CYBERMIDI MUSIC and MIDI Blog

Most people associate MIDI files with those hollow tinny sounds that used to come out of your computer speakers in the early 90's, before mp3 files rose to prominence. However, the reason MIDI files usually sound so bad isn't the fault of the MIDI - it's the fault of the computer.

MIDI is actually a very powerful file type which is quite different from most digital music files. MIDI files don't store audio - they store music data. They store the type of data you might typically find on sheet music. This might include things like the notes that each instrument should play, the key, and the tempo. For this reason the MIDI format is extremely popular among musicians, and in fact much of today's popular music is created in MIDI format at the earliest stages.

Here are a few of the advantages of using the MIDI format alongside other digital music formats.

1. File Size

Because MIDI files simply contain the data about the music, they are much smaller than other music files. You can work with a large number of MIDI files without making a dent in your hard drive space.

2. Fully Editable

You can edit and change the music of a MIDI file in ways which are impossible with other audio files. If you want to change a note in the middle of the track from a D to a C, you can do it in a snap. You can also adjust the tempo to make the music play faster without worrying about it sounding like the Chipmunks are performing it.

3. Play Any Instrument

Even if you aren't an expert at the violin or guitar, you can still write music for those instruments and hear the performance. This is especially useful if you can play the piano or keyboards, as those can be used to synthesize almost any instrument. However, there are other ways to input and play music with a MIDI.

4. Don't Play Alone

If you'd like to practice your guitar skills, but don't have a band to practice with, then you can fire up a MIDI. Just set it to play only the bass and drum tracks while you play the guitar. Now you've got an instant 3-piece band.

5. Sheet Music

You can also convert MIDI files directly to sheet music and print them out for later use. This is something you definitely can't do with a regular audio track.

There are many advantages to working with music in the MIDI format. It is especially a good medium to work with if you are a musician and need more control over the manipulation of music data. For regular users, they are good for other uses, like using them as ringtones on your cell phone. So don't dismiss the MIDI and speak as if it ought to be thrown in a trash compactor bag [http://www.kitchen-trashcan.com/trash-compactor-bag.html] and placed in a shiny red trash can [http://www.kitchen-trashcan.com/red-trash-can.html].

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dont-Dismiss-the-Mighty-MIDI-For-Music-Files&id=3976197] Don't Dismiss the Mighty MIDI For Music Files