MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specifications

The "Complete" MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification captured the state of MIDI as of 1996 and is for developers, hobbyists, technicians, and others who want to know about the inner workings of MIDI, and includes sections on the following topics:

• MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification (Electrical Specification and Protocol)
• Standard MIDI Files
• MIDI Show Control
• MIDI Machine Control
• MIDI Time Code

Despite the name, this document is not "complete" as it does not contain the numerous supplements and addenda to the MIDI Specifications which were made after 1996. Those are available (separately, below and elsewhere on this website) and must be consulted to have a current understanding of MIDI technology.

This document is available for download here (see link below), and is identical to last printed version with some minor corrections and reformatting for publication as a PDF. It does not contain any of the new MIDI Messages and/or Recommended Practices that are listed below.

Download the Complete MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification Document (1996)

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MIDI 1.0 Specification Addenda [after 1996]

The following changes/additions became part of the MIDI 1.0 Specification after the "96.1" publication and should be consulted to have a current understanding of MIDI technology. Click on the names to download the documents:

• Version 2 MIDI Implementation Chart
• Response to Reset All Controllers
• Response to Data Increment/Decrement Controller
• Sound Controller Defaults (Revised)
• Renaming of CC91 and CC93
• File Reference SysEx Message
• Sample Dump Size/Rate/Name Extensions
• MIDI Tuning (Updated Specification)
• Controller Destination SysEx Message
• Key-based Instrument Controller SysEx Message
• Global Parameter Control SysEx Message
• Master Fine/Coarse Tuning SysEx Message
• Redefinition of RPN01 and RPN02 (Channel Fine/Coarse Tuning)
• RPN05 Modulation Depth Range
• Extension 00-01 to File Ref SysEx Message
• Default Pan Formula
• High-Resolution Velocity Prefix
• Three Dimensional Sound Controllers
• Electrical Specification Update [2014]
• NEW: MIDI Capability Inquiry (MIDI-CI) Messages

SMF Specification Changes [after 1996]

The following changes were made to the Standard MIDI File Specification after the "96.1" publication and should be consulted to have a current understanding of Stanndard MIDI Files. Click on the names to download the documents:

• SMF Lyric Events Definition
• SMF Device/Program Name Meta-events
• SMF Language and Display Extensions
• XMF Patch Prefix Meta Event

General MIDI Specification Changes [after 1996]

The General MIDI Level 1 Specification was updated to Level 2, and a General MIDI "Lite" version for cell phones was also developed after the "96.1" publication. See the GM section of this website to download those documents.

Supplemental Specifications [after 1996]

The following Specifications and Recommended Practice documents were developed after the "96.1" publication and are available through the links below:

• Downloadable Sounds (DLS) (includes DLS, DLS2, and Mobile DLS)
• Specification for MIDI over IEEE-1394
• eXtensible Music Format (XMF) (includes XMF, mobile XMF, and related RPs)
• Scalable Polyphony MIDI (SP-MIDI)
• MIDI XML Names DTDs
• Mobile Phone Control
• Mobile Musical Instrument
• MIDI Visual Control
• Specification for MIDI over BLE
• NEW: MIDI Polyphonic Expression ("MPE")
• NEW: Specification for Use of "TRS" Connectors with MIDI Devices

All of these documents are provided free of charge to members of the MIDI Association. Please register to download... it's Free!