Hi Jody:

I'm the builder of MIDI-controlled Fairground Organs.  I've been on you
automatic music forum for a while now.  Yesterday I was organizing my
files and came across your introduction way back in May 95.  I re-read
it and realized that you seem to be knowledgeable with MIDI programming
and might be able to help me in my present dilemma.  So,I have a
question for you if you don't mind.  I really do not know who to turn
to and you might be able to help me out by referring me to a book, or
someone who might be able to help me, or help me yourself.

I presently play MIDI files using a Roland SD35 MiDI FIle Player and
Synthesizer.  I make these files using the Master Traks Pro5
(Macintosh) sequencing program.  Since Roland does not make such a
device anymore, I am looking into storing my files on Eprom or flash
cards rather than disk.  That is where I need additional information
about this subject so I can design and program a converter device to do
the above.

I would like to find out how MIDI data (such as that coming from a
sequencer or file player - containing channel,note number,on or off,
volume data) is stored in disk or rom.  I can do the machine language
programming and building of an 8085-operated device but I do not know
the format and rules for storing the MIDI data.  What interests me most
is how the note durations are handled.

I suppose that after I learn what is necessary to store the data, I
will be able to understand how to read the data from the Eprom and
reconvert it to a valid MIDI data stream with the correct duration
between note on and note off.  This data stream will be used to play a
synthesizer and, after passing through a MIDI Converter board (already
existing), play the percussions such as the glock, drums, triangle,
etc.

Now, I understand how to transmit and receive MIDI data.  That is not a
problem since I did build a MIDI Converter board which processes data
only from channel 10 (percussions) and 11 (glockenspiel). It's the
storage of the data that I need help on.

I have a copy of the MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specs 1987 but there is very
little mention of MIDI file storage.

It is difficult framing the question I had in mind without knowing the
process.  I hope you can understand what is bothering me.

What can you do to help me?  I can make you happy, perhaps, by sending
you a disk of a  few of my arrangements of bouncy fairground organ
tunes to play on a synth.

Thanks.¶
Andy LaTorre