Exploded MIDI Files

[mojo69]

Working with Cubase VST32 and having trouble importing MIDI Files.

I'm importing karaoke song MIDI files from a programme known as 'MIDI Note Player For Hit Trax' - the intention being to import the files and then mute particular tracks to provide backing tracks for a duo.

However, evertime I import - the files appear as 'Exploded'? MIDI files. Also, I cannot alter the volume level either with the master volume in Cubase or my sound card's (M-Audio 2496) mixer. The only way I can adjust the volume level is with the MIDI Track Mixer.

I'd appreciate any help with this problem.

[richiebee]

Cubase VST 32 is from 2002. I suggest you upgrade.

While the MIDI protocol itself remains virtually unchanged, the way we use it has changed significantly. Besides which, you'll probably have trouble finding someone who remembers what it was like!

[mojo69]

Fair enough I intend to - but surely somebody can explain what an 'exploded' midi file is? And why the volume level in Cubase and my sound card mixer isn't working?

[garww]

More importantly is how does the MIDI Note Player export. You are exporting to standard MIDI format ???

I keep Van Basco's Karoke/MIDI player on my desktop to check MIDI compliance.

[mojo69]

Good question! Just been into MIDI Note Player and saved the file as a MIDI file in MIDI Note Player - saved file into folder on my drive then exported from the folder into cubase. On this occasion the file appeared as a standard MIDI file in cubase not as an exploded file. However, the volume problem still remains.

[mojo69]

I have Van Basco's Karoke/MIDI player too. What do you mean by checking MIDI compliance and how do you do this?

[garww]

In my sequencers, I run into a like problem because there is a Vol. level in the parameters for each track. This may be part of the the MIDI Mystery ??

I'm attaching a JPEG of my MIDI Event list. There are usually Volume parameters here, but I edit them out for my projects. You might also be able to set a Ignore Parameters in the system setup.

And, this may be a different problem ?

[garww]

Originally Posted by mojo69

I have Van Basco's Karoke/MIDI player too. What do you mean by checking MIDI compliance and how do you do this?

Basco seems to play just about anything, so if I get a load error it's mucked.

[mojo69]

I've started saving the MIDI Note Player file as a MIDI file on my hard drive - (MIDI Note Player offers the option of saving as a MIDI file or as a NoteSoft(.not) file - then importing into Cubase. This now has solved the 'exploded' track problem - each track now appears as a separate instrument - guitar, flute, etc.

When I import I receive a message asking if I want to merge into current arrangement - I click yes and they are imported into different tracks.

Microsoft GS Wavetable is playing the tracks when they are imported. My sound card has a Delta AP MIDI and no facility to play MIDI files.

I usually then select Groove Machine to play the drum track and other VSTis such as Edirol Orchestral, etc, to play others.

When I switch to the VSTis I can then alter the volume with the Master Mixer. However, if the track is still aligned to GS Wavetable the Master Mixer has no control over the volume.

I've been into Key Edit and tried to change the volume there but it makes no difference.

I'd like to get this issue solved as I don't want volume problems occuring when I eventually mix down and export the MIDI flles as an audio file for burning to CD. If some of the tracks are still aligned to the GS Wavetable this may happen?

[garww]

I suggest you make some system arrangements for MIDI. Take a look at;
forums.scummvm.org :: View topic - Guide: How to tune your ScummVM music/sound (Win2K/XP/Vista)
Tim Brechbill's Timidity++ Download Site

I have replaced GS Wavetable with TiMIDity and use some of my good old Sound Fonts - Merlin Pro and Chaos, for example. There is also a GUS library - EAW patches that are very good.

I bring this up because I see people trying to use MIDI, but are bypassing the basics - Thinking VSTi are some sort of substitute. They are a step above GS Wavetable - certainly : )

I have not really been down this path, but it seems as if many of the audio based applications require you to "render" the MIDI output and then use that wave for your mastering.

You can also use SynthFont to render. Attached is a MIDI render using SynthFont with Merlin soundfont and VSTi on VOX and organ tracks. Low quality example, but the WAV is pretty good.