Software Recommendations?

[deltahotel]

Hi, I'm a newb here.
Can you make recommendations for MIDI file editing software?
Hopefully something easy to learn. Too many features becomes overwhelming.

I've used Noteworthy Composer, which is great for creating new files, but I've had problems using it to read and edit an existing file.

[Emerald Midi]

Hi deltahotel and welcome to the forum.

Have a look at this site where you will find what you're looking for - and it's free!

midimart.proboards56.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=links&thread=1130417732&page=1

[deltahotel]

Thanks for the help. I'm downloading it now. I'll let you know what I think.

[oldsage]

try synthfont to change all your settings even if you dont have a dedicated soundcard you can download a soundfont bank of any size and use it,it will also get rid of lyrics in the file and will also let you alter the soundfonts that you use there is a manual or literature on how to use it.this software is free but you can donate to it if you want to.try it and see what you think.if you want a fairly cheap pro package try dolphin music for cakewalk music maker £39.or you could try evolution sound studio pro2,this is bundled software with a controller keyboard for £69 approx if you are interested i,ll get the web site info for you oldsage

[oldsage]

hi it,s oldsage i,ve done a check cakewalk music creater3 £39 inc vat www.dolphinmusic.co.uk
ekeys49 with sound studio 2+ othe bundled software £69.99
ekeys37 with sound studio 2+ other bundles software £39.99 www.maudio.co.uk these 2 are keyboards that you can plug straight into your usb sockets .with this setup you can produce your own songs by playing onto different tracks and then edit instruments.full documentation is included, and i think it is excellent value for the money.i have sound studio 1 but this is getting a bit long in the tooth as its only 16 bits version 2 is fully 32bit compliant and includes vsti plugins and other goodies.i hope this is of some help oldsage

[blankensbb]

Midi software help ..... I am looking for Midi software ? I use a laptop with windows 98 and a Yamaha MU90 R rack unit . The laptop runst the sound module . at the moment I use Vanbascoes to do my nights work. (I do not use the words screen) The software sends a reset before each file which can be handy........ Can you tell me what software you guys and gals use in your laptops please as I am looking for something that i can have better play lists any sugestions appreciated Thanks Bernie

[Steptoe]

I use Cakewalk's virtual Jukebox which is bundled into most versions of cakewalk. It;s perfect for me, it can be programmed so each song will stop at the end or continuous play for selected songs, stop and start is simply by pushing the space bar! and the play list can be changed by dragging the songs up or down! All your playlists can be named and saved for future use.

[steveb]

Hi Steptoe

I also have Cakewalk 9, but I feel that Virtual Sound Canvas has a much better sound and it seems to use less C.P.U. power on my laptop.
I tried the Virtual Jukebox in Cakewalk but the laptop was running at full C.P.U
Can you give me your thoughts on this
Steve

[Steptoe]

Hi Steve

That seems strange, I've never had any problems with cakewalk using up processing power, I would have thought that playing Midi files wouldn't be a big draw on the C.P.U particulary on modern machines. I used to run in on an older laptop a while back running Win98 and once again no problems.
As to the sound, I am now using an USB plug in soundcard that I picked up at Jaycar for $15! And it does sound better than the built in laptop soundcard.

There is another programme I toyed with for a while called Song Librarian which is designed for live performance of Midi files www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/The_Song_Librarian32/It has an excellent interface and large screen display. I might try it again, it did seem a bit harder to get up and running than cakewalk, but thats probably my fault as I tend to get a bit impatient if I can't figure it out straight away! ;D

[levi2]

i still prefer to use minidisc on stage dunno why prolly less setting up than a laptop and midi sound device
levi2

[Steptoe]

I used to use a mini disc player and setting up the laptop is just the same, Plug it into the PA and go! Plus no fiddling with discs, recording the files to disc and I also use the laptop on DJ gigs with a programme called BPM............ ;D

[levi2]

steptoe
do you use the laptops own sound card or an external usb because i find the built in soundcards are not very good. Even on my new laptop Also do you not get any earth hum when the laptop is plugged into the PA if not have you removed the earth wire from the plug or are you using a adaptor between laptop and PA to stop the hum.

levi2

[Emerald Midi]

steptoe said:

I also use the laptop on DJ gigs with a programme called BPM............ ;D

Steptoe does this programme work with, for example; Mp3s?

I'm thinking along the lines of if someone was using midi files that have been converted to Mp3.

[steveb]

Hi Levi2

1...do you use the laptops own sound card or an external usb because i find the built in soundcards are not very good. Even on my new laptop

2...Also do you not get any earth hum when the laptop is plugged into the PA if not have you removed the earth wire from the plug or are you using a adaptor between laptop and PA to stop the hum.

1....I use VIRTUAL SOUND CANVAS with great results

2...I do get a little hum through the P.A. with the laptop plugged in to A.C.. If you keep your battery charged you can remove the power cable for each set.

[Steptoe]

levi2 said:

steptoe
do you use the laptops own sound card or an external usb because i find the built in soundcards are not very good. Even on my new laptop Also do you not get any earth hum when the laptop is plugged into the PA if not have you removed the earth wire from the plug or are you using a adaptor between laptop and PA to stop the hum.

levi2

I was using the laptops soundcard originally which I found OK but wear and tear on the ear phone jack was causing a bit of noise so I opted for a USB external soundcard which does have a bit more oomph.

I haven't had any problem with earth hum but a friend of mine who is a full time DJ bought a new laptop and was experiencing hum, he's using a double apdapter with the earth lug snapped off, not really recommended but it got rid of the hum, he also uses a surge protector as well just in case that missing earth lug does cause a catastrophe!

Steptoe does this programme work with, for example; Mp3s?

I'm thinking along the lines of if someone was using midi files that have been converted to Mp3.

I use BPM only with MP3's, it's the best software DJ programme I have seen, it is a bit pricey though.

[levi2]

Hi Steptoe
Heres a link to a small bit of hardware to stop the earth hum i was sent this link by a single artist who uses a laptop for stage work and he says it works a treat. The link is a UK site but im sure youll be able to find a one in australia

www.beststuff.co.uk/xitel_ground_loop_isolator.htm

Levi2

[levi2]

steve
When you say you use VSC do you mean their sound driver as i have tried it and to me seems very poor

levi2

[bingo]

i use midifile optimizer from midiland for editing very easy to use best ive used worth every penny