Greetings to forum members, I come through this medium to find out how do I convert a .mid audio file into .smf or the other way around. To meet the need for a Roland BK-9 musical keyboard here in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). It can be software on Windows or Linux platform. Or even a website that converts online. Thank you in advance for any form of contribution through answering this question opened here in this forum. Respectfully, Miguel Archangel Ferreira Duarte Júnior.
It allows you to convert any MIDI or Karaoke song (*.mid or *.kar) to the MIDI SMF format. In the version I installed, the installer is in Russian, but the main interface is in English.
Maybe I have a hole in my understanding, but I thought(!) .mid and .smf were just two different file extensions for the same file format.
Certainly if I run the Linux "file" command on some .mid files, they get reported thus:
$ file *.mid *.MID drum_patterns.mid: Standard MIDI data (format 1) using 2 tracks at 1/480 thejourneyhome.mid: Standard MIDI data (format 1) using 11 tracks at 1/120 Moondance.MID: Standard MIDI data (format 1) using 9 tracks at 1/960
I've just run file $(find . -name "*.mid") on a file tree and I believe every file reported as "Standard MIDI data...". There are hundreds. I haven't found any .smf files on my machine to compare.
Maybe if you're on Windows, which relies on file extensions rather than file formats, it's just that it isn't recognising the file for what (I think) it is.
Try just changing the file extension.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Greetings to forum members, I come through this medium to find out how do I convert a .mid audio file into .smf or the other way around. To meet the need for a Roland BK-9 musical keyboard here in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). It can be software on Windows or Linux platform. Or even a website that converts online. Thank you in advance for any form of contribution through answering this question opened here in this forum. Respectfully, Miguel Archangel Ferreira Duarte Júnior.
Hi Miguel,
I am a little confused so maybe you can help me out. A .MID file is also called a .SMF; that is a Standard Midi File.
Also there is no such a thing as a .mid audio file. MIDI is just data that is sent to a receiving synth, both hard and soft synths, tell said synth what note to play, the note's duration, and sometimes how much reverb and what panning the note(s) settings.
There are two types of MIDI files, MIDI 0 and MIDI 1. A MIDI 0 file will have all data on one track while MIDI 1 will have the data on many tracks. Are you looking to convert one MIDI file to another?
Or are you looking to convert an audio track to a MIDI track?
More information would be very helpful.
PS - I just looked up your keyboard and it will accept SMFs and that means all MIDI files will play on it. Those MIDI files will have a .mid extension, for example songtitle.mid.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal". Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Grato Mário, this extension is required for the standard electronic reading system of this keyboard. That is, the pendrive it recognizes must contain .smf format files. I also know smf, which means Standard Midi Files. It would be a midi file pattern as I understand it from my internet search. But from the little contact I had with this keyboard, that's what I understood. It's to help a professional music friend who plays at night. What I got was the page https://www.converthelper.net/smf-to-midi. But the conversion fails. In other words it doesn't work. But for you to see that there is a possibility to convert from .mid to .smf or the other way around. I also found out that the Apple Program converts midi to smf, Logic X. See what can help me in the form of answers in this topic. But I need help inside Windows or Linux. Did I get to enlighten you? Respectfully, Miguel Archangel Ferreira Duarte Júnior.
Are you sure about this? But I don't have the keyboard for the test, the owner is a cousin. And he is far from me. If you're sure that just changing the end of the extensions does it, I'll pass that on to him. But it doesn't seem very coherent to me. Reflect, please.
That's exactly what the other fellow forum member in this thread told me. But as I told him, you have to make sure that just changing the extension will work. You are the second one who tells me this. As I said to another colleague, the keyboard is not within my reach, it belongs to a cousin who lives far away. I'm doing you a favor to try to guide you in using these files so that it can work. That from what it seems to me, from what I remember when I was with him and had access to the keyboard, the keyboard only accepted .smf format. But for me to pass this guidance on to him, just change the extension of the .mid files to .smf and that way he'll do it, he needs to be sure. So he doesn't get disoriented. Please, I will ask you to be sure and to reflect on the answer you will give me. That's right ?
Miguel, I have reflected on my incoherent answer, and in my heart, I must admit I cannot guarantee that your .mid files will work when renamed to .smf files. I mean, they could be JPEGs for all I know.
He should try it. But if that would be too "disorienting", what can I say.
Got it, Mark. I ask for your understanding. I will try to inform you by alerting you to what you have told me. This might not work. But I'm already grateful. Whether you're sure or not, it helps. Respectfully, Miguel.
Are you sure about this? But I don't have the keyboard for the test, the owner is a cousin. And he is far from me. If you're sure that just changing the end of the extensions does it, I'll pass that on to him. But it doesn't seem very coherent to me. Reflect, please.
I am not 100% certain, no.
What I would do is to first copy the file, then change the file extension, then try the file with the new extension.
