How do you work with .mid files

[liquidlogic]

I was wondering how yall work with imported .mid files. For instance I downloaded a .mid file from the internet. During import it put all the instruments on their own tracks. But I instantly realized that I had no idea what instrument was on what track because this particular file didnt have it I guess. So, then (and I am new to this) I figured I would set them up to correlate to general midi sounds but I dont have a general midi sound module all I have are the plugs that came with logic. So do I have to setup a different plug on every channel?

 

If yall have time please share your workflow for using midi files if somebody gives it to you or you get one from the net.

 

THANKS

 

 

"People are like slinky until you push them down the stairs"

[Beer Moth]

It depends on the file.

I used a few to test plugins and vi's ,so you need to know which tracks are what instrument.Usually in the file,but not always.

If not,you'll just have to analyse them,or go daft and assign them to any old instrument.

The drum tracks should be easy to spot.

[Justin-Ch]

Try a piano on each one in turn. The bass will be obvious as will the drums, although just looking at the matrix/piano roll for these will be clear too.

Long sustained chords .... likely to be strings or synth pads.

[Jeff Essex]

I've found the easiest way to work with General MIDI files (which I do a lot) is by using SimpleSynth, which lets you easily tap into the QuickTime instrument set from Logic. I know there are ways to do this directly from Logic in the Environment (at least back in the pre-L8 days)...but SimpleSynth was lot less painful.

 

http://pete.yandell.com/software/