sensors used in cymbals to detect Choke, Crash (Edge) and Bell
Signals. Unlike a piezo ceramic element, which produces electrical voltage when being
deformed, FSR films always carry a low voltage which decreases by applying pressure to
the film (decreasing resistance).