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At the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) annual meeting during Winter NAMM 2020, MMA members unanimously adopted MIDI 2.0 specifications including: MIDI Capability Inquiry, Universal MIDI Packet (UMP) Format and MIDI 2.0 Protocol, MIDI CI Profiles Rules, MIDI-CI Property Exchange Rules, Property Exchange Foundational Resources and Basic Resources. Here's why MIDI 2.0 is the biggest advance in music technology in decades.
MIDI 2.0 Means Two-way MIDI Conversations
MIDI 1.0 messages went in one direction: from a transmitter to a receiver. MIDI 2.0 is bi-directional and changes MIDI from a monologue to a dialog. For example, with the new MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) messages, MIDI 2.0 devices can talk to each other, and auto-configure themselves to work together. They can also exchange information on functionality. MIDI 2.0 gear can find out if a device doesn't support MIDI 2.0, and then simply communicate using MIDI 1.0.
Higher Resolution, More Controllers and Better Timing
MIDI 2.0 re-imagines the role of performance controllers, the aspect of MIDI that translates human performance gestures to computer data. Controllers (CC) are now easier to use, and there are more of them: over 32,000 controllers, including controls for individual notes. Enhanced, 32-bit resolution gives controls a smooth, continuous, "analog" feel. New Note-On options were added for articulation control and precise note pitch. In addition, dynamic response (velocity) has been upgraded. What's more, major timing improvements in MIDI 2.0 can apply to MIDI 1.0 devices. In fact, some MIDI 1.0 gear can even "retrofit" certain MIDI 2.0 features.
Profile Configuration
MIDI gear can now have Profiles that can dynamically configure a device for a particular use case. If a control surface queries a device with a "mixer" Profile, then the controls will map to faders, panpots, and other mixer parameters. But with a "drawbar organ" Profile, that same control surface can map its controls automatically to virtual drawbars and other keyboard parameters. For another example a device could map to dimmers if the profile is a lighting controller. This saves setup time, improves workflow, and eliminates tedious manual programming.
Property Exchange
While Profiles set up an entire device, Property Exchange messages provide specific, detailed information sharing. These messages can discover, retrieve, and set many properties like preset names, individual parameter settings, and unique functionalities. Basically, everything a MIDI 2.0 device needs to know about another MIDI 2.0 device. For example, your recording software could display everything you need to know about a synthesizer onscreen, effectively bringing hardware synths up to the same level of recallability as their software counterparts.
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I got my newsletter from them today too. Great news.
I'm puzzled they did not choose to add chord symbols to the MIDI standard, unless it's buried in there and I haven't found it yet.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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I am a little puzzled with MIDI 2... Here is why. Most modern peripherals use either USB or Bluetooth for midi and in most cases they include either a piece of software (excluding the driver) or VST or similar. Many settings and profiles are saved within that software per session / project or VST state. To my understanding MIDI stuff is happening "within" the hardware and proprietary software for that specific device interprets it. But that is what we have now... The only issue I have with MIDI is latency, when for example I want to record "live" to the project. This can be dealt with by adjusting things manually, but speaking of MIDI 2, I do not believe that it has "something" to address latency. I do get that a PRO audio musicians might need more control and features, I just do not get how an average hobbyist or amateur musician can benefit from this, assuming they have gear purchased within last few years. Maybe I am just getting older 
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Latency is all about your computer. Amateurs trying to set up a home studio for the first time are usually trying to use a low cost weak PC for recording and the the number one question they have is why do I have this delay when I try to play a software synth live or the flip side of that, why to I get these weird glitches in my audio?
Otherwise, yes we older guys don't get why midi 2.0 is important because we're not using all these complicated synth controllers or control surfaces like the Ableton Push to produce music us older people can't stand listening to. We're all mostly guitarists or keyboard players while young "bedroom producers" are not making music that way. It's all computer based and then the older midi standard can be a pia to work with because of all the control surface midi mapping required especially with an older piece of gear.
