When i start with a midi file i start by getting rid of just the volume CC command so i can adjust the volumes to taste and not have them snap back with each start. I like to lower the volume on the melody track so i can barely hear it, gives me a small feel of the track, without a dominating melody pounding out in some synth that makes me crazy.

Also sometimes i change the melody to a simple keyboard sound as well, like a Dx piano, or a rhodes.

HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.