Hello, I'm a new member to Midi Assoc. I have been using midi files for over 10 years. Our band has always used a Yamaha Motif keyboard for performance use of midi's. I would like to find a midi "player" that has the output voice/synths quality of the Motif but is more rack mount or control board oriented and also maybe more user friendly. (At this time, I use Sonar on my PC to make most changes to the midi files.) Anyone that has good suggestions on midi equipment that is an an "all-in-one" type unit with excellent synth/voice options for live performance and also self contained - not combined with a keyboard, please share. Thanks!
Sorry, but I think you've been bypassed by technology.
At one time there were boxes that did this, I think Roland did at least one 'midi file player'. The idea was in effect a specialised computer (in effect) and a limited sound module unified into a single box. But I think this would no longer be economically viable. The price of a laptop has come down, even quite fancy ones can be had second hand for 100 or so (dollars or whatever just about). And the sound module bit, and the expectations as to quality from such, have become more sophisticated, and varied, and specialised (as you yourself are indicating).
Options have arisen though regarding the Virtual Synth, with soundfonts, that might get you back towards 'possible'? May be the only way to get what you want. You'd need a new-ish laptop, depending on price, with some basic software that could use VS technology so that you could find and load specialist soundfonts. I've been using the SynthFont package which is in effect a simple midi file playing package with very limited editing, but which can access a sound font package which could be built around whichever specific instruments you want/need. Maybe the sound quality you want would mean you needed to buy some fonts, but you could get going with free ones. I've been using something called 'Timbres of Heaven' and it's not too bad. At least this route would keep you to one box. A different player package might need an external sound module, in which case you'll need to find one box that has all the sounds you need.
Might this be any help?
Geoff
At one time there were boxes that did this, I think Roland did at least one 'midi file player'. The idea was in effect a specialised computer (in effect) and a limited sound module unified into a single box. But I think this would no longer be economically viable. The price of a laptop has come down, even quite fancy ones can be had second hand for 100 or so (dollars or whatever just about). And the sound module bit, and the expectations as to quality from such, have become more sophisticated, and varied, and specialised (as you yourself are indicating).
Options have arisen though regarding the Virtual Synth, with soundfonts, that might get you back towards 'possible'? May be the only way to get what you want. You'd need a new-ish laptop, depending on price, with some basic software that could use VS technology so that you could find and load specialist soundfonts. I've been using the SynthFont package which is in effect a simple midi file playing package with very limited editing, but which can access a sound font package which could be built around whichever specific instruments you want/need. Maybe the sound quality you want would mean you needed to buy some fonts, but you could get going with free ones. I've been using something called 'Timbres of Heaven' and it's not too bad. At least this route would keep you to one box. A different player package might need an external sound module, in which case you'll need to find one box that has all the sounds you need.
Might this be any help?
Geoff
Geoff,
Thank you for your response. As you probably guessed, I haven't done a lot of research yet. With all the options, I didn't really know where to start. Since I was introduced to midi's years ago using a Yamaha Motif for playing files and I just haven't done much research for other options. I knew that there were many good PC programs for editing/creating midi but didn't know if any programs had the quality of instrument sampling to match the output I get from the Yamaha Motif. With all the software/hardware options available, I hoped I could get a little advice on where to start. Thanks for your comments! I will check out the programs you mentioned.
Mark
Thank you for your response. As you probably guessed, I haven't done a lot of research yet. With all the options, I didn't really know where to start. Since I was introduced to midi's years ago using a Yamaha Motif for playing files and I just haven't done much research for other options. I knew that there were many good PC programs for editing/creating midi but didn't know if any programs had the quality of instrument sampling to match the output I get from the Yamaha Motif. With all the software/hardware options available, I hoped I could get a little advice on where to start. Thanks for your comments! I will check out the programs you mentioned.
Mark
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