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For you veteran RealBand users,
I want to relive my Top 40 days from the 80s. So, I just want to buy some MIDI files from MIDIHits.com, and open them in RealBand with no fuss so I can play along with them at home.
I've opened a couple of type 1 files already, and the drums are not assigned correctly, and the instruments need to be changed/reassigned too (IOW, the whole thing sounds like crap).
So, my question: I'm opening GM2 compatible files using Coyote WT, and I can't really figure out a quick way to reassign the channels or fix the drums. I thought the whole reason for GM MIDI files was to be plug-n-play with the correct instruments, etc.
I really thought with GM files, I could just open them and press play.
If you could just point me in the right direction, I don't mind doing the work. The program has so many features and menus, I don't even know where to start.
I have the 2014 package with all the bells and whistles (or most of them anyway). Would SampleTank be easier to use or better at this than ForteWT?
Thanks everyone :-)
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It sounds as though you need a Patch Map, but I would have thought the MIDI files would have been GM in the first place. Maybe they are for a Korg M1 or other older synth. There are Patch Maps available from the PGM website There are tutorials for working with Patch Maps, but I suspect you should not need to do this. I understand the Forte DXi plugin will be an improvement on CoyoteWT. Both should be standard MIDI patching for the Kit though. Is there any documentation with the MIDI files to show the drum kit assignments?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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A better sounding GM synth may do what you want.
For example, Roland or Ketron hardware MIDI synths.
--Mac
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I've opened a couple of type 1 files already, and the drums are not assigned correctly,
what channel are they on if not 10
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For Channel problem, the real question should be, "do you hear drums, or some other instrument"?
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For Channel problem, the real question should be, "do you hear drums, or some other instrument"?
Hi Mac, Bob mentioned: "I've opened a couple of type 1 files already, and the drums are not assigned correctly, and the instruments need to be changed/reassigned too (IOW, the whole thing sounds like crap)." I got the impression that he is hearing Drums, on the Drums Track, but with wrong assignments. Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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RealBand
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OP
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For Channel problem, the real question should be, "do you hear drums, or some other instrument"?
Hi Mac, Bob mentioned: "I've opened a couple of type 1 files already, and the drums are not assigned correctly, and the instruments need to be changed/reassigned too (IOW, the whole thing sounds like crap)." I got the impression that he is hearing Drums, on the Drums Track, but with wrong assignments. Trevor Yes, Trevor is exactly right. Most if not all of the drums are wrong. I don't know how to go into MIDI and change all the crash cymbals to bass drum, etc. Then there's the other tracks. Part of the problem is there's no patch map sent with the MIDI files, so I don't know what instruments should be on each channel. But those drums - yikes!
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...
Yes, Trevor is exactly right. Most if not all of the drums are wrong. I don't know how to go into MIDI and change all the crash cymbals to bass drum, etc.
But those drums - yikes!
Bob, I'm sure Mac will come back with the fix you need. He's the expert in this field.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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...I don't know how to go into MIDI and change all the crash cymbals to bass drum, etc.
Then there's the other tracks. Part of the problem is there's no patch map sent with the MIDI files, so I don't know what instruments should be on each channel.
But those drums - yikes! All Percussion Bank Instruments should be on one channel only in a GM compat MIDI file. Typically MIDI ch 10, but occasionally you may find some files using MIDI ch 16. However, since you are already hearing Drums, and not a banging Piano sound using Patch 001, it is a safe assumption at this point that the file is using the right channel for Percussion Bank and your chosen MIDI synth. The different drums and cymbals are mapped to MIDI Note Numbers. Apparently you've found some files that use a different MIDI Note Number scheme from the standard method that RealBand uses. OR -- If this happens on EVERY MIDI file loaded, fit could be that the dk drum mapping inside your copy of RealBand is corrupted, or possibly set to use a file other than one compat with GM. If you are really using the right GM DK file in RB, then the MIDI file itself is written for a non-GM Percussion Bank. It may be possible for you to Edit the MIDI file in PianoRoll view and highlight and drag the notes to their correct Note Name positions to sound right. Use of ctrl key along with selection can highlight all of the notes in a track as one unit and then they can be dragged into the proper position to play the proper percussion instrument. GM Percussion Bank Note Nunmber charts are available all over the web, a Bing search should bring up plenty of examples, that can make a good printout guide as to which Note Numbers to use. If you're still having troubles, you might consider uploading the file to one of the file sharing sites and place a URL to the file here, that way one or more of us experienced MIDIOTs could take a look at the file and tell you exactly what's going on without having to resort to playing the 50 Questions Game via the forum. --Mac
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First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for being so supportive, and helping me with my problem.
I started messing with patch maps and other suggestions, and then a thought struck me. I shut everything down and booted RealBand from that little black hard drive it shipped in. Low and behold, the MIDI files opened and played perfectly.
So, I uninstalled and reinstalled BBW/RealBand and all is well. Never did figure out what went wrong with the first install. I'm guessing it was me, probably when I was going back and forth figuring out whether to use MME or ASIO.
That was the only annoying thing - having to uninstall the entire package and reinstalling everything. But I'm back in business, and I learned a bit about patch maps and MIDI, all thanks to you "MIDIots."
Again, thanks!
Bob in S. Florida
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Glad to hear you got it going Bob, and thanks for the feedback on the steps you undertook, might help others one day.
Cheers
Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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just a thought.. but if you are buying tracks from MidiHITS, and your sole purpose is to play along, be aware that you can get mp3s from them for about 1/3 the price of their MIDI arrangements.
Having said that, the MIDI version gives you a lot more control later if you want to change anything.
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Yes, I'm buying from MIDI Hits. I tried the MP3s, and decided they're not for me.
1) I'm a guitarist, and they all have the guitar parts, which I can't get rid of.
2) I can't change the key (my vocal range is lower than most lead singers).
3) I can't turn the bass off, or keyboard parts, drums, etc. if one of my friends wants to come over and "sit in."
So, I'm probably gonna stick with MIDI - I like having control of at least one thing in my life :-)
And again, I'm glad so many knowledgeable people are out there to help if I need you. Thanks all.
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in that case, here's another option: http://www.karaoke-version.com/custombackingtrack/This company also sells MP3s... but you can customize the song before you download it. You can mute tracks (guitar or vocals for example) raise or lower the volume of tracks... or even download each track separately and mix it any way you want in your own DAW If your DAW is RealBand, you can even change the key. And the songs are less expensive than the MIDI arrangements from MIDIhits .. under 3 bucks each They're pretty well done too.
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Wow! Now we're talking. Thanks for the site - I'll check it out this weekend.
Bob :-)
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