Volume levels

[cowboy79]

Any suggestions welcome. I have a selection of midi files which I use. Some are much louder than others. This means I have to keep leaping to the mixer desk between numbers to adjust the volume.

Does anyone know if there is a program I can use to level the volumes on the midis so when I do the sound check I can leave it alone.

Adrian

[thingyy]

Note pad and ears.
Make a note of the ones you keep altering.
Reduce or increase levels.
Save.
Dont use headphones as the frequency responce is a lot different to an amp and speakers.

[JazzCat]

Although there are programs that claim it, there is really no program that will do it for you.

Here are the reasons.

1- A MIDI files 'loudness' depends on more factors than CC7 (main channel volume) alone, and this is the only parameter that is affected by these little programs that do batch editing.

2- CC11 (Expression) settings may be different in each file.

3- Patch choices van affect 'loudness' as some patches are inherently louder or softer than others.

4- Individual note velocities may be very low or very high.

Any one of these parameters or combination of them will affect the 'loudness' of a file.
Each MIDI file is unique. The only way to truly equalize them is to get into them and see what's making them tick, and remix each one, using one file as a reference file. Do not look at that file's CCs and note velocities and try to do the changes with you eyes. As Thingie said, you gotta use your ears.

[cowboy79]

Thanks for the advice folks

I am using a MK88 Backtracker midi player it is great for saving keys, tempo and blocking the melody line only thing it does not seem to save is the volume. If anyone knows a better player would love to know. I am not a key board player. basically a singer with a bit of rhythm guitar.

Cheers

[thingyy]

You may need to check that all old volume levels are deleted before saving new ones.
Eg in Cakewalk there are 2 places where some info is saved
1 in the grid
2 In the bars via event edit.
Also if it is a read only file you cant save untill properties are changed on opening the file.

[moonie]

Hi cowboy, if you are looking for a free program to edit midi files [and as cat has said you may need to go "deeper" than just volumes] try midilocator.com for their free version. Also try running your midi's through a unit [mixing console or tape deck] that has db meters to help you level the tracks volumes but do take into consideration that a file with just bass and drums may need to be a little quieter than a file with all the instruments to sound balanced? Best of luck

[don]

Hi Cowboy,
I have overcome this program sometimes by increasing the velocity of the track or tracks that need a boost as well as adding a little chorus that works too. By the way I use Cakewalk 3 as my editor.
Good Luck.
Don.

[don]

Hi Cowboy please change program to problem for my previous thread and it will make sense.
"Hic" I am enjoying my beer.
Don.

[trout]

Hi Cowboy,
you could try loading the files into cakewalk and lowering the global volume of the loud files to match the low level volume ones and save.
This will solve your problem