A chart, usually found in MIDI product manuals, which provides information as to which MIDI features are supported. Supported features are marked with a 0 while unsupported feature are marked with a X. Additional information may be provided, such as the exact form of the Bank Change message.

A standard file format for storing song data recorded on a MIDI sequencer in such a way as to allow it to be read by other makes or model of MIDI sequencer.

Also known as MIDI Controllers or Controller Data, these messages convey positional information relating to performance controls such as wheels, pedals, switches and other devices. This information can be used to control functions such as vibrato depth, brightness, portamento, effects levels, and many other parameters.

A term used to describe the physical interface by means of which the musician plays the MIDI synthesizer or other sound generator. Examples of controllers are keyboards, drum pads, wind synths and so on.

A type of controller message used to select alternate banks of MIDI Programs where access to more than 128 programs is required.

A device that gives a visual readout of MIDI activity when connected between two pieces of MIDI equipment.

The middle portion of the audible frequency spectrum, typically denoting frequencies between about 300Hz and 3kHz.

A specialised IC at the heart of a computer which performs calculations and other data manipulations, following software instructions.

A device used to convert an acoustic sound wave into an electrical signal.

The nominal signal level generated by a microphone. Typically around -50dBu. Mic level signals must be amplified to raise them to line-level.