What is General MIDI?
In 1983 the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) opened the door to communication
between various musical instruments and computers.Compatibility at a basic level was
consistent and reliable but each manufacture and each model used various technologies,
and had varying features.There had been a great variation in features of various sound generating
devices, such as tone choices and locations, MIDI Channel assignments, etc.
The General MIDI System Level 1 (adopted in 1991) is a set of specifications for sound generating
devices which has been agreed upon by both the Japanese MIDI Standards Committee (JMSC) and the
American MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA).These specifications seek to allow for the creation of
music data which is not limited to equipment by a particular manufacturer or to specific models.
The General MIDI system defines data events such as the minimum number of voices that should
correspond to which Program Change numbers, and the layout of Rhythm sounds on the
keyboard.Thanks to these specifications, any device that is equipped with sound sources supporting the
General MIDI system will be able to accurately reproduce General MIDI Scores (Music Data created for
the General MIDI System), regardless of the manufacture or the model.
What is GS Format?
The GS format is a set of specifications for sound sources which defines the manner in
which multi-timbral sound generating units will respond to MIDI messages.The GS Format
also complies with the General MIDI System.
The GS Format, from Roland, also defines a number of other details. These include unique
specifications for sounds and the functions available for tone editing and effects (chorus and reverb), and
other specifications concerning the manner in which sound sources will respond to MIDI
messages.Any device that is equipped with GS Format sound source can faithfully reproduce GS Music
Data (music data created under the GS format).
Roland fully supports General MIDI while providing the GS Format as a means to access compatibility
and features beyond those specified within GM.General MIDI defines fundamental support to allow
wide compatibility across a wide range of products.The more detailed definitions within the GS Format
allow greater creative control for compatible sounds sources.
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