What is MIDI in Samsung phone?
What is MIDI?
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a technical standard that describes a protocol, digital interface, and electrical connectors that connect a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, computers, and related audio devices for playing, editing and recording music (Source: https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/MIDI-Musical-Instrument-Digital-Interface).
MIDI allows various digital musical instruments, computers, tablets, and smartphones to connect and communicate with each other. MIDI messages communicate information such as musical notes, volume, vibrato, panning, cues, clock signals, and lyrics. This data can be transmitted via MIDI cables or wirelessly using Bluetooth MIDI. A device equipped with MIDI inputs and outputs can connect to other MIDI devices to control one another or exchange MIDI data.
MIDI is commonly used to trigger sounds and control synthesisers, samplers, drum machines, stage lighting, and more. Producing a song typically involves connecting MIDI keyboard controllers, drum machines, and other equipment to a computer running a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The MIDI data generated from the musical performance is recorded into the DAW to create the song elements and arrangement (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI). This enables the seamless integration of musical instruments and computer software.
MIDI Support in Samsung Phones
Many recent Samsung Galaxy models include native MIDI support, allowing users to connect MIDI keyboards and controllers directly to their phones via USB OTG cables or wireless adapters. This gives musicians access to professional music production capabilities right on their mobile devices.
According to Quora, some of the best Samsung phones for MIDI support include the Galaxy S21 Ultra and other high-end models like the S20 and Note 20 series. Mid-range options like the Galaxy A51 and A71 also have decent MIDI functionality when used with MIDI apps.
Lower-end Samsung phones may not have full native MIDI support, but can still be used for basic MIDI input and output when used with third-party apps. However, the experience may not be seamless compared to having built-in operating system-level MIDI integration.
Overall, Samsung has been adding better MIDI support in its flagship phones over the past few years. But for guaranteed full-fledged MIDI capabilities, musicians should look for specific model numbers known to offer deep integration and low-latency MIDI handling.
How to Use MIDI on Samsung Phones
Samsung phones support connecting external MIDI devices like keyboards and controllers via USB or Bluetooth. This allows you to use your phone to control virtual instruments and record MIDI data.
To connect a MIDI device via USB, you may need to enable MIDI mode in your phone’s Developer options. Go to Settings > Developer options and enable the “MIDI” option. Now when you connect your MIDI keyboard or controller via USB, your phone should recognize it.
For Bluetooth MIDI devices, you’ll need to pair your phone and MIDI device via Bluetooth first. Then in your MIDI app, you can select that Bluetooth MIDI device as your input.
There are many MIDI apps available for Samsung phones that support recording, editing, and playing back MIDI files. Popular options include Caustic 3, FL Studio Mobile, MIDI Studio, and more. In these apps you can record MIDI data from your controller, add virtual instruments, edit note timing and velocity, etc.
You can also use your phone’s built-in Sounds app to play MIDI files. Just load the MIDI file you want and you can hear it played back using your phone’s internal sounds.
Controlling Instruments and Sounds
Samsung phones can be used as MIDI controllers to control both hardware and software instruments. This allows you to use your phone’s touchscreen as an interface for making music.
To use a Samsung phone as a MIDI controller, you need to connect it to the instrument or software you want to control. Here are a few options:
Connect wirelessly via WiFi using apps like TouchDAW. This allows you to control DAWs like FL Studio running on your computer or tablet.
Use a USB OTG cable or adapter to connect your Samsung phone to a hardware synthesizer. The phone will function as a MIDI controller for playing the synth.
Install virtual instrument apps on your Samsung phone like Animoog or iSEM and control them directly using the touchscreen.
Some music production apps like Caustic and GarageBand allow you to control their built-in instruments and sounds using your phone as a MIDI controller.
Overall, the MIDI support in Samsung phones opens up many possibilities for mobile music making by transforming the device into a versatile controller.
Making Music with Samsung MIDI
Samsung phones with MIDI support allow users to produce full tracks and compositions directly on their devices. The Samsung Soundcamp app provides a digital audio workstation with MIDI piano roll editing, various instruments sounds, and support for recording and mixing up to 8 tracks (source). Users can draw in MIDI note data to compose melodies and harmonies. The multitrack interface is useful for building up layered arrangements with drums, bass, pads, leads, and more.
In addition to studio production, Samsung’s MIDI implementation enables musicians to perform live with their phones. By connecting a MIDI controller like a keyboard, users can play software instruments in real-time. The latency is low enough for stage performances. With synthesizer apps, the phone essentially becomes the sound module. This allows for extremely portable live rigs. Artists are beginning to incorporate Samsung phones into their live shows using MIDI controllers or other interfaces (source).
Independent artists are taking advantage of Samsung’s MIDI support to write, record, and release tracks directly from their phones. The accessibility and power of mobile music production is enabling more people to create music. Overall, the MIDI capabilities allow Samsung devices to be used for professional studio productions or casual music-making equally well.
