MIDI Library

MIDI works with all Teensy models.

Hardware Requirements

You can use Serial.print() to observe what your program is doing, while using MIDI, or USB MIDI.

MIDI connects using the UART's transmit and receive pins.

Teensy LC and 3.x support alternate pins for some of their serial ports. Use setTX() and setRX() before MIDI.begin(). Details can be found on the serial page.

MIDI input requires an optically isolated input. Output requires only 2 resistors. This schematic is recommended for Teensy 4.x & 3.x & LC:

For Teensy 2.0, use this schematic:

When connecting the signals on the 5 pin DIN connectors, be sure to connect to the correct pins.

6N138 and some 6N139 optocouplers may be used instead of PC900 / H11L1. Many work with pin 7 unconnected, but some may require a 10K resistor from pin 7 to ground.

Basic Usage

Define which serial port will be used. Multiple ports may be used if each has a unique name, rather than the default MIDI.

Initialize the MIDI library. The receive channel may be specified, or MIDI_CHANNEL_OMNI to receive all 16 channels. This only affects reception. You can send on any MIDI channel regardless of this setting.

Transmit basic MIDI messages. These allow you to easily send each MIDI message.

Receive a MIDI message. This returns true if a message has been received, or false if no new message has arrived. After returning true, the get functions can be used to obtain the MIDI message information.

Returns the type of message received. The types are:
       midi::NoteOff
       midi::NoteOn
       midi::AfterTouchPoly
       midi::ControlChange
       midi::ProgramChange
       midi::AfterTouchChannel
       midi::PitchBend
       midi::SystemExclusive

These return the 2 data bytes of the received MIDI message.

Example Output Program

This simple examples sends a rapid sequence of notes. Not very exciting, but a simple and easy test.

#include <MIDI.h>

MIDI_CREATE_INSTANCE(HardwareSerial, Serial1, MIDI);
const int channel = 1;

void setup() {
  MIDI.begin();
}

void loop() {
  int note;
  for (note=10; note <= 127; note++) {
    MIDI.sendNoteOn(note, 100, channel);
    delay(200);
    MIDI.sendNoteOff(note, 100, channel);
  }
  delay(2000);
}

Example Input Program

/* MIDI Input Test - for use with Teensy or boards where Serial is separate from MIDI
 * As MIDI messages arrive, they are printed to the Arduino Serial Monitor.
 *
 * Where MIDI is on "Serial", eg Arduino Duemilanove or Arduino Uno, this does not work!
 *
 * This example code is released into the public domain.
 */
 
#include <MIDI.h>

MIDI_CREATE_INSTANCE(HardwareSerial, Serial1, MIDI);

void setup() {
  MIDI.begin(MIDI_CHANNEL_OMNI);
  Serial.begin(57600);
  Serial.println("MIDI Input Test");
}

unsigned long t=0;

void loop() {
  int type, note, velocity, channel, d1, d2;
  if (MIDI.read()) {                    // Is there a MIDI message incoming ?
    byte type = MIDI.getType();
    switch (type) {
      case midi::NoteOn:
        note = MIDI.getData1();
        velocity = MIDI.getData2();
        channel = MIDI.getChannel();
        if (velocity > 0) {
          Serial.println(String("Note On:  ch=") + channel + ", note=" + note + ", velocity=" + velocity);
        } else {
          Serial.println(String("Note Off: ch=") + channel + ", note=" + note);
        }
        break;
      case midi::NoteOff:
        note = MIDI.getData1();
        velocity = MIDI.getData2();
        channel = MIDI.getChannel();
        Serial.println(String("Note Off: ch=") + channel + ", note=" + note + ", velocity=" + velocity);
        break;
      default:
        d1 = MIDI.getData1();
        d2 = MIDI.getData2();
        Serial.println(String("Message, type=") + type + ", data = " + d1 + " " + d2);
    }
    t = millis();
  }
  if (millis() - t > 10000) {
    t += 10000;
    Serial.println("(inactivity)");
  }
}

Demo Board, PCB Design Files

Single Side Version
Standard Version

The board in the photos was fabricated by Futurlec. Their single-side service is probably the least expensive for only a single piece. When PJRC made this prototype, Futurlec's service was very slow.... so slow that we have not used them since.

For the highest quality, OSH Park is usually best. Using the normal files, you should see this preview when using their website.

The extra diode between the 2 MIDI connectors is a 5.6V zener. Other than this extra diode, the circuit board followed the schematic shown above. The zener diode is not necessary for normal opertation, but does provide extra protection if external voltage is applied to the MIDI OUT port.

Details