Universal SysEx Identity Request (7E 7F 06 01)
The standardized MIDI 1.0 Non-Real Time query message that prompts any compliant hardware synthesizer to report its manufacturer, family, and firmware revision.
# Mathematical Formula & Architecture
Logic SpecificationQuery: F0 7E <deviceID> 06 01 F7. Response: F0 7E <deviceID> 06 02 <mfgID> <familyLSB> <familyMSB> <memberLSB> <memberMSB> <rev1> <rev2> <rev3> <rev4> F7
def build_identity_request(device_id: int = 0x7F) -> bytes:
"""Constructs Universal Non-Real Time MIDI Identity Request. 0x7F = All Call (broadcast)."""
return bytes([0xF0, 0x7E, device_id, 0x06, 0x01, 0xF7])
def parse_identity_reply(data: bytes) -> dict:
if len(data) >= 15 and data[0:4] == bytes([0xF0, 0x7E]) and data[4:6] == bytes([0x06, 0x02]):
return {
"device_id": data[2],
"mfg_id": data[5],
"family": (data[8] << 8) | data[7],
"model": (data[10] << 8) | data[9],
"firmware": f"{data[11]}.{data[12]}.{data[13]}.{data[14]}"
}
return {}
# Deep Technical Analysis & Historical Context
Adopted by the MMA in the late 1980s, the Universal Non-Real Time Identity Request is the fundamental handshake mechanism for modern patch librarians. When Bipluk connects to a hardware synth over Web MIDI, it broadcasts `F0 7E 7F 06 01 F7`. Any compliant synthesizer recognizes the 0x7E header and sub-ID 0x06 (General Information) / 0x01 (Identity Request) and replies with its unique hardware fingerprint. This allows Bipluk to instantly detect whether the connected board is a Roland D-50, Korg Wavestation, or Access Virus without requiring manual user configuration.
Common Studio Pitfall & Hardware Hazard
Pre-1986 synths (like original unmodded Yamaha DX7 firmware or Juno-106) predate the Universal SysEx standard and will ignore this query, requiring manufacturer-specific dump requests.
# Hardware Synthesizers Using This Technology
Click any synthesizer below to explore its specific memory protect routine, factory soundbanks, and Web MIDI SysEx cloud backup engine:
# Frequently Asked Engineering Questions
What is device ID 0x7F in SysEx?
0x7F is the universal 'Broadcast' or 'Disregard Device ID' channel. It tells every connected synthesizer on the daisy chain to listen and process the message regardless of its internal MIDI channel setting.
Related Engineering Concepts
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