What Are MIDI Song Files?

MIDI files are many things to many people. They are spoken about by musicians, computer users, studio engineers, etc. Each of these different types of users may have individual applications for MIDI files; leaving the new comer bemused at what may appear to be a ‘Black Art’. In this section we will try to inform the beginner of the uses and advantages of using MIDI files, and explain some of the terms used to identify the various formats.

MIDI files are most commonly supplied on a 3.5“ floppy disk, exactly the same as used on today’s computers. This is the media. These floppy disks are usually either type DD (Double Density), or the higher capacity HD (High Density). Keyboards fitted with HD disk drives can use either HD, or DD disks. However, keyboards with DD disk drives can only use DD disk. For this reason, most MIDI files are currently supplied on DD disks. It is likely that in the future DD media will become obsolete, for this reason check that any new equipment you buy is fitted with an HD disk drive!

The full title of a MIDI file is a Standard MIDI File (SMF), with the key issue being that they are standardised. This standard is very strict for commercial MIDI file manufacturers (such as those offered in the BCK catalogue) to ensure they operate correctly on all equipment designed to play them. Part of this standard is that the disk format must be of a DOS type. This makes certain the disk can be read by all the following computers: PC’s , MAC (via Apple file exchange), Atari, Amiga (via any DOS file exchange), and of course, all musical instruments, with a disk drive, that bears the GM, GS, XG logo.

This format represents the background on to which data, or if you prefer, information is written. For a MIDI file, this data is recognised by the keyboard, or computer program as musical notes and related controls. This is where the hardware (keyboard or computer), and the software (MIDI file) form a partnership. The MIDI file can do nothing without hardware, the hardware will not have the information to play the selected music without the software.

A MIDI file, unlike a record or tape, does not carry any sound. It’s best to think that the MIDI file data is pressing the keys of a keyboard automatically. Therefore, the sound of the MIDI file is as good (or bad) as the keyboard that’s playing it. Similarly, the control you have over the MIDI file depends on the controls offered by the keyboard or computer program. For example; the MIDI file may be playing in the wrong key for the musician. All MIDI files can be transposed, but if the hardware does not have a transpose control, obviously this can not be done.

“I might as well use a tape recording”. A quote often heard at exhibitions which underlines how little is generally understood about MIDI files. In their simplest form, a MIDI file could be regarded as an intelligent record, but their use goes much further than this. As mentioned before, what you get out of a MIDI file depends on how much you can control it. A keyboard may just be able to mute the melody line, enabling the user to play along with the backing. Most keyboards will also give the musician a tempo control. Both of these basic features are not available on a tape recording (remember, if you alter the tempo of a tape recording, the pitch will also change!). So, immediately there is an advantage for MIDI files.

Further controls found on computer sequencer programs offer a wealth of benefits over audio recordings. Here are just a few features that can be found on the low priced MIDI Connections Light program: Change individual voice sounds/volume/pan/reverb/chorus. Transpose individual or all tracks. Adjust tempo. View file lyrics. Analyse harmony and create chord structure. View as notation. Print music, chords, guitar tab, and lyrics. And of course, the ability to edit every single note. Just imagine, you can make your own personal arrangements of your favorite songs.

Many MIDI files available from BCK feature encoded lyrics (where appropriate). These are not merely printed, but actually encoded in the data to synchronise with the song. This development can only be viewed on more recent keyboards and computer programs that are equipped with this function - but the future will most likely see all new equipment providing this amazing facility.

Vocal harmony tracks are also offered on many MIDI files. To use these the system must include a MIDI Vocoder unit. A number of these currently exist i.e. Korg iH, Digitech Vocalist, and aspecially optimised MIDI file vocoder by Tune 1000. - the "Harmony Box". Harmony works by setting the vocoder to MIDI channel 5. This track contains the notes that make up the harmony of the selected song. When the singer sings in the microphone the original note and words are mixed with the programmed harmony to produce the effect of up to four singers! - Magic.

