I have encoding software that allows me to convert just about any audio/video format into just about any other. One such application converts MIDI files to the lame_mp3 format, with standard presets, VBR's, CBR's, and ABR's all supported. So far all my NWC conversions to the initial mpeg extension have been 76% successful, in that the Synth Drum instrument (regardless of channel 10 or 16 assignment) never converts to any other format. Does anyone know of a tool, script, or what-have-you that will let me enable percussion output when converting out of MIDI? Big Band music just isn't quite right without at least a hi-hat or cymbal marking time. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. pincherote@gmail.com
Given that MIDI is not audio, then your conversion software must include a synthesiser of some kind. Perhaps the synth doesn't include a drum patch.
There are a few gazillion MIDI files on the web. If you can find one of them with a percussion track that you can convert to mp3, post a link to it. Someone will figure out what it is doing. If you can't find any, it would suggest that NoteWorthy is not the problem. I agree with Lawrie, your conversion program probably lacks percussion samples.
To my knowledge, there are no special MIDI commands or sysex's that "enable percussion."
Yes, there is, but it's in GM2/GS/XG and is used to have two (or, in some cases, at wish) percussion channels.
I'm not aware of a method to use channel 10 as a melodic one, instead.