MIDI Sound Synthesis
MIDI sound synthesis is the process of generating
audible sound from MIDI data using electronic or
software-based synthesizers by interpreting musical
instructions.
1. Introduction
MIDI does not store actual sound. Instead, it stores instructions such as which note to play, how long to play it, and how loud it should be played. A synthesizer interprets these instructions to generate sound.
- MIDI requires a synthesizer
- Used in digital music production
2. What is MIDI Sound Synthesis
MIDI sound synthesis converts MIDI events into audio signals using sound synthesis techniques.
- Generates sound from instructions
- Depends on synthesis method
3. Components of MIDI Synthesis
- MIDI controller
- MIDI interface
- Synthesizer
- Sound output device
4. MIDI Events
MIDI events are messages that describe musical actions.
- Note On / Note Off
- Velocity
- Program change
- Control change
5. Synthesis Techniques
- Additive synthesis
- Subtractive synthesis
- FM synthesis
- Wavetable synthesis
6. FM Synthesis
Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis creates complex sounds by modulating one waveform with another.
- Produces rich tones
- Used in classic synthesizers
7. Wavetable Synthesis
Wavetable synthesis generates sound by playing back stored waveforms from memory.
- High-quality instrument sounds
- Common in modern MIDI devices
8. Advantages
- Very small file size
- Highly editable music
- Flexible instrument selection
9. Limitations
- Sound quality depends on synthesizer
- Less realistic than recorded audio
10. Applications
- Music composition
- Games and animations
- Electronic instruments
- Multimedia projects
Practice Questions
- What is MIDI sound synthesis?
- Why does MIDI need a synthesizer?
- List MIDI synthesis techniques.
- Explain FM synthesis.
- State applications of MIDI synthesis.
Practice Task
Explain with diagrams:
✔ MIDI synthesis workflow
✔ FM vs wavetable synthesis
✔ MIDI event processing