Frequently asked questions about MIDI

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What is the difference between a sampler and a synth?

The difference is quite simple really. A sampler is capable of recording audio and letting you arrange the audio in a manner that lets you play it back when you hit a key on your keyboard. Within the sampler, you can loop the audio sample, add filters and FX, create multisamples within instrument patches (for example, you can define which samples are played, depending on how hard you hit a key). Many samplers come with synthesis engines built in. Synths are different than samplers in the way that in most cases, synths can generate sounds on the fly. There are tons of different types of synthesis; analog and digital being the most commonly heard and used terms, re-synthesis and physical modeling being just a few of the more exotic types.

What is MIDI?
How do I make a MIDIFILE?
How do I connect a MIDI keyboard to my computer?
What is a MIDI Interface, where can I get one, and how much do they cost?
What is a sequencer, and why should I use one?
What are the different sequencers, and what are the differences between them?
Should I be using a Macintosh computer or a PC to sequence music?
Are there any software packages available for printing out notation of my music or midifiles?
Can I convert a MIDIFILE to a WAV file?
Can I convert a WAV file to a MIDIFILE?
Help! I'm hearing 'double notes' when I play something on my keyboard into the sequencer!
What does 'multitimbral' mean?
What is 'polyphony'?
What is the difference between a sampler and a synth?
How do I make a midifile play on my website?

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