-Evolution: From MIDI to XG-



ike the original MIDI standard, the limitations of GM quickly came into view. The range of parameters standardized by GM was very limited, and when an artist wants very fine expressive control, or the ability to create large orchestrations, these limitations become formidable. For example, GM provides no standards for reverb control, effect volume, effect balance, or other subtle-but-important musical parameters. Musical data may therefore not sound the way its creator originally intended.



he Yamaha XG format announced in September 1994 was developed to expand and complement the already successful GM standard. XG is totally upward-compatible with GM while providing a vastly expanded voice set, voice editing capability, multiple effects, external inputs, and a number of other significant features that make it perfect for music and multimedia applications. XG promises greater musicality and reproducibility than ever before.



ecent advances in computer technology have made it possible for just about anyone to produce high-quality graphics, animation, and sound without the need for huge investments in equipment and facilities, and without the need for special knowledge or training. No longer a passive observer/listener, the "user" can now take an active role in the production process. The gap between producer and consumer has been dramatically narrowed.



he freedom and controllability provided by MIDI music data are essentially unprecedented, and point to the emergence of totally new hobbies and artforms. Game music, edutainment, and music education are all fields which are beginning to grow at an astonishing pace and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.



he MIDI concept is inextricably linked to "communication". If two MIDI devices can exchange information via a cable, than those two devices can exchange the same information via satellite (this has actually already been done a number of times). And since the size of an SMF file is much smaller than that of a comparable audio file, MIDI becomes a clear choice for music data communication. On-line karaoke and on-line MIDI data sales are already a reality.



s the integration of text, visual, and audio data becomes more sophisticated and networking becomes more widespread, the need for improved musical expression, interactive music production capability, music education, more advanced game music, and network distribution of music data grow correspondingly. The need for XG is already here and its growing fast!

|What's XG|



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