The bigger thing for me is the much higher resolution and almost unlimited amount of CC's available in the new standard. How many times have we read even here on this forum "How can I make my midi tracks sound more realistic?" It's all about controllers and interacting with midi software. If all you're doing is step editing notes and then quantizing them then the new standard won't matter, the result will still sound stiff and mechanical. But, if a good player is using controllers and software that can handle the new midi standard then all that goes away and it will be a very big deal.
Biab is midi based in everything it does. It uses midi commands to execute things we want to do like generating RT's and everything else. If it can be made to handle the new standard it could be a big deal but I have no idea if that's possible without a complete rewrite of the code.
We're still a ways away from those new products becoming available, this is just an agreement about the new standard and I read there were just a few pieces of gear at NAMM that conform to it. One is a new Roland 88 key keyboard controller. If it's connected to a software VST that also conforms then we could start hearing some examples but I've not see that yet.
Bob
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I would hope that a new standard would include chords, but apparently that is not the case.
Another thing I wish was standardized is middle C. I know that it is MIDI note 60 but companies can call it C3, C4 or C5. That is very confusing, especially for a beginner. Sometimes it even messes me up!
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On +++ THIS +++ webpage there is an interesting statement about MIDI 2.0 and USB. However the statement is not given the prominence it should have. I've edited the statement for clarity below: MIDI 1.0 messages currently are transported over (1) 5 pin DIN, (2) serial ports, (3) 1/8" Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) cables, (4) Firewire, (5) Ethernet and (6) USB.
There needs to be a MIDI 2.0 specification for each transport. USB is the first target for MIDI 2.0. The vast majority of MIDI products are connected to computers or hosts via USB. There is also a statement that a USB transport committee has been assembled and the committee has already met one time. The statement then continues: There is a new Universal Packet Format that will be common to all modern transports that will help make this work move quicker. The new Universal Packet contains both MIDI 1 .0 messages and MIDI 2.0 messages plus some messages that can be used with both. In looking through the MIDI.ORG forum posts, I do not believe I've seen any posts by developers or users regarding chord recognition leading me to believe chord recognition is not, and has not been, part of the MIDI 1.0 or MIDI 2.0 discussion.
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Jazzmammal, I guess yes, resolution is a factor, reading the article Jim posted, Midi 1 was potentially capable of 14 bits, just was not "widely implemented" Ohh yes this: "How can I make my midi tracks sound more realistic?" A good sample based library? Jim, interesting article, thank you for posting! I still have some doubt. To me, manufacturer of specific product will still decide to "be or not to be". For example Komplete Kontrol. Modern-yes. For some reason chaining for Midi Plugins (internal MIDI output from MIDI VST plugins / MIDI VSTs that control MIDI Input.) is missing. Not there. Period. And this is very basic stuff, that had been asked for ages...And NI is one of the most popular software/hardware companies. My point is, you can have a state of the art hardware/software, but if owners are stubborn, MIDI 2 will not help, because they might advertise product as one, but implement only partially, to their own benefit. And I believe it is a general trend these days. Monopolistic / proprietary approach. The eternal Apple vs Android saga
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There is a 53 minute video from the 2019 Audio Developers Conference (ADC) of a presentation by two Steinberg developers. The meat of the video is Steinberg believes the VST3 specification is better than MIDI 2.0. That is like comparing an apple to an orange.
One interesting point a Midi Manufacturer Association (MMA)representative made in another ADC presentation is it will be up to the host program (such as Band-in-a-Box & RealBand) to translate any communication between MIDI 2.0 and a plugin. The MMA is building a programmer toolkit to facilitate testing and verifying translation applications. I've got the feeling that is going to be a rocky road with many false starts before it works correctly.
A video I viewed demonstrated communication between two MIDI 2.0 devices. One device used system exclusive messages to transmit it's GUI to another device and then the second device mirrored device 1's GUI and followed control movements in real time. It was a really impressive demonstration of what is possible.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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