|
|
Post by Emerald Midi on Oct 20, 2009 17:35:03 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. :)GSpro This isn’t my experience. I have levelled the volume on all my gigging MP3 files using MP3 GAIN so that they are all roughly the same volume, the instruments do not level out to the exact same level as you have suggested, all that is changed is the volume of the track, as if one has turned the volume either up or down... the tracks do not lose anything, and certainly not "expression." |
|
|
|
Post by gspro on Oct 20, 2009 18:25:35 GMT
Hello Pat, I think I understand now.
If I read what you just said correctly, MP3 GAIN adjusts the global volume of the file and that is perfect. In other post on this thread was mentioned to turn the midi files into MP3 and then "Normalize" the new produced file.
The term "Normalize" is used in recording studios to do just that (normalize the audio to bring it up to that level), but never used on a full mix or other wise all the instruments recorded will all be to close to that level.
Most DAW like Digital Performer, Cubase, I don't know, Sonar?... support that feature.
I'll go back and re-read the post, maybe I read it wrong and if so, please except my apologies.
GSpro
|
|
|
|
Post by Emerald Midi on Oct 20, 2009 21:16:43 GMT
No worries, GSpro. It's just my lack of understanding musical terminologies ;d
|
|
|
|
Post by JohnG on Oct 21, 2009 8:04:34 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 It was me who used "normalise" and I used it incorrectly here, GSpro, you're quite right. My apologies. I meant to indicate that it is possible, and easier, to alter the levels of mp3 files to bring them all to a similar input level for the mixer's pre-amp stage. As far as MIDI master volume goes, I have already made a post in my MIDI tutorials section with the SysEx command and the hex needed for various volume levels. I think I did one in the old forum too. There's just one problem with this command, when I have made alterations to files for some people, using this method, they have reported that on their system it makes no difference. Incidentally, I've not found a Yamaha or Roland product that doesn't, but I guess that's what I'd expect, as they're both heavily into MIDI standards as far as I'm aware. It would appear that several of the soft synths or s/w MIDI file players don't implement or recognise the SysEx Master Volume command, and that the same is true for a small minority of external sound modules. So it's not a universal panacea. I've reverted back to altering CC#7s as these are universally implemented (so far). Except, of course, where people incorrectly use the expression control, CC#11, as the channel volume. For a description of what "Audio normalisation" is or normali zation if you prefer  try good old wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_normalization. This is a specific Audio term and has a defined meaning. However normalisation in its general sense means to bring things to a normal level. as described here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normalise. It was in this sense that I was using it, not in the specific audio sense. Bad choice of words on my part, considering the context. Mp3 gain is what is used. But a better, more accurate word would probably be level, according to the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook. We are adjusting the relative levels to be consistent. Oh well, just proving I can't be right all the time! Phew, what a relief! JohnG. |
|
|
|
Post by Emerald Midi on Oct 21, 2009 12:48:59 GMT
John, that was amazing stuff. Thanks, mate for taking the time to explain things so that even this "eejit" can get it ;d
|
|
|
|
Post by gspro on Oct 21, 2009 15:12:26 GMT
Hello forum, John... Apologies excepted just to make you feel good but no apologies are needed because that's what this forum is about, trying to help and answer a few questions. The links you provided were very helpful for me too. For the master volume SysEx, I have never had any problems using it with my gear (lots of Roland Stuff). I used a Yamaha in the past and also never had any problems loading sequences in it that did not respond to the Master Volume SysEx. It's a real shame that some would not conform to the MIDI STANDARDS. Can we start a petition? |
|
|
|
Post by JohnG on Oct 21, 2009 19:59:31 GMT
Hello forum, John... Apologies excepted just to make you feel good but no apologies are needed because that's what this forum is about, trying to help and answer a few questions. The links you provided were very helpful for me too. For the master volume SysEx, I have never had any problems using it with my gear (lots of Roland Stuff). I used a Yamaha in the past and also never had any problems loading sequences in it that did not respond to the Master Volume SysEx. It's a real shame that some would not conform to the MIDI STANDARDS. Can we start a petition? Not sure how to take that one GSpro!  Apologies "excepted" or accepted? Sorry, couldn't help pulling your leg, from a part-time English teacher. (I know, don't be so bl@@dy pedantic, you silly old !"£$%^&*) That's me! Yea, we all learn. Actually I frequentlylearn a lot from answering questions, or rather sharpen up what I know. I often think I know an answer, but so as not to b*llsh1t, I look it up in some techie reference, and then think of a way of rephrasing it. The Yamaha Handbook is sitting by me as I write today. I read the sections on gain, volume, levels and loudness ........ then I logged off ... or was it nodded off? Not sure who you're going to petition? Microsoft? Think you'll get a response? Remember Vista? As I said, haven't had a problem with nearly any hardware. I'm hedging my bets here, actually I can't remember any that didn't respond to the Master Volume SysEx. As I recall, all the problems were with soft synths. Maybe that's because volume is a function controlled by Windows? Dunno. Oh well, I'm off to buy an ironing board to place the kit on. Mixer table? What the heck's that?  ;D   JG |
|
|
|
Post by Emerald Midi on Oct 21, 2009 21:05:42 GMT
John, you crack me up ;d
|
|
|
|
Post by gspro on Oct 22, 2009 16:11:48 GMT
I am LMAO. John, you're something.
|
|
|
|
Post by JohnG on Oct 22, 2009 16:54:02 GMT
|
|
try good old wikipedia. 
Apologies "excepted" or accepted? Sorry, couldn't help pulling your leg, from a part-time English teacher. 
;D 
