MIDI-CI Property Exchange uses JSON over SysEx to get and set device data with no bespoke software

Property Exchange is a MIDI-CI mechanism that transmits JSON key-value pairs (a Property is, e.g., “channel”: 1) as MIDI-CI Universal System Exclusive messages, so one device can read and write structured data on another. This lets DAWs and controllers auto-map themselves to hardware — program lists, parameter ranges, channel assignments, visual editors — without device-specific plugins or manual setup, and it works across desktop, mobile, and web-browser systems. Its durability benefit is key: gear that relies on Property Exchange rather than custom SysEx software is not stranded when operating systems or DAWs change. A MIDI Port or Channel can act as a Resource carrying a collection of PE Properties.

Examples

A DAW uses Property Exchange to read a synth’s patch list over USB MIDI 1.0 and display it in a browser editor — no vendor plugin required.

Assessment

A synth maker wants patch loading to work in any DAW without a custom plugin. Which MIDI 2.0 mechanism enables this, what data format does it carry, and why does it improve the gear’s longevity?