Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > May 2005 > 2005.05.03 > 03Prev  Next


MIDI Files Identification
By Bill Flynt

Tom Lear recently suggested the use of a computer program called
PowerTracks when editing MIDI files.  I, too, have been a frequent user
of this program, particularly for "imprinting" identification data on
the MIDI file, such as its tune title, originator, editor, etc.

If it's intended to be a "piano sound" (such as a scanned piano roll),
then it's wise to initialize the patch to "grand piano".  Since some
synthesizers do not automatically default to the piano sound, you
might be listening to a piano selection sounding like a flute or
saxophone.  Downloadable MIDI files which originated as scanned rolls
usually don't have this initialization built in.

In the case of orchestrated MIDI files, you can analyze the individual
tracks (flutes, strings, drums, etc.) by using PowerTracks.
In addition, playback tempo can be adjusted throughout the file or in
selected areas.  This is handy for the critical listener, because
scanned piano rolls often have no compensation for paper buildup, and
the playback seems to slow down toward the end of the tune.

There are other musical utilities, such as WindJammer and CakeWalk,
which, I believe, can perform the same functions.

Bill Flynt
11815 Woodbridge Dr.
Dallas, TX 75243
972/644-2493 home
214/929-7625 cell


(Message sent Tue 3 May 2005, 14:08:01 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Files, Identification, MIDI

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page