MMA adopts new specs for MIDI 2.0
MMA adopts new specs for MIDI 2.0
Members of the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) have adopted eight new specification families for MIDI 2.0 gear, bringing the total to 13. The eight new specifications take advantage of MIDI Capability Inquiry (CI), a protocol that expands MIDI with new features while protecting backward compatibility. The association credits the thought and care that went into the original MIDI specifications as the reason it has managed to go 35 years without requiring a major update and it is attempting to put the same thought and care into the updated version. Most notably, the 2.0 spec increases resolution from 7- to 32-bit and introduces two-way MIDI conversations.
MIDI 2.0 devices can query MIDI 2.0 and 1.0 gear automatically about the functions they include, follow rules that create user-friendly profiles for different instrument types and standardise formats for exchanging properties (such as preset data) among instruments and DAWs. Furthermore, a universal MIDI data packet accommodates communicating both MIDI 2.0 and 1.0 data over USB.
Parallel MMA working groups are currently working on specifications for default control mappings, orchestral articulations, guitar controllers, wind controllers, a standard file format for MIDI 2.0 and other elements designed to add both convenience and power to upcoming MIDI 2.0 products.
“It’s fascinating to see what’s going on behind the scenes, particularly because of the effort being put into backwards compatibility,” stated MMA president, Craig Anderton. “As a result, I expect that the transition to MIDI 2.0 won’t be a jarring change, but a smooth crossfade that will enhance current systems for years to come.”
