Basic Guide
73
About
MIDI
5
Basic Guide
System Messages
These messages are related to the entire MIDI system. System messages include System
Real-time messages for sync operation using a MIDI device such as a sequencer, System Common
messages that transmit the position in performance such as Song Start and Song End, and System
Exclusive messages that transmit information unique to certain manufacturers or models. The
X5DR is able to receive and transmit System Exclusive messages.
System Exclusive messages
System Exclusive messages are used to transmit data unique to certain devices (Program data,
setting data, etc.) via MIDI. The format of the X5DR System Exclusive messages is
[F0H,42H,3nH,36H,ff,....,F7H] (nH:Global MIDI Channel, ff:Function code - type of message).
Using these messages allows the X5DR to transmit, receive and edit bulk Program data (Data
Dump).
Universal System Exclusive is a standard format and protocol used to send data back and forth
between various devices from different manufacturers. The X5DR responds to some Universal
Exclusive messages as well as to Korg Exclusive messages.
Universal System Exclusive
Universal System Exclusive is an industry standard protocol used to send data back and forth
between various devices from different manufacturers. These messages are divided into two
categories: Non-real-time Universal System Exclusive [F0H,7EH,nn,aa,....,F7H] (nn:MIDI
channel, aa:ID), and Real-time Universal System Exclusive [F0H,7FH,nn,aa,....,F7H] (nn:MIDI
channel, aa:ID). The X5DR responds to these messages when MIDI channel “nn” is 127 [7FH]
(MIDI channel ignored), or when it matches the Global MIDI Channel.
Inquiry Message Request
This message is used to send data to find out the model and version number of a MIDI device
connected to a computer. When the X5DR receives an Inquiry Message Request
[F0H,7EH,nn,06H,01H,F7H] (nn:MIDI channel), it transmits the Inquiry information
[F0H,7EH,nn,06H,02H, (9 bytes),F7H] that says “This is a Korg X5DR. The system version
is.....” (See page 163 (1-3).)
GM System On
This message is used to initialize a GM tone generator. When the X5DR receives a GM System
On message [F0H,7EH,nn,09H,01H,F7H], it enters Multi mode and initializes itself for GM use.
When you create a GM song, enter this message at the beginning of the data so that the song will
always be played back under the same conditions.
Master Volume
This message is used to adjust the volume level of the entire MIDI tone generator. When the X5DR
receives Master Volume [F0H,7FH,nn,04H,01H,vv,mm,F7H] (vv:Lower digits of the value,
mm:Upper digits of the value), the entire volume level is changed. This message allows you to
adjust the entire volume level without destroying the level balance between Timbres and Tracks
in Combination mode and Multi mode.
Master Balance
This message is used to adjust the volume level balance of the entire MIDI tone generator. When
the X5DR receives Master Balance [F0H,7FH,nn,04H,02H,vv,mm,F7H] (vv:Lower digits of the
value, mm:Upper digits of the value), the entire volume level balance is changed. A value of 8192
(vv=00H,mm=40H) specifies the initial position (stereo image currently set on the MIDI tone
generator). Smaller values make the right volume level lower.
