Final part. Jay Chapman concludes his long-running series on the software aspects of MIDI with a look at the finer points of Active Sensing.

Part 5 sees software specialist Jay Chapman exploring the innermost secrets of 'channel voice messages' and more in his continuing analysis of the MIDI protocol.

Jay Chapman designs his own MIDI protocol this month to help show you how the real MIDI system orders about the binary information it uses to represent music.

Jay Chapman delves deep into the murky waters of MIDI's often ignored Mono Mode in pursuit of multi-timbral expression!

Who says you can't use those hi-fi DIN cables to connect all your MIDI gear together? This month, Jay Chapman takes a logical look at the hardware side of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Part 6. Resident software specialist Jay Chapman clears up some misleading terminology first, then moves on to relate how the MIDI protocol organises such matters as Program Changes in those humble synthesizers we all take for granted.

Jay Chapman sets the scene for a regular series written to help you better understand the practicalities of life with the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Part 7. In this penultimate episode Jay Chapman explains the usefulness of MIDI's all-important System Exclusive messages.

Understanding MIDI Implementation Charts

The best way of finding out what a new instrument can do is to look carefully at its MIDI Implementation Chart. Jay Chapman acts as your MIDI interpreter and takes you on a guided tour.

At last, the CMI frees itself from the constraints of an analogue interface and starts talking MIDI. Paul Wiffen checks out the results.

This new multi-function unit lets you physically access and modify hex code MIDI signals amongst other things. Jay Chapman discovers it may be rather more useful than most would think.

One for the DIY fans. In this new series, Martin Russ penetrates deep into the heart of MIDI equipment and explores how they work, what chips they use and more...

Four software offerings from the authors of the popular Dr Beat Vol 1 make effective use of MIDI Song Files to bring music to your ST. Ian Waugh checks the imports.

Polyphonic Sampling Keyboard

Put six S612 modules in a box, stick a keyboard on it, add some new features, and you've got Akai's contender in the budget sampling keyboard stakes. Simon Trask takes notes.

Atari ST Software

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Or is it possibly the most impressive piece of software around? Ian Waugh plugs into the Grid and emerges a wiser man.

Software for the Atari ST

The first release from a British company called System Exclusive is a 128-track sequencer for the Atari ST. Simon 'ST Trask (and his assistant, 'Mouse') find it both powerful and flexible.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 8: Martin Russ explains the circular nature of parameter editing and data dumps.

Software and Hardware

Newer, cheaper models have brought the Apple Macintosh within the reach of an increasing number of musicians. Tim Tully presents an overview of hardware and software products for the computer that pioneered the Graphical User Interface.