EPROM storage of MIDI files
By Andy Latorre
Hi Jody:
I'm the builder of MIDI-controlled Fairground Organs. I've been on you automatic music forum for a while now. Yesterday I was organizing my files and came across your introduction way back in May 95. I re-read it and realized that you seem to be knowledgeable with MIDI programming and might be able to help me in my present dilemma. So,I have a question for you if you don't mind. I really do not know who to turn to and you might be able to help me out by referring me to a book, or someone who might be able to help me, or help me yourself.
I presently play MIDI files using a Roland SD35 MiDI FIle Player and Synthesizer. I make these files using the Master Traks Pro5 (Macintosh) sequencing program. Since Roland does not make such a device anymore, I am looking into storing my files on Eprom or flash cards rather than disk. That is where I need additional information about this subject so I can design and program a converter device to do the above.
I would like to find out how MIDI data (such as that coming from a sequencer or file player - containing channel,note number,on or off, volume data) is stored in disk or rom. I can do the machine language programming and building of an 8085-operated device but I do not know the format and rules for storing the MIDI data. What interests me most is how the note durations are handled.
I suppose that after I learn what is necessary to store the data, I will be able to understand how to read the data from the Eprom and reconvert it to a valid MIDI data stream with the correct duration between note on and note off. This data stream will be used to play a synthesizer and, after passing through a MIDI Converter board (already existing), play the percussions such as the glock, drums, triangle, etc.
Now, I understand how to transmit and receive MIDI data. That is not a problem since I did build a MIDI Converter board which processes data only from channel 10 (percussions) and 11 (glockenspiel). It's the storage of the data that I need help on.
I have a copy of the MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specs 1987 but there is very little mention of MIDI file storage.
It is difficult framing the question I had in mind without knowing the process. I hope you can understand what is bothering me.
What can you do to help me? I can make you happy, perhaps, by sending you a disk of a few of my arrangements of bouncy fairground organ tunes to play on a synth.
Thanks.
Andy LaTorre |
(Message sent Thu 19 Sep 1996, 15:00:27 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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