The MIDI standard has always supported the idea that a receiving device or program will ignore any midi message that the device or program does not understand. MIDI 2.0 follows that tradition.

MIDI 1 is a serial protocol where information only travels one way from master to receiever. The master transmits data and the other devices within the chain receive data. Devices within the chain can add more data but the master controls the data chain.

What has changed in MIDI 2.0 is that devices can converse and data flow is bi-directional. The conversation starts with a question, "do you want to converse in MIDI 2 or MIDI 1?" When devices answer MIDI 2.0, data is formatted in both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 formats so older devices will continue to be able to receive data. A MIDI 1.0 device will ignore any MIDI 2.0 data it receives but will echo (re-transmit) all data through it's midi out or through port.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
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