MIDI files

Topic: MIDI files (Read 5826 times) previous topic - next topic

MIDI files

2 years ago

Good morning,
I'd like to point out a problem of mine that has nothing to do with the topics dealt with in the forum but for me it is important and... I know that you are very helpful and I am perfectly ignorant.
My PC hasn't played MIDI files for a few weeks now. I usually use Windows Media Player. The MIDI file progresses but nothing is heard. I opened them with VLC media player and this message appeared:
MIDI Synthesizer is not configured:
A sound font (.SF2) file is required for MIDI synthesis.
Install a soundfont and configure it from the VLC settings (Input / Encoders > Audio encoder > FluidSynth).
Greetings to everyone.
Lorenzo

Re: MIDI files

Reply #1 – 2 years ago

Your posting motivated me, after years and years, to install a soundfont for VLC. I use chorium.sf2 (can be found at many places on the internet, AFAIK), and installed it like that.

- If VLC then plays your MIDIs audibly, all is well (more or less: You'd have to find out why WMP no longer makes sounds ...).
- If VLC is also silent, it's the sound system that doesn't like you.

Don't know whether this is of any (tiny) help ...

H.M.

Re: MIDI files

Reply #2 – 2 years ago

I tried but to no avail, alas!
Thanks anyway.
Lorenzo

Re: MIDI files

Reply #3 – 2 years ago

It sounds like Windows has lost its default MIDI synth setting. There used to be a control panel applet (MIDI mapper) that allowed you to set the default MIDI synth, but that disappeared some versions ago.

Sooo, with that in mind, CoolSoft have a MidiMapper replacement:
https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/midimapper

Reckon this could help.

Re: MIDI files

Reply #4 – 2 years ago

I downloaded CoolSoft, installed it, problem solved!

Thank you!!!
Lorenzo

Re: MIDI files

Reply #5 – 2 years ago

I'm forced to resume this discussion because again the MIDI files in WMP are opened (not in VLC, where the above error message appears) but cannot be heard. If I want to listen to the MIDI files created with NWC (export...) I must first convert them to MP3. I don't want the problem to be precisely in the "export...".
I loaded CoolSoftMIDImapper and VirtualMIDIShynth, downloaded from the link suggested by Lawrie. For me it is a very difficult subject!
I repeat that in NWC I hear very well, other audio files (e.g. recordings of my harmonica playing) with GoldWave also very well.
The problem is MIDI.
Thanks for the help and pointers.
Lorenzo

PS: here in northern Italy, 3 pm, very hot and muggy.

Re: MIDI files

Reply #6 – 2 years ago

Hi Lorenzo,
did you run the MIDIMapper and try to assign a default MIDI device with it?

Re: MIDI files

Reply #7 – 2 years ago

Quote from: Lawrie Pardy – 2 years ago

..... MIDIMapper and try to assign a default MIDI device with it?

Here? Is this the way?

Re: MIDI files

Reply #8 – 2 years ago

Yep.
If, for some strange reason, that one isn't working try the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth.

Re: MIDI files

Reply #9 – 2 years ago

There is some strange reason!!!
With Microsoft GS... it works. I confess that I am groping in the dark, blindly following your instructions.
But in NWC ---> Tools ---> MIDI in the right window (Device used by play back) I have to leave only Microsoft GS... leaving CoolMIDI... and VirtualMIDI... in the left window (Available play device ), otherwise the NWC play becomes silent as well.
Anyway thanks!
Lorenzo