![]() to sound more like an imperfect real drummer.Īnyway, there are two possibilities, if looking for a software solution. There are many CAL routines that are handy, such as "Randomize" which can impart a more-real feel to a robotic track by introducing slight timing variations, or randomizing things like Hi-Hat or snare velocities, etc. MIDI is a serial protocol, so the more CC data it has to send means other data may get sent later, or if you have several tracks using a ton of dtata, it can even "choke" the sound module, making it get stuck on a note, stop, whatever. The same apparent "Pitch shifting" can occur using MUCH less data by "Thinning Data". If you have a MIDI track that has used a pitch or modulation wheel or some other continuous controller being moved, it generates a tremendous amount of data. ![]() What those can do is automate an edit, such as "Thin Data". ![]() The thing about Cakewalk is its extensive MIDI editing, with all the Piano Roll, Event List, Staff editing, etc, plus the very helpful CAL (Cakewalk Application Language) routines that are a tremendous help. Plus, this one WILL allow you to add some actual audio tracks, if you wish. It IS fairly complicated, but it can also be used fairly easily, if using just the basics. You do have to sign up for Bandlab to download it, but nothing says you have to use real info, and there is no ask for credit card, or no nags.Ĭakewalk/Sonar has been my favorite for decades. The other is the now-free version of Cakewalk from Bandlab. Maybe that could chain together some for performance? I don't know if it has any kind of "chain" or "playlist", though it does have an "Open Playlist" option. The free version will play the MIDI unlimited, but only two 2-minute audio tracks, which wouldn't be a problem if only playing back MIDI. It does have some basic editing, with the typical Event List Editor, Piano Roll Editor, Staff Editor, etc. I have it on my computers just to audition any MIDI tracks. The first one is fairly basic, quick loading, and can handle VSTs. “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32” and edit the “MIDIMapper” entry to direct itself to VirtualMIDISynth.If deciding on a laptop and maybe a sound module/interface, a couple of FREE software possibilities: But if not then you either have to download CoolSoft’s MIDIMapper to put that functionality back in or use a registry hack: Having just installed VirtualMIDISynth on Windows 10 myself I’ve found that it’s automatically being used by Media Player, as in the image above. Microsoft stripped out the MIDI Mapper in Windows 8 and 10, which means there’s no way to tell Windows which MIDI device to use by default. *This is actually more of a pain in the arse than you’d think. It could revolutionise the playback of MIDI files on your Windows PC. It has an integrated MIDI converter to render your MIDI files into MP3. There’s a MIDI mixer to get into track volumes and the muting of parts. It can run up to 4 virtual devices, each with its own SoundFont configuration. It appears as a device and all you have to do is select it as the default MIDI player*. You don’t have to load up a separate application or do any virtual MIDI routing. VirtualMIDISynth now installs as a multimedia driver, so it’s right there within Windows. They’ve also been around for decades, forming part of the Creative Labs Sound Blaster and Emu soundcards, but they’ve continued to grow and develop. There’s now a huge library of sounds out there, not just General MIDI, but specialised and dedicated banks for all sorts of music. ![]() SoundFonts are sample based sound libraries that are capable of being much larger, layered and detailed. VirtualMIDISynth offers the opportunity to replace the Microsoft one with something just as easy but infinitely superior. They’ve been at this a little while but the new version really nails it. Into the MIDI file sound quality void leaps VirtualMIDISynth version 2. You can, right now, head over to, download Bohemium Rhapsody ( click here) and listen to the synth play it’s little heart out (if asked how to handle the file select “Windows Media Player”). The only change or update it’s received since then is moving from 32 note polyphony to 64 note polyphony with the arrival of Windows XP in 2001. It was licensed from Roland in 1996 and based upon a sound set they created in 1991. This veritable synthesizer engine has been part of the core Windows operating System since Windows 98.
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