Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC

Subject: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 06:24 AM

Is it possible to take a number off one of my CD's and create a Midi File from it?
If so what do you need and how is it done?
Many thanks for any help
Les

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: pavane
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 07:18 AM

Short answer - NO

MIDI file is a sequence of commands to play specified notes for a set time.

CDs and WAV files contain sounds themselves,not commansd.

There are many programs claiming to convert WAV to MIDI, but as far as I know, even the best can only manage a very simple monophonic melody, and then not very well.

Deciphering sounds into frequencies, recognising and eliminating unwanted overtones, separating out the instruments, recognising voice are all beyond the current sate of the art.

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 07:33 AM

Thanks for that Pavane. Very informative.

So how do midi files get created then?

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: pavane
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 07:58 AM

Midi files can be created in various ways.

a) By a piece of software called a sequencer (Cakewalk, Cubase or many others) in which you define the music note by note

b) By playing a MIDI instrument connected to your PC, into a sequencer or other midi-aware program.

c) By software which converts from other musical notations such as abc
(My program HARMONY does this)

(of course, the opposite conversion, MIDI to WAV or CD, is easy)

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: pavane
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 08:13 AM

Further information:

There are a number of companies who provide MIDI files for use as backing tracks for singers.

They will, for a price, (I seem to recall about £30 as an example) make a MIDI file from any music which you provide them. The files are usually made by skilled musicians who play the music on a MIDI keyboard as described above. This provides a much more natural sound than sequencing by hand.

If you plan to use the file for backing a public performance, then you need to go via this route, because the files are fully licenced for public performance - that's part of the fee you pay.

Karaoke files, and MIDI files from other sources such as the net are NOT licenced and can land you in trouble with the licencing authorities (depending where you live). In the UK, this is handled by the Performing Rights Society, who send out officials to check on live performances.

This is quite separate from any licence needed by the premises to present entertainment, and also separate from the licencing system for recording music (handled in the UK by the MCPS, the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society)

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 10:26 AM

Pavane
Thank you for taking the time to provide me with such good info.

I think I will go the following route.

"There are a number of companies who provide MIDI files for use as backing tracks for singers.

They will, for a price, (I seem to recall about £30 as an example) make a MIDI file from any music which you provide them. The files are usually made by skilled musicians who play the music on a MIDI keyboard as described above. This provides a much more natural sound than sequencing by hand.

If you plan to use the file for backing a public performance, then you need to go via this route, because the files are fully licenced for public performance - that's part of the fee you pay.
"
As mentioned by you

Les

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: pavane
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 10:53 AM

If you are in UK, Hands-on-MIDI in Waterlooville provide excellant quality files

Contact details at
Hands-on MIDI

Also MIDI magic in Swansea

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 11:05 AM

I am in Market Rasen close to Lincoln.
I will try Hands on MIDI
Many thanks

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: pavane
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 03:44 PM

AHA
The only time I ever went to Lincoln was to the folk festival in 1971.
What a line-up!
James Taylor, Tim HArdin, Steeleye Span, Carthy & Swarbrick, Buffy St Marie, Sandy Denny, Ralph McTell, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee, and many others!

Subject: RE: Creating a midi file from a CD on the PC
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 03:52 PM

Just been listening to Steeleye Span just before I came on here.

Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee - now that is something special.

Where was it held?

Was it at the Lawn or in the Castle grounds or soemwhere else.

So few people know about Lincoln. The centre is very charming with the Cathedral and Tower standing perched on the very top of the hill of Lincoln.

Did I hear somebody say, "but there aren't any hills in Lincolnshire. Little do they know.

:-) :-) :-)