 Questions & Answers

Q. What does Format 1 & Format 0 mean?

A. MIDI files known as format 1 have all their separate instruments on individual tracks. Format 0 contains all these tracks mixed down to one track. Most keyboards use format 0 only, and because you can not see the tracks, format 1 would be of no value. All MIDI files in this catalogue are format 0. Modern computer sequencers automatically convert these to format 1 during loading, or if not, can be made to separate the tracks by MIDI channel (which amounts to the same).

Q.What’s the difference between GM & GS?

A. GM MIDI files use a standardised set of 128 sounds. GS instruments also use this set plus a few hundred extra sounds in subsets. Until recently the rule of thumb was you can use GM & GS MIDI files on a GS instrument, but you could only use GM MIDI files on a GM instrument. On modern GM equipment you can also use GS files. - read the GS article below for details.

Q. Can I transpose MIDI files?

A. All MIDI files can be transposed and edited in all kinds of ways provided that your keyboard has the appropriate controls. See opposite for details

Q. Do I get printed music with MIDI files?

A. Commercial MIDI files tend to fall into two camps. There are simple arrangements of songs, complete with printed music, or there are more realistic and complex MIDI files, such as those in this catalogue, that do not. However, you can transpose the MIDI file to a more suitable key, and print the melody (or any) line on a computer printer - for your own personal use.

GS MIDI files - Dave Smith of Roland R&D explains....

The GS Format is a set of specifications for sound sources which defines the manner in which multi-timbral sound generating units will respond to MIDI messages. The GS Format also complies with the General MIDI System - Level 1.

The GS Format, from Roland, also defines a number of other details. These include unique specifications for sounds and the functions available for tone editing and effects (Chorus & Reverb), and other specifications concerning the manner in which sounds sources will respond to MIDI messages. Any device that is equipped with GS Format sound source can faithfully reproduce GS Music Data (music data created under the GS Format).

Roland fully supports General MIDI while providing the GS Format as a means to access compatibility and features beyond those specified within GM. General MIDI defines fundamental support to allow wide compatibility across a wide range of products. The more detailed definitions within the GS Format allow greater creative control for compatible sound sources.

In October of last year, Microsoft realising the full potential of Roland GS Format adopted the GS sound set and will be using them in their new Microsoft Network, the DirectX™ APIs and Microsoft® Internet Explorer. This combination of Roland’s GS Format and the forthcoming Microsoft software Synthesizer will result in unprecedented compatibility, flexibility and sound quality in interactive musical applications.

Here’s what Microsoft had to say. “By combining Roland’s superior sample set of GS Sounds with our soon to be released ActiveMusic Control and DirectMusic™ API, we assure the user the highest quality audio experience on the PC,” said John Ludwig, Vice President of the Internet platform and tools division.

Recognizing that music is essential to a top-notch interactive entertainment experience, Microsoft has created a comprehensive interactive music solution consisting of intelligent musical accompaniment and software synthesis featuring the Roland GS Sound Set. Users can expect to see this technology appear in numerous Microsoft Internet and desktop products in the coming months the first of which will be included on MSN™, The Microsoft Network.

“We are proud that Microsoft has chosen Roland’s GS Sound Set for its music applications,” said Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi, Chairman and CEO of Roland Corp. “We believe that the combination of Microsoft’s proven software expertise and Roland’s industry-leading GS Format will enhance the compatibility and expand the use of MIDI, as well as provide a vast improvement in the quality of interactive audio.

Roland introduced the world’s first GS Format/General MIDI compatibility sound module in 1991 in the shape of the SC-55 Sound Canvas. As a GS product, it supported Roland’s extensions to the General MIDI specification, giving MIDI users additional sounds and controls. The Sound Canvas has been recognized as the reference for General MIDI compatibility by the Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG) of the MIDI Manufacturers’ Association (MMA). The sounds Roland has licensed to Microsoft included the complete GS instrument collection supported by Microsoft software Synthesizer.

Although the GS mark is currently not used on other manufacturers’ instruments, you will find that the majority of these instruments are now GM and GS compatible.