.MID files from CompactFlash to PC

.mid files are just digital data that when sent to a midi device such as the Xa (or other devices), the Xa will make the the sounds. There is no audio associated with .mid files. A simple example of a midi file would be play note C, play note D, play note E. Whatever receivng device would then follow those commands. The shallow piano you are hearing is probably your computers internal midi player playing the file.

Thanks for your reply Romey. I knew that the midi files were data files, but there must be a way they are audibly deciphered while read into the original file - why would other audio devices (synths) only accept .MID (.SMF) as their only form via a SD Memory card?

As Romey explained Midi files, .MID (SMF are standard Midi files), are just a list of instructions with 'how long to wait' markers between each of the instructions.

Think of a Midi file as a printed score and a synth as a band.

You give a printed music score to a band and, depending on the band, it may sound as you expected, or they may have to substitute a piano for a clarinet.
If it is a DX7 there is only one player so he might try to play all the parts (if it is in Omni mode) at once, on FM piano.


An audio file is a CD. Some bands might have a CD player that they can use, others don't.
Some can play the CD (or bits of it) while playing their instruments other bands cannot.

A synth that can only read Midi files is just a band with no CD player.

All the best

Royce

Thank you for your reply Royce. MIDI files seem more and more to be useless.

Say, I noticed you are from Melborne - I've collaborated with a vocalist named Leanne Bugat from Melborne - ever heard of her? Fantastic voice.

Cheers, Bob