Benefits of Samsung MIDI Support
One of the biggest benefits of using MIDI on Samsung phones is the convenience and portability it provides. With just your phone, you have access to a powerful MIDI controller and instrument sounds, without needing to carry around bulky gear. Your Samsung device gives you mobile music production capabilities in the palm of your hand.
MIDI on Samsung phones also offers significant cost savings compared to purchasing dedicated MIDI keyboards, synthesizers, and other gear. The MIDI features are built into Samsung devices you likely already own. This allows you to create music on a budget, using just your smartphone. While serious musicians may still want high-end gear, Samsung’s MIDI support provides an affordable entry point for casual hobbyists or beginners looking to experiment with MIDI music production.
Overall, the convenience, portability, and cost savings of MIDI support on Samsung phones makes music creation more accessible. You can start making music anytime, anywhere, without expensive equipment. This provides creative freedom and opportunities not possible before mobiles devices offered built-in MIDI capabilities.
Limitations of Samsung MIDI
While Samsung phones offer excellent MIDI support, there are some limitations to using MIDI on a mobile device compared to a desktop setup.
One main limitation is the small screen size. While you can connect an external MIDI keyboard, you’ll be reliant on the phone’s screen to view and edit MIDI data. The limited screen real estate can make tasks like editing MIDI notes and automation more tedious compared to a large monitor.[1]
Phones also have limited processing power compared to a computer, which can cause issues with latency and playback of complex projects.[2] The CPU-intensive nature of MIDI playback combined with other running apps can impact audio performance.
Audio latency is another common challenge with mobile music production. The delay between playing a note on a MIDI keyboard and hearing the sound from the phone speakers makes playing in real time difficult. There are often workarounds like using low-latency audio apps, but latency can still be an issue.[3]
Top MIDI Apps for Samsung
Here are some of the top recommended MIDI apps for Samsung phones:
MIDI Commander
MIDI Commander (https://www.jihosoft.com/android-tips/best-midi-controller-keyboard-apps.html) is a powerful MIDI controller app that lets you connect hardware MIDI devices to your phone via USB. It supports note input, MIDI sync, MIDI mapping, and more. MIDI Commander has a great interface optimized for mobile screens.
Caustic 3
Caustic 3 (https://www.iconnectivity.com/blog/2020/8/13/android-music-making-apps-our-pick-of-the-best) is an advanced music creation and production app for Android. It provides tools for synthesizers, drum machines, effects, and live performance. Caustic 3 enables making full electronic music tracks with MIDI control.
Piano MIDI Legend
Piano MIDI Legend is a simple but functional MIDI keyboard app. It transforms your phone into a MIDI keyboard and drum pad for making music anywhere. The app has piano, organ, and MIDI drum modes. It’s easy to use and great for jamming out quick song ideas.
MIDI Alternatives for Samsung
While MIDI is a popular standard for music creation on mobile devices, there are some alternatives available for Samsung users who want more flexibility:
One option is to use the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol. OSC allows for greater customization and can transmit higher resolution data compared to MIDI. Some Samsung apps like Caustic 3 support OSC for wireless control of instruments and effects parameters.[1] The downside is less compatibility with MIDI hardware gear.
Another simple alternative is to use an audio cable like a 3.5mm aux cord to connect a hardware synthesizer or audio interface to a Samsung device. This analog connection can capture the pure audio output rather than digital MIDI data. However, you lose the benefits of MIDI like individual note tracking and parameter automation. It’s a more basic audio capture approach.
For Samsung users seeking maximum creative flexibility, using MIDI alongside alternatives like OSC and audio cables can provide additional options. It depends ultimately on your workflow, gear, and musical needs.
[1] https://alternativeto.net/software/synthesia/?platform=android
The Future of Mobile MIDI
The future of MIDI on mobile devices looks bright, with expectations that new features and advancements will continue to enhance music creation capabilities. Some predictions for the future of mobile MIDI include:
MIDI 2.0 Support: The new MIDI 2.0 specification brings major improvements like increased resolution, more controllers, and bi-directional communication (MusicRadar, 2022). As this new standard is adopted, mobile OSes and apps will likely add compatibility.
Augmented Reality Integration: Mobile MIDI could integrate with AR, allowing virtual instruments and music tools to be manipulated and played within real-world environments (CME Pro, 2023).
Enhanced Touch/Motion Controls: Advancing touchscreens and motion sensors may provide more expressive and intuitive ways to perform and manipulate MIDI instruments using a mobile device.
Increased Processing Power: As mobile processors continue improving, mobile MIDI apps could handle more complex virtual instruments, effects, and audio capabilities.
An ideal future for mobile MIDI would include features like seamless backward compatibility, multi-device workflows, wireless connectivity, customizable interfaces, AI assistance, social sharing, and full music production capabilities rivaling desktop setups (Sound on Sound). However, battery life, processing constraints, and cost considerations may limit some features on mobile platforms.