Glossary

This page should contain short definitions of common acronyms relevant to MIDI modules and so on.

CAF/CAf

Channel Aftertouch or Channel Pressure. A MIDI message that is sent by some keyboards with "aftertouch" features. It can also be used like a CC-style controller in some cases.

CC

Control Change. A MIDI message that represents adjusting a "controller", e.g. turning a modwheel. Used both for the MIDI message and for the the numbered controllers that the messages use. GM–GS–XG quick reference lists some CCs.

GM

GM1

GM2

General MIDI (versions 1 or 2). References to just GM usually refer to version 1.

GS

Roland GS standard.

MIDI

Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Wikipedia's article on MIDI may be helpful.

NRPN

Non-Registered Parameter Number. This is a standard MIDI feature used for standard parameters shared between synths (e.g. General MIDI uses it). This is a MIDI concept similar to a controller (CC), but instead of sending a single CC, setting an RPN requires sending an NRPN MSB CC, NRPN LSB CC, and then Data Entry CCs (usually just Data Entry MSB). GM–GS–XG quick reference lists some NRPNs and the CCs used for them. See also NRPN.

RPN

Registered Parameter Number. This is a standard MIDI feature used for manufacturer-specific additional parameters (e.g. XG and GS use it). This is a MIDI concept similar to a controller (CC), but instead of sending a single CC, setting an RPN requires sending an RPN MSB CC, RPN LSB CC, and then Data Entry CCs (usually just Data Entry MSB). GM–GS–XG quick reference lists some RPNs and the CCs used for them. See also RPN.

SC

Roland Sound Canvas series.

SMF

Standard MIDI File. The standard format for MIDI files (usually have the ".mid" extension). The standard can be downloaded from midi.org (free after logging in).

TVA

Time Variable Amplifier. Roland's name for the "amplifer" controlled by the volume envelope on e.g. SC devices. Parameters with "TVA" in the name have something to do with volume/amplitude.

TVF

Time Variable Filter. Roland's name for the low-pass filter controlled by the filter envelope on e.g. SC devices. "TVF cutoff" is therefore low-pass filter cutoff.

XG

Yamaha XG standard.