MMA PRES . CRAIG ANDERTON
MIDI 2.0 Continues Rapid Evolution Prior to Product Releases Members of the MIDI Manufacturers Association have reviewed and adopted eight new MIDI 2.0 specification families , bringing the total to 13 finalized specs . The eight new specifications take advantage of MIDI Capability Inquiry ( CI ), a protocol that expands MIDI with new features while protecting backward compatibility . MIDI 2.0 devices can query MIDI 2.0 and 1.0 gear automatically about the functions they include , follow rules that create user-friendly profiles for different instrument types , and standardize formats for exchanging properties ( such as preset data ) among instruments and DAWs . Furthermore , a universal MIDI data packet accommodates communicating both MIDI 2.0 and 1.0 data over USB .
Parallel MMA working groups are currently working on specifications for default control mappings , orchestral articulations , guitar controllers , wind controllers , a standard file format for MIDI 2.0 , and other elements designed to add both convenience and power to upcoming MIDI 2.0 products .
“ It ’ s fascinating to see what ’ s going on behind the scenes , particularly because of the effort being put into backwards compatibility . As a result , I expect that the transition to MIDI 2.0 won ’ t be a jarring change , but a smooth crossfade that will enhance current systems for years to come ,” says MMA President Craig Anderton .
For details on the new specs , MIDI 2.0 spec downloads , and more , go to www . midi . org .
RIVERSONG ’ S MIKE MILTIMORE
Riversong Moves into New HQ Riversong Guitars has completed its move into a new location . The British Columbiabased guitar company says it ’ s a bright open shop designed with lean principles and an eye to boutique-style guitar building .
Part of the plan was to have Riversong ’ s corporate head office and factory under one roof . The two-storey , 8,000-sq . -ft . shop has also been upgraded with a new vacuum system , environmentally-friendly UV cure finish system , a six-head helical planer , separated CNC section , and plenty of room for expansion .
“ I am so pleased with our new space . Efficiency is way up , and the natural light , separate mechanical room , and layout makes the new shop really enjoyable to work in ,” says Riversong CEO and Founder Mike Miltimore . “ Setup went really well and we are already in the process of developing new designs ! So excited about positive things to come out of our new space , even in spite of the global pandemic .”
For more information , contact Riversong Guitars : 250-319-5050 , info @ riversongguitars . com , www . riversongguitars . com .
B & J Music Now the Exclusive Canadian Distributor for Monster Cables
B & J Music , a division of Jam Industries , is now the exclusive Canadian distributor for Monster Cables .
In business for 40 years , Monster ’ s guitar and bass cables are used by a large array of professional musicians . In addition to performing musicians , Monster cables are also widely used in the studio . It covers the high-end cable market with its Monster Prolink Series and the entry- and mid-level market with the Monster Classic Series .
“ Monster have been the leader in cables for 40 years . They are on countless classic albums and have been seen on stage for decades . B & J Music are proud to bring this great product back to music stores across Canada ,” says B & J Music VP David McAllister .
For more information , contact B & J Music : 800-268-8147 , bandj @ jamindustries . com , www . bjmusiconline . com .
12 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE