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Post by shyamwestwind on Oct 18, 2009 8:19:29 GMT
Hi Everyone
I guess I should have addressed this to our JohnG, but I'm sure everyone will be interested too.
All the midis I playback on on my keyboard have different volume levels and it is tough to "fix" the starting volumes of these midis to one fixed level and I need to keep the volume control on low and then bring it up to the desired/normal levels.
If there is some way I can "normalise" all the songs to a particular/default volume level, the song would be more effective than my gradually bringing up the levels, manually.
Any advice will be welcome.
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Post by Emerald Midi on Oct 18, 2009 9:06:09 GMT
John may be the best person to answer this but bs far as I'm aware there isn't as yet software available that will normalise a whole batch of MIDIs; it can, however, be done singularly using something like GNMIDI.
The only way I know of to ensure volume levels are, well, level, is to fist convert them to MP3s and then normalise the lot in one go. MP3 Gain, a free product, does this efficiently and effortlessly.
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Post by shyamwestwind on Oct 18, 2009 9:45:27 GMT
Thats an idea you've put in to my head, Pat. The new YAMAHA S 910 handles MP3s so maybe I cculd check that out............... sell both my keyboards and buy a S910, but then I'll be left with ONE keyboard........ back to Square one !!!!!!
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Post by Emerald Midi on Oct 18, 2009 10:23:50 GMT
It's certainly a dilemma, alright. But don't despair, someone may come up with a better solution.
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Post by JohnG on Oct 18, 2009 11:24:14 GMT
Hi Shyam,
I'll be right back on this one if I can.
JohnG.
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Post by frank on Oct 18, 2009 11:50:35 GMT
Find a fille that is set to a reasonable level.You have to delve into each file and each track to find what the note velocities are.What the controller levels are set at. Stereo panning etc. Then you may have to adjust each midi file to suit. Or Go thru a compresser.
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Post by shyamwestwind on Oct 18, 2009 12:27:28 GMT
Gosh !!! Adjust levels, one by one ? Phew, that'll be a big job and I dont think I have that kind of patience.
What do you guys do to fix this problem ? I'm sure most or all of you have stored hundreds of midi files in your keyboard or USBs.
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Post by JohnG on Oct 18, 2009 12:46:01 GMT
Hi Shyam, Two possibilities, both use GNmidi. GNmidi MIDI file player automatically adjusts the volumes between different files if you have the option "adjust volume to common level" switched on. I haven't found a "normalise" function like you can find for mp3s. We're not adjusting audio levels but, typically, all the CC#7 channel volume controllers in an SMF. The second option then is to boost or cut volumes in a file, which can either be done as Frank suggested, rather laborious if you've got a lot of files, or again using GNmidi, but this time the utility, there is a function that allows adjustment of either the channel volume or note velocities. Try looking at the pdf here: www.gnmidi.com/gnmidien.pdf it's quite a big download. Look at section 3.13 "change volume or note velocities". The best bet is often to turn the loudest ones down a bit, rather than trying to crank up the softer ones. However if the note velocities are too low then GNmidi will allow you to crank those up too. But as Pat said, you still have to do it song by song! I don't know of anything that converts a batch of files, sorry. What do I do? I adjust each song as I add it to Susanne's "play list". i.e. when I get a file, or create one, then I spend some time making sure that it "fits right in". I rebalance the channel volumes, maybe the expression controllers if they're used, and also take a look at the note velocities too. It's so easy to draw a new line or curve in a modern sequencer for any of the controllers to adjust these levels. But, of course, it takes time. Sadly I also examine the song in more detail too. I always have an intro measure, if it's not there I add it. I make sure there's a GM reset at the start and the program changes and any sysex messages are properly spaced out in terms of PPQN and so on. A little effort up front makes the whole performance, every time you do it, more perfect. The more time you spend editing files this way, believe me, the easier and quicker it gets. My suggestion, start with the worst offenders, either too loud or too soft, and gradually knock all the files into shape. I don't think ANY of the files we use are the same as the original! Begin by just making a list of the worst ones and fix them. Just imagine how you could look even more professional by just hitting the start key and the song comes right in at just the right level. Well worth the effort in the long run. At least it is IMO. I'm guessing that's what Frank does? HTH  JohnG. |
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Post by frank on Oct 18, 2009 14:06:56 GMT
Yes it will take a long time. You will get the hang of it. Make notes during your gig breaks and follow up the fix the next day. I would also suggest you dont try mixing under headphones use your working system set to the gigging level.[Warn your neighbours first]
It took me many months to get mine right.Maybe I may be over cautiouse but I always have a system reset at the start and end of each file.
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Post by frank on Oct 18, 2009 14:29:58 GMT
Shyam, do you play along with the midi files?If so do you use the same instrument?Do you alter the master volume to help your playing cut thru ?
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Post by JohnG on Oct 18, 2009 14:45:00 GMT
At the end of the day all that editing pays, doesn't it, Frank?
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Post by frank on Oct 18, 2009 15:44:42 GMT
At the end of the day all that editing pays, doesn't it, Frank? Yes, you gotta put in the time to earn the dime ! |
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Post by geraint on Oct 18, 2009 16:50:11 GMT
I have done mine one at a time usin GNMidi, you soon get the hang of it, and I agree with Frank, dont do it through headphones.
A laborious task, but no pain, no gain.
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Post by shyamwestwind on Oct 18, 2009 18:50:48 GMT
Frank, this is to answer your question. Yes, I do play with my midi files, but I usually set the instrument volume at around half so it doesnt overwhelm the song. I know I'll need to work on those exceptionally loud beginnings and get them to reasonable levels. GNmidi is something I'm going to try
Thanks for the inputs guys.
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Post by gspro on Oct 20, 2009 17:16:36 GMT
Hi Shyam and forum, let me try to help if possible. First, converting midi files to MP3 would be fine but, "Normalize" after that, it's a "NO" because "Normalizing" audio, (MIDI converted to MP3) will cause the loss of "Expression" in the music, (all instruments played will be about the same volume), the feeling is gone.  Now, you can adjust the overall volume of the MIDI files without modifying the volume of each "Patch" or it will take you forever to get them done. You can simply adjust the volume of the whole midi file by inserting a (1) "Master Volume System Exclusive" message at the top of the measure right after the GM or GS reset. Let me know if you play the midis in GM or GS and I'll put a chart together for the "Master Volume SysEx" from "0" no volume to "127" max volume. GSpro |
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