Doing that means your original file is safe from any risk of damage.
I think the worst that might happen is that the keyboard refuses to use the file.
I think the most likely result is that it will work just fine.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I get it, Gordon. You are the second one who tells me this. I've already guided you to make the extension change. I will wait for the result. The most that can happen is that the keyboard doesn't recognize how you spoke. But grateful for the tip. Miguel.
Mark, so you mean that maybe just changing the extension isn't enough. You mean there is a difference between .smf and .mid? Won't simply changing the extensions make the keyboard e-reader read or recognize the newly renamed .mid files to .smf ?
PS : Still no response from the keyboard owner (about the extension change).
The MIDI.org file specification does not specify any file extension, just the formats that may be used within the file.
Ableton has this to say (rather ungrammatically): """ [Ableton] Live can import standard MIDI files in the three main formats (SMF0, SMF1 and SMF2) with either *.mid or *.smf file extensions.
[Ableton] Live exports MIDI files in the SMF0 format only, with the extension *.mid.
While MIDI files may have the same file extensions (*.mid or *.smf), from the outside, it's not possible to tell which format a specific MIDI file is actually using. This information is stored in its header chunk only and can be revealed by opening the file with a hex editor. The format of a MIDI file is initially defined by the device or software the file is created with. """ https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/209068169-Understanding-MIDI-files
All of which strongly suggests that the file extension is a local convention, but that any particular application may or may not accept all three types of content (SFM0, SMF1 or SMF2).
So whether or not the keyboard will accept the renamed file depends upon the content.
I have not tried very hard, but I have so far failed to find any .smf files to compare with a .mid file.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
On page 44, it says the device can handle Standard MIDI Files (SMF) with extensions .mid or .kar (I looked into .kar and it's an unofficial way to package lyrics with MIDI.)
The manual says not a word about .smf files. I am guessing they are mythical, having arisen in song and legend because "SMF files" could be misinterpreted to mean files with that extension.
So Mark, in short, it might not be correct to say that changing the extensions from .mid to .smf means that it will work. Or will it work? Or do you also want to say that there is no mention of smf in the manual? Did not quite understand. Because from what I remember in the keyboard menu, when I was with it, it made reference on the pen drive to the need for .smf files as I remember. I await the answer, Miguel.
Mark, I don't have the keyboard within my reach. Even to know if changing the extensions works, I need an answer from the owner. I have already sent this suggestion to him, but I wanted to know from you if this information is correct, if changing the extensions works, to know if you are sure. As I said before, when I had the opportunity to access the keyboard a while ago, I remember that it asked for files with the .smf extension. But I saw what you told me in the "SMF" manual to be just an acronym for referring to .mid files. So, in closing, I'm just waiting for an answer from the owner. But thanks for your attention. Respectfully, Miguel Archanjo Ferreira Duarte Júnior.
... it made reference on the pen drive to the need for .smf files as I remember.
Hi Miguel,
I believe that the BK-9 expects Standard MIDI Files to have the file extension .mid and to be of Standard MIDI File type 0 or 1. (So it will not understand MIDI type 2 files.)
An explanation:
Looking at page 44 ofthe BK-9 manual to which Mark linked, I think I can see how the manual and the keyboard can confuse.
On the extract that Mark showed from p44 of the BK-9 manual, it shows that the keyboard will import files with various extensions and the bit labelled "Standard MIDI Files (SMF)" shows files with extension .mid, or Karaoke files with a file extension .kar.
On the same page in the table to the right, the manual shows what icons appear on the display alongside the name of each file, to identify the type of file. But the keyboard still expects the file to have a suffix of .mid
Above that second table is an image of the BK-9 display, with some example lines, one of which is:
Quote:
smf Myhouse.mid
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Gordon, What do you mean by myhouse.mid ? I did not understand. Is it a file that is plugged into the manual example stick, or the thing is more comprehensive than it seems involving rhythm : .stl - Wave : .wav. I understood what you wanted to show. But it's like I said earlier with the physical presence of the keyboard, when I had the opportunity I remember it requesting .smf files. But I will accept your clarification - as not mentioning in the manual about .smf files - Only have SMF as the title of .mid files. And in order not to get repetitive, it's better that we close this topic showing that for a long time without seeing the keyboard and having access to it can be some confusing memory. But to prove that maybe the manual might not mention the .smf files, just having the keyboard in front of me. It's like I said, the owner and the keyboard are far away. I ask for your understanding for the way I can finish this topic, after all the owner hasn't responded yet. But grateful for the help. The question may be if he answered me, if he got anything by changing the extensions. But it looks like it's better to end here, I've already occupied you a lot with this subject. Grateful for the answers. Respectfully, Miguel Archanjo Ferreira Duarte Júnior.
Look at the image and inside the top-right blue loop.
It shows the BK-9 display with a file named "Myhouse.mid" and with the icon "smf" right next to it.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean