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How To Convert Midi files to MP3  (Read 7329 times)

Started by squallcolin, February 25, 2004, 07:57:04 pm
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squallcolin

How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#1  February 25, 2004, 07:57:04 pm
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Hello! Some of you asked this question before:

Quote
wat program can convert mids to mp3's?

Those of you who want to know how to convert midi to MP3 may continue reading.

There are a few ways it can be done. This is one of it.

Method
======

Step 1
=====

Use a player which supports recording to .WAV format. (Example: Winamp, Wingroove, etc.). (In this case I recommend Winamp since Wingroove only allows 30 seconds of recording only, (i.e. until you register the shareware...)


Step 2
=====

My Winamp version: 2.73

Choose to open the menu. Press Alt+Cursor Down, Select Winamp, Options, then Preferences.

Step 3
=====

Choose Output from the Plugins. Select Nullsoft Disk Writer plug-in and press the Configure button or double click on it. Select the directory (or folder) where you want the WAV file to be stored. Click the Close button.

Step 4
=====

Clear the playlist. Load the midi file that you want to convert. (Example: Let's say you want to record the boss battle theme in Valkyrie Profile. Load this file: Confidence_In_Dormination.mid).

Step 5
=====

Press the play button or press X. Recording will be in progress.

Step 6
=====

Now the WAV file will be in the folder which you specified. Now you have to encode them into MPEG 1 Layer-III format (MP3). Choose a MP3 encoding program. I recommend this program:

SCMPX mpegaudio player Version 1.51 or later.
(For this tutorial, I'll be using version 1.51 for Windows 9X/NT.)


Step 7
=====

Open the program. Click on the Convert button. Choose:

1. Single File (if you're converting only 1 at a time)

or

2. Multiple file (if you're converting 2 or more files at the same time.)

Choose Encoding MPx.

Step 8
=====

Locate the WAV file where you've created previously. Click OK.

Step 9
=====

Save As dialog box will appear. Choose where you want to store the MP3 file.
Click Save.

Voila! That's all to it. Try it. Good Luck!

^_^

Note: After you've done with the conversion, please, remember to Press Alt+Cursor Down, Choose Winamp, then Options then Preferences. Choose Output. Click the Nullsoft WaveOut plugin, then click Configure. Click OK.

(You don't want lots of WAV files to plague your hard disk whenever you listen to your music in Winamp, right? ;) )

^_^[/color]
 
Last Edit: February 25, 2004, 10:46:04 pm by squallcolin

DKDC

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#2  February 25, 2004, 08:51:29 pm
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I have a related question... Speaking of midi files, I can't play them on my comp (the one that doesn't have a net connection) : RealPlayer asks to DL a plugin (so I can't, and as I don't know which plugin it is, I can't just look for it by myself) and Windows Media Player seems to play but keeps silent, and I think other progs like Winamp do the same (and I guess trying your method would record just nothing)... Strange. I looked in the options of all of my players, and didn't find any option that seemed related. Anyone knows what this is ? If not, bah, just don't mind my post.
If I struggled to the end of my determination, to the end of my way of life with my followers, if the result is ruin, then this ruin is inevitable. Grieve. Shed tears. But you cannot regret.
Last Edit: February 25, 2004, 08:54:35 pm by Byakko

BlackJack

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#3  February 25, 2004, 09:55:38 pm
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Squallcolin: it's impossible to convert midi files to mp3. mp3 = music, while midi = data.

Byakko: execute dxdiag and check the different midi modes in the music section.

squallcolin

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#4  February 25, 2004, 10:44:14 pm
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Blackjack, about your reply:

Quote
Squallcolin: it's impossible to convert midi files to mp3. mp3 = music, while midi = data.

Actually it can be done. The reason I post this is because I've tried to convert Midi files to MP3 (and it works, trust me ^_^). You must have this criterias:

1. A really good soundcard (Wavetable Synthesis or Sound Blaster Live). I recommend Sound Blaster Live because the output is High-Quality.

2. The necessary programs. You must have the conversion tools installed on your hard drive. That's all.

Once you have these criterias met, there wouldn't be any problem now, would it?

I have an MP3 converted from midi (I am now using it for Mugen). It is "sfa2ken.mid" which I download from the Internet. But I was using WinGroove instead of Winamp to get the job done, though.

Blackjack, I'll post more updates on this topic soon.

^_^
Last Edit: February 25, 2004, 11:41:59 pm by squallcolin

O Ilusionista

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#5  February 25, 2004, 10:50:17 pm
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I've already converted MID to MP3 easily with WinGroove. And Winamp works too.
You can even convert WAV back to MID, but its a painfull job, which requires a lot of things, such mono audio, single tracks and especific programs.

squallcolin

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#6  February 25, 2004, 11:18:12 pm
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Blackjack, about your reply:

Quote
Squallcolin: it's impossible to convert midi files to mp3. mp3 = music, while midi = data.

Here's more updates regarding this topic.

Updates:

Make sure you have this version of Midi Plugin for Winamp

Winamp2 MIDI Plug-in v 2.51c [IN
_MIDI.DLL]

In order to make this work, you have to do this:

In Winamp, Press ALT+Cursor Down to bring out the pull down menu. Select Winamp, then Options, then click on Preference. Under Plug-ins, click on the Input, then click on Winamp2 MIDI Plug-in v 2.51c [IN
_MIDI.DLL] and press configure. Choose the output tab, and you'll see a screen like this:




Now, under sampling, make sure the "sample data (for VIS) from:" option is checked. Now, you can check this option: "Write WAV files to:" and click the button below. Now, choose the folder where you want the WAV files to be stored.
Once, you're done, press OK.

For the proceeding steps (i.e. Converting WAV files to MP3), check my first post in this topic.

To sum it up, this is how it's done:

Midi file => WAV file => MP3 file

That's all to it! Try it out yourself. Good Luck!

^_^  [/color]

Byakko, regarding your reply:

Quote
I have a related question... Speaking of midi files, I can't play them on my comp (the one that doesn't have a net connection) : RealPlayer asks to DL a plugin (so I can't, and as I don't know which plugin it is, I can't just look for it by myself) and Windows Media Player seems to play but keeps silent, and I think other progs like Winamp do the same (and I guess trying your method would record just nothing)... Strange. I looked in the options of all of my players, and didn't find any option that seemed related. Anyone knows what this is ? If not, bah, just don't mind my post.

You may follow Blackjack's advice. Then,

Check this first:

1. Make sure your Midi volume control isn't Muted.

2. Make sure you have Winamp or MusicMatch Jukebox or other Media player. (Or maybe even Windows Media Player 7 (or later).

3. Check under Control Panel, Multimedia, click the Midi tab, and check whether the correct driver for your soundcard is chosen. Mostly, MIDI OUT doesn't produce any sound through the speaker, FYI (For your information). For my Sound Blaster Live, it's B: SB Live! Midi Synth. Look for this keyword "MIDI Synth", select it, then click OK.

I don't really recommend Real player to play midi files. Either Winamp or MusicMatch Jukebox is better (in my opinion).

Hope it helps you! Good Luck!

^_^
Last Edit: February 26, 2004, 12:16:44 am by squallcolin

S.D.

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#7  February 25, 2004, 11:35:45 pm
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I think you're missing the point.
What BJ meant is that MIDI's are instructions, the instruments are played by your MIDI output card, therefore the card does the work.
MP3 files, Wav files, those are encoded sounds, not instructions.

BlackJack

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#8  February 26, 2004, 12:37:56 am
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ZantetsuMug said, February 25, 2004, 11:35:45 pm
I think you're missing the point.
What BJ meant is that MIDI's are instructions, the instruments are played by your MIDI output card, therefore the card does the work.
MP3 files, Wav files, those are encoded sounds, not instructions.
ZantetsuMug is now my official spokesman on this topic.  8)
I wonder why he's still not a moderator on this forum... if not an admin. :yes:

Once and for all, you can't convert midi files to mp3 files; what you're doing is some kind of "translation" (and it isn't really a translation, anyway).
Last Edit: February 26, 2004, 12:40:44 am by BlackJack

squallcolin

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
New #9  February 26, 2004, 10:12:16 am
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Agent Spliff said, February 26, 2004, 12:37:56 am
ZantetsuMug said, February 25, 2004, 11:35:45 pm
I think you're missing the point.
What BJ meant is that MIDI's are instructions, the instruments are played by your MIDI output card, therefore the card does the work.
MP3 files, Wav files, those are encoded sounds, not instructions.
ZantetsuMug is now my official spokesman on this topic.  8)
I wonder why he's still not a moderator on this forum... if not an admin. :yes:

Once and for all, you can't convert midi files to mp3 files; what you're doing is some kind of "translation" (and it isn't really a translation, anyway).


Blackjack, ZantetsuMug, pardon me, but I don't understand your statements. The question has already been answered, right?

Quote
wat program can convert mids to mp3's?

O Ilusionista had also managed to convert MID to MP3:



Quote
I've already converted MID to MP3 easily with WinGroove. And Winamp works too.
 





Information Centre
==============

This is what I know: MP3 is not music. MP3 stands for MPEG 1 Layer - III. It's an audio compression format. It's a sound signal similar to WAV, but it's compressed 12X, so it's volume (size) is less than WAV file. (I've encounter some MP3 files which are not music files before. They are only sound samples at a certain frequency (11kHz, 22Khz or 44Khz) with a certain bitrate (96, 112, 128, 160, or 192 kBits) (I learned this when I use CoolEdit 2000 ^_^) Midi is a set of instructions for the MIDI synthesizer. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Device Interchange. Quality of midi playback depends on your soundcard quality. The higher the quality of your sound card, the better it will sound. The best quality is Soundfont soundcards (like Sound Blaster Live family soundcards. Midi can sound like the original piece if you have the perfect soundfont for it. (FF7PC has come up with soundfonts that makes the Midi tracks sounded the same as the original in Play Station version! (95% accurate if not 100%) ) .

^_^

Now, about the question:

Quote
wat program can convert mids to mp3's?

I believe that what he/she wants is the MP3 format of the Midi file so that he/she can play on MP3 player or use them as character/stage BGM in Mugen, right? (I know that Midi is poor quality in SB16 (and any other FM synthesis sound cards, too.)) That's why he/she came up with this question in the first place. (I will do likewise, too.)[/i][/b]

^_^

[/color]

If what I am explaining here is not converting, perhaps you may elaborate more on your statement and give your definition of converting?

^_^
Last Edit: March 23, 2004, 05:40:49 am by squallcolin

BlackJack

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#10  February 26, 2004, 01:33:42 pm
  • ******
All is explained in your last post:
Quote
Midi is a set of instructions for the MIDI synthesizer.

How can you convert a set of instructions into music? You can't; you're only "interpretating" the MIDI file.

So, this:

Quote
O Ilusionista had also managed to convert MID to MP3:

is false.
Last Edit: February 26, 2004, 01:35:31 pm by Agent Spliff

O Ilusionista

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#11  February 26, 2004, 02:51:53 pm
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FALSE? Are you crazy BlackJack?
If I told that I've already made, is the truth man.
Respect is good and everyone likes it...

If you dont believe, go to http://bmt.mbgr.net and go to my stages section. There, got the Gaulong's Stage. There is a MID converted to MP3.

Iori Yagami

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#12  February 26, 2004, 02:52:36 pm
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Blackjack and ZantetsuMug are right,you can't convert midi's
to mp3 what you're doing is recording the sound the midi is
making and then you're converting the recorded Wav file to mp3,though I do like your tutorial,alot of people's mugen on thier comp's(including mine)can't play midi files so this is a good way to get those midi's in mugen. ;D



 
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Last Edit: February 26, 2004, 04:24:58 pm by Iori Yagami

O Ilusionista

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#13  February 26, 2004, 03:37:23 pm
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Yeah, Using Winamp you´re recording the MIDI on a WAV file....but using WinGroove you can convert midi to wav for sure. I'm professional musician for about 11 years and I was sound Engineer for many years, I know what I'm talking about.

Using WinGroove, you dont need to have a good soundcard, because he has him own samplers to make it. They arent the best, but the are nice to convert midi files.

BlackJack

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#14  February 26, 2004, 03:50:43 pm
  • ******
O Ilusionista said, February 26, 2004, 02:51:53 pm
FALSE? Are you crazy BlackJack?
If I told that I've already made, is the truth man.
Respect is good and everyone likes it...
You are wrong. Please read carefully what ZantetsuMUG, Iori Yagami, and I posted.

Quote
If you dont believe, go to http://bmt.mbgr.net and go to my stages section. There, got the Gaulong's Stage. There is a MID converted to MP3.
It isn't a proof; show me how to convert midi to mp3s, not the result of what you supposed to be a conversion.

O Ilusionista said, February 26, 2004, 03:37:23 pm
using WinGroove you can convert midi to wav for sure.
WinGroove is basically doing the same thing as WinAmp; it's not converting, but interpretating the instructions of the midi files and playing/recording the sounds accordingly.

Quote
I'm professional musician for about 11 years and I was sound Engineer for many years, I know what I'm talking about.
Ahah! The "professional musician" line; I was waiting for it!  :P
Listen: I'm not a professional musician; music is my passion, not my job. But I understood some basic facts about music, like: "midi files are just instructions". If you want an analogy, the midi file is like and orchestra conductor, while the mp3 file is the players.

Period.

O Ilusionista

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#15  February 26, 2004, 04:18:40 pm
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hum, seams like this topic will be long...but here we go.

Quote
If you dont believe, go to http://bmt.mbgr.net and go to my stages section. There, got the Gaulong's Stage. There is a MID converted to MP3.  
 
It isn't a proof; show me how to convert midi to mp3s, not the result of what you supposed to be a conversion.

Are calling me liar, or something? I've converted this to wav and mp3 myself. Is the truth, is the proof.

WinGroove and WinAmp plays differently:

WinAmp plays the midi file through your sound card and records what your FM synthesizer plays, and record it to a wav file. Isn't a "real" convertion, is a record.

but WinGroove has him own set of sample instruments to convert midi to wav. You can change the instruments, the pitch, the speed, can mute, etc...on other words: you can handle the midi to make a wav file.

Take a look what is WinGroove:

WinGroove
By Hiroki Nakayama


 
Description  
 
   
 WinGroove is a real-time MIDI software wavetable synthesizer.


Features



128 varieties of very high quality instrumental sounds which conform to GM (General MIDI) specification with support for some GS messages.
10 varieties of drum set, each with several percussion sounds.
44.1 kHz sample playback rate, 16-bit dynamic range, stereo sound, and up to 32 voice polyphony.
Automatically adjusts maximum polyphony depending on computer's performance.
Support for reverb and compression by software DSP technology.
Able to play from other MIDI applications (games, sequencers, etc.).
Included high quality MIDI file player.
Able to play both WAVE and MIDI at the same time.
Able to create WAVE files from MIDI files making it possible to play maximum quality sounds on slower computers. See the screenshot:



See? Its a Synthesizer, not just a player like WinAmp is, so you can make wav from midi. Mp3 is a compressed audio file format, which works compressing the harmonics that human ear cant hear (above 20 Khz, I can remember).

Another way to make this is using Fruity Loops or Reason. They are Music Softwares that are synthesizers and sample players, where you can import MIDI files to a track and edit it as you want, making a new wav or even a mp3 file.

Midi file aren't sound files, you're right. They are instructions for the synthesizer players to plays the music instrucitons (pitch, duration, bend, attack, decay, release, reverb, sustain, pan and many other things), it has its own rules (like channel 10 is always the drum track). But you can import those instructions to a synthesizer (being a software or a keyboard) and plays it.

Quote
Quote:
I'm professional musician for about 11 years and I was sound Engineer for many years, I know what I'm talking about.
 
Ahah! The "professional musician" line; I was waiting for it!  
Listen: I'm not a professional musician; music is my passion, not my job. But I understood some basic facts about music, like: "midi files are just instructions". If you want an analogy, the midi file is like and orchestra conductor, while the mp3 file is the players.

When I talked that I'm professional musician is not to makes God or something...I was trying to say that I've already worked with this tecnology for many many times, and had made this type of convertion many times too, since i'm keyboard player. Chill out BlackJack.

 
Last Edit: February 26, 2004, 04:25:40 pm by O Ilusionista

squallcolin

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#16  February 26, 2004, 05:11:42 pm
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Now I see... This is called "Recording". And then the recorded WAV file is converted to MP3 after that. Therefore the whole process is , it's called interpreting the Midi file into Mp3 file.
Wow! I never thought that I'll learn so much from you, O Ilusionista! Your post is very technical and detailed too... Thanks a lot for your Information Centre, O Ilusionista!

^_^

Blackjack, O Ilusionista, please.... cool down guys... please.... I do not wish this topic to be turned into a argument topic... Blackjack has his point too, but, O Ilusionista is also right in his theories. O Ilusionista, I really appreciate your feedbacks. No, no one is calling anybody a liar, here... You guys have your different point of viewand different opinion, and the discussion is getting a little intense here... that's all....

Thanks so much everyone for your time in contributing to this topic. I hope everyone who read this will find them useful to you.

Thanks to:

Blackjack
O Ilusionista
ZantetsuMug
Iori Yagami
Byakko

^_^
Last Edit: February 26, 2004, 05:19:40 pm by squallcolin

O Ilusionista

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#17  February 26, 2004, 05:53:24 pm
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You're welcome.

Something I would like to make clear that there is an RECORD way (using winamp) and a CONVERT way (using WinGroove, Fruity Loops, Reason...). Ins't an interpreting too, because who interpret(plays) the information is the synthesizer. He convert the midi information interpreted to a wav file.

I'm not interessed on a fight too, as I always considered BJ a friend or something like, since he is friend (or helped) some of my friends, like Erradicator, Ex Inferis. I just got angry when he says that is no proof from something I've made many times before.

If you need any more advice, drop me a line.

[]s
 

BlackJack

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#18  February 28, 2004, 01:46:24 pm
  • ******
Again,  O Illusionista, you are wrong:
a) to say you can convert a midi file to an mp3 file.
b) if you believe we were fighting. We were just discussing. I am truely sorry that you got angry because of me, it wasn't my intention.

But let's not talk about it in the tutorial board, it's not here for that; let's use the topic in the help board. :)
Last Edit: February 28, 2004, 01:49:02 pm by Agent Spliff

O Ilusionista

Re:How To Convert Midi files to MP3
#19  March 01, 2004, 09:50:58 pm
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Its ok now.
I just got offended when you told me somethings, but ok now.
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