Convert Mid to MP3 Question

[jacqui01]

I want to convert some files to MP3, I downloaded Direct Midi to MP3 Converter to try, but how do I take out the Melody Line and change key first then save the file before I convert it, if I play the file in the Basic Vanbasco midi file player it shows all the instruments but if I make changes then save the file under a new name, it just opens up again, but just as the original again.
I tried it in Jazz Ware, when I open the programme it shows a sample file with no name showing all parts, but when I load a file it shows no parts, the file just plays back on one/first line, I can't see anyway to cut out melody, or modify the file.
What am I doing wrong Please Help
Jacqui

[rogerch]

Jacqui,

I'm not sure the proggie you are using but you need to delete the melody line out of the midi is your using a converter. If you record it you could just mute the melody line.

If you want I can fix you up. What I do is use cakewalk 9.0 and just mute the melody and in my case the BASS line also and record it to hard disk, them convert .wav to .mp3.

Roger

[rogerch]

oops...I forgot about the changing keys....This is easy also in cakewalk. You would change all the tracks except the drums, it moves in semi tones up or down and then you just save it as a new midi file.

Roger

[ziggy]

I have Direct Midi to MP3 Converter, it's no good just muting the melody line because it takes the file straight from your folder. I also use Cakewalk, & what I do is create a separate folder & copy the midis that I want to convert to that folder, thus keeping the original. In that folder I delete any unwanted tracks, such as the vocal line or backing vocal line, then I add them to the converter. When you convert, the program gives you the option to replace the files, which I select, then when it's finished, I have a folder containing the MP3s, the original midis are still in their original folders.
Hope that makes sense.

[ironbaden]

i use virtual soundcanvas ...works great... i usually make seperate mp3's of each instrument in the midi and load each into cool edit pro...i can then eq each track differently and mix it better

[midimart]

Jacqui....

In jazzware all you have to do is goto "MISC" and click on "Split Tracks".

You will have all the tracks on separate lines.... Delete or - highlight the track by clicking on the track number (Far Left) going to "EDIT" and click "Cut"....

That track should now be gone..... Re-save (under a different name - not to lose the original) and then record it.

If you want to change key just goto "EDIT" and click transpose, not forgeting to highlight the track first.

Easy peasy....

[jford]

I like using the Virtual Sound Canvas (VSC) also to convert MIDI files to audio format. The thing I really like is that I can load a whole folder of files to convert. I just tell it which files, and off it goes.

I got my copy of VSC when I bought Band-In-A-Box from PGMusic.

-- John

[a.j.]

I have to agree with John and Ironbaden. VSC has to be the simplest midi to audio convertor I have used, and really quick. Obviously unwanted stuff has to be deleted first.

I have got into the habit of using it to create a very quick audio CD backup of the midi files that we will be using in case of notebook problems (although Murphy's Law dictates that nothing will go wrong until the day that I don't do this)

The Powertracks (PG music) tackles the conversion a different way, in that you create a separate audio track in the file, and record to it real time, by hitting the record button and allowing the file to play. The result is a stereo audio track of the file. This is a longwinded way of doing what VSC does in a few seconds, but does allow for real time mixing during the recording process - what you can hear is what you will get.

I don't know whether any other software pakages work the same way. I'm not familiar with Cakewalk or Cubase, but they probably have a similar facility.