Technology Terminology

URL---Uniform Resource Locator.  The standard location address of web pages indicated: i.e.,http://www.menc.org/

MIDI---Musical Instrument Digital Interface.  A computer language that allows computers, synthesizers, and other devices to communicate with each other.

SMF---Standard MIDI File.  A format that allows MIDI files to be shared between virtually all computers, synthesizers, and music software programs.  Standard MIDI format 1 is usually utilized; however, a 0 format is also available.

GM---General MIDI. A standard format that develops a hierarchical standardized organization for patches of specific sounds that can be read by other synthesizers, computers, and sequencing programs. This allows you to specify a sound for a melody or accompaniment in a MIDI file and an "approximate" sound will be assigned as the file is played on another device.  Thus an assigned piano patch will be played with an approximate piano sound on another instrument and not a brass or other instrument.  The sound will be similar but not exact depending on the quality or similarity of the sound developed by the device performing the file. The General MIDI format specifies Channel 10 for percussion sounds.  This is important to make a note of as accompaniment files are developed so sounds that correspond to percussion instruments are assigned to this channel.