Rodgers W-5000, User Manual

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User’s Guide
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THE GENERAL MIDI (GM) SYSTEM
The General MIDI System is a universal set of specifications for sound generating devices which hasbeen
agreed upon by the Japanese MIDI Standards Committee and the American MMA (MIDI Manufacturer’s
Association). These specifications seek to allow for the creation of music data which is not limited to
equipment by a particular manufacturer or to specific models.
The GM System defines such things as the minimum number of voices that should be supported, the MIDI
messages that should be recognized, which sounds correspond to which Program Change Numbers, and the
layout of rhythm sounds on the keyboard. Thanks to these specifications, any device that is equipped with
sound sources supporting the GM System will be able to accurately reproduce GM Scores (music created
under the GM System), regardless of the manufacturer or model.
THE GS FORMAT
The GS Format is the Roland/Rodgers standardized set of specifications for Roland/Rodgers sound sources
which defines the manner in which multi-timbral sound generating units will respond to MIDI messages. The
GS Format also complies with the GM System. The GS Format, however, defines a number of additional
items. These include unique specifications for sounds, the functions available for Tone editing and effects
(e.g. chorus and reverb), and other specifications concerning the manner in which sound sources will
respond to MIDI messages.
Any device that is equipped with GS Format sound sources can faithfully reproduce GS Music Data (music
data created under the GS Format).
The W-5000 supports both the General MIDI System and the GS Format. Song data (on 3.5 inch
floppy disks) which carries either of these logos can be accurately reproduced.
STANDARD MIDI FILES (SMF)
The W-5000 can also playback Standard MIDI Files (720 Kbyte or 1.2 Mb format, 3.5 inch floppy disks)
such as the data on any commercially available SMF music disk.