Shareware Music Machine
NEW Music Software Discussion & Help Forums
Now with Private Messaging, Profiles, Avatars, Better Searching & Much More!
Hitsquad.com
The World's Biggest Music Software Site  
Home | Site Map | News | Search | What's New? | Discussion | Add Listing | Advertising
 
Hitsquad.com
- Musicians Web Center
Below is one of thousands of messages contained in our Music Software Discussion & Help Forum

Re: Convert MIDI file to MP3 format

Posted by Ricky Roy Ripple (from: 152.163.163.109) on August 27, 2002 at 23:44:29:

In Reply to: Convert MIDI file to MP3 format posted by bill braun on March 23, 2001 at 20:52:47:

: I need help on converting MIDI files to an MP3 format. Also want to convert Quicktime file to MP3 format. What programs do I need to use? Are there any step by step instructions to assit one thru the process.

: thanks

How to Convert MIDI to MP3 or CD

Two of the most common questions asked on this site are, "How can I convert MIDI to MP3?" and "Can I make a music CD from MIDI files?" Both are possible, but the process can be a little complicated.

In order to make MP3 files or a music CD, the MIDI files must first be converted to WAV files. These WAV files can then be burned directly to a CD, or converted to MP3. Technically, MIDI can't be "converted," since MIDI isn't digital audio (for a fuller explanation, see MIDI and MP3: What's the Difference?). Simply stated, MIDI files have to be recorded. Luckily, there are many tools to make this easier.

Cakewalk's latest product, SONAR, can convert MIDI files to WAV using included DXi plugins. SONAR is a complete recording studio package and is well worth its $450 price, but is pretty expensive for someone who just wants to convert MIDI files.

A less expensive option is the new Band in a Box version 11, from PG Music which features "Direct-to-Disk" audio rendering. At $88, this program provides hours of enjoyment by automatically generating melodies and accompaniment. MIDI to WAV rendering is just one of its many features.

Do you want an even cheaper option? Try WAVmaker or AudioCompositor. WAVmaker is a rather complex commercial program ($49); the demo version won't work for anything but the included examples. The shareware AudioCompositor ($40 to register) works quite well if you have a good SoundFont to load into it. (SoundBlaster Live! and many other cards use SoundFonts. These are files ending in .sf2).

A no-cost way to turn a MIDI file into a WAV is to simply record it. If you have a MIDI sequencer such as Cakewalk Pro Audio, you can set two audio tracks to record while you play the MIDI tracks. (A full explanation of converting MIDI to WAV is offered by Cakewalk). If you don't have a MIDI sequencer, you will need an audio recording program to use this method. The Recorder which comes with Windows is limited to one minute of recording time, so you will need something else. Your computer or sound card may have come with a "stereo rack" program which serves the purpose. If you are serious about making audio recordings, reasonably-priced programs include Cool Edit 2000 and Sound Forge XP.

Once you have selected your audio recording program, you simply play the MIDI file while recording. Depending upon your setup, you may have to connect a cable between the sound card's output and input jacks.

The resulting WAV files can then be burned to a CD using any CD recording program, or converted to MP3 files.

Remember that WAV files are quite large, so after you have burned your CD or made your MP3 files, delete the WAV's to save space on your hard drive.

Unfortunately for Mac users, all of the software described here is for Windows only. That should change soon.


Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:

Click here to be notified by email when someone replies to your message


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Music Software Discussion & Help Page ] [ FAQ ]

Shareware Music Machine
Is Proudly Sponsored by


MUSIC SOFTWARE
Windows 95 to XP 
Windows 3.1 
Macintosh 
BeOS 
Linux 
OS/2 
DOS 
Atari 

RESOURCES
Competitions-Prizes 
Tutorials & Advice 
Discussion Forum 
Reference Books 
Free Content For Webmasters 
Free Banners 
News Archive 
Search 
Guitars 

COMPANY INFO
Advertising Media Kit 
Hitsquad Home Page 
Privacy Policy 
SMM People 
Web Cam 
Contact Info 

 

Home | Site Map | News | Search | What's New? | Discussion | Add Listing |Guitarsite | Advertising
The Musicians Web Center for music resource and industry information on the Net
Click here to add Shareware Music Machine to your del.icio.us bookmarks
Hitsquad.com
Copyright © Hitsquad Pty Ltd 1995 - 2009 All rights reserved.