Glossary

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

CC

Control Change, a MIDI message that represents adjusting a "controller", e.g. turning a modwhweel. 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.

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.

XG

Yamaha XG standard.