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Disklavier

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Re: [disklavier] Re: MIDI files

2019-07-10 by Ian

Glen, unless you are using Floppies or CDs, a USB to midi-in cable will be necessary for whatever you are using to play the midis from your computer. Buy a reputable make like Roland, because the cheap Chinese-made ones do not always work properly. They may play, but disappointingly in comparison.

Wireless plugs – can be fitted into Midi-in & Midi-out sockets – (via Bluetooth I believe) and are an alternative to cable.

Although any midi player should work, every midi will seem to need a different playback volume, depending on your sources. I always optimise EVERY midi file as soon as I open it, using a simple and free midi editor, MidiSwing, so that the volume on the disklavier setting does not need constant changing.

Disklavier requires midi format Type 0, in order to play, but many are Type 1. MidiSwing will convert them for you and also present the file on screen as a virtual piano roll. Soft notes appear pale blue & loud ones, dark blue. You can adjust any any parameter of any note easily and quickly. It works beautifully on my Mac, but has had mixed reviews on some PCs.

Advantage of using an Editor is in being able to get the exact sound you want, on playback, with dud notes removed and even bad pedalling and tempo corrected. If you decide to use MidiSwing i will send you a tutorial i have written for it.

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