Hello Brian Chesters and all other Digest Readers,  For a basic
introduction to MIDI, there are lots of web sites that can give you the
information, the trouble is finding them.

A short while ago, I wrote up an intro to MIDI and put it on my web site
for the benefit of the users and prospective users of my MTP-1 MIDI to
parallel converter unit. The address is :

    http://www.warwick.ac.uk/~essfc/midi.html

Hopefully, this guide is written in a fairly approachable way.

If you want to control MIDI devices from a PC, you will need some form of
MIDI out device. Most PC sound cards (SoundBlaster etc.) have all the
MIDI protocols built in, but do not have a MIDI socket to let you connect
them to your MIDI devices directly.

To make the connection, you need an adapter which does some simple
electrical level translation and gives you the standard 5-pin DIN
connector. Adapters are available from most computer shops and mail order
suppliers, and are also easy to build yourself if you have the equipment.

Details on how to build your own can again be found from an Internet
search, or I can provide details if anyone needs some help.  I hope the
above helps.

John Wale.