MIDIinndata

MIDIinndata is a term used in music technology to describe the stream of data produced by MIDI input devices. It encompasses all MIDI messages received by a host or device from keyboards, controllers, pad controllers, or software instruments. While not an official term in the MIDI standards, MIDIinndata is widely used in documentation and development to distinguish incoming MIDI messages from outgoing data. The data originates from sources using MIDI 1.0 or MIDI 2.0 protocols and can be carried over various transport layers such as USB-MIDI, traditional 5-pin DIN, Bluetooth MIDI, or virtual MIDI connections.

Structure: MIDI messages are transmitted as a sequence of bytes beginning with a status byte followed by data bytes, with running status allowing subsequent messages on the same channel to omit repeated status bytes. Common message types include Note On and Note Off (notes, velocity), Control Change (mod wheel, sustain), Program Change, Channel Pressure, Pitch Bend, and System Messages (Clock, Real Time). MIDI 2.0 introduces higher-resolution data and additional attributes but remains compatible with MIDI 1.0 devices. Timing can be real-time, with timestamps or delta times in streams and hosts; latency and jitter are considerations during routing.

Usage and processing: In digital audio workstations and software, MIDIinndata is captured, parsed into events with attributes such as channel, note, velocity, and timestamp, and then used to trigger sounds or control software parameters. The data may be stored as MIDI files or reinterpreted by hosts in real time. Interoperability depends on adherence to MIDI serial formats and transport layers; developers must handle running status, clock synchronization, and device-specific quirks.