The enduring legacy of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard continues to resonate within the music industry, proving its relevance even decades after its inception. As musicians increasingly rely on seamless connectivity between instruments and computers, Microsoft has taken a significant step forward with the latest update to Windows 11.
MIDI Enhancements in Windows 11
With the rollout of Windows 11 build 27788, Microsoft introduces the Windows MIDI Services Public Preview, a comprehensive overhaul aimed at enhancing the user experience for musicians while laying a robust foundation for future innovations. A key highlight of this update is the full support for MIDI 2.0, which promises to elevate the capabilities of music production.
This latest build, currently accessible to Windows Insiders on the Canary channel, brings a plethora of MIDI-related enhancements. Collaborating with AMEI, Microsoft has launched a new USB MIDI 2.0 Class Driver that maintains backward compatibility with MIDI 1.0. Additionally, users can explore the Windows MIDI Services App SDK, which includes a MIDI Settings app designed for managing endpoints, renaming ports, creating loopback devices, and overseeing network MIDI 2.0 connections.
Microsoft’s revamped MIDI stack, Windows MIDI Services, introduces a host of compelling features:
- Full support of the MIDI 2.0 Standard: This includes high-speed data transmission, enhanced message fidelity, increased resolution for controller values, and comprehensive in-service MIDI 2.0 endpoint discovery and protocol negotiation.
- Faster transports: Improved timing and reduced jitter enhance the overall performance of MIDI communications.
- Advanced USB MIDI driver: This driver supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
- Multi-client endpoints: Every endpoint can now be accessed by multiple applications simultaneously, allowing for greater flexibility in music production.
- Enhanced endpoint and port management: Users will benefit from improved organization and functionality.
- In-service scheduling: Outgoing timestamped messages and timestamped incoming messages can be managed for applications utilizing the new Windows MIDI Services App SDK.
- Built-in loopback and app-to-app MIDI: This feature facilitates more complex routing and interaction between applications.
- Automatic translation: The system will automatically convert between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 based on the needs of the API, application, and device.
- Expanded device metadata: Applications will have access to a wealth of device information, enhancing functionality.
- Improved notifications: Users will receive better alerts for device additions, updates, and removals.
- Backward compatibility: The new system retains compatibility with the WinMM (MME) MIDI 1.0 API, allowing applications to leverage new features without requiring modifications, while still accessing MIDI 2.0 devices at a MIDI 1.0 feature level.
- Open source initiative: The MIDI Service, along with all associated transports, tools, tests, and the SDK, is available as MIT-licensed open source, developed in collaboration with global hardware and software partners.
For those eager to delve deeper into these advancements, further details are readily available.
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