Midi 1 or Midi 0?

[kenja]

This never occurred to me before but when faced, on a commercial midi site, with choosing a midi format, would it be best to go for midi 0 or midi 1?
Or does it not really matter?

Ken

[JohnG]

In theory it shouldn't matter, in theory !!!. A type 1 can be relatively easily converted into a type 0 and vice versa. There shouldn't be any info lost at all.
JohnG.

[kenja]

So which would be your default choice?

[themd21]

Hi Ken
You got to remember that some midi 1 files could contain more than 16 tracks or channels.
Some hardware sequencers or keyboards can only accommodate up to 16 channels so consequently the file wont play unless it is converted to midi type 0.
Midi 1 usually lets you view and alter individual drum tracks, so unless you want to delve deep into the percussion side of the midi, I'd stick to Midi type 0.

Best Wishes

Jimmy

[kenja]

Thanks for the advice Jimmy. Midi type 0 it is then!
Ken

[JohnG]

My default would be type 1.
But then I don't use a MIDI file player.
I would like to see all the tracks / channels, and be able to make my own choice of which ones to exclude, if I was limited to just 16 in a player. But that also depends upon each persons ability to quickly edit a MIDI file and then resave it as a type 0.
XGworks, which I use a lot, allows me to save as either type.
So there ya go!
As usual, just my 2d worth! (how many times have I said that?)
Oh well!
JohnG.

[themidiguy]

use format 0 if your gear is older than year 2000 otherwise 0 or 1 is ok for nay modern gear or program.

TMG