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Looking for software to play MIDI to a keyboard

Started by 607, March 19, 2017, 07:33:09 AM

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607

Hey!
On Atari ST, I've got some software called Midi Music Maker, which lets me play midi files (or any sequencer files, really) on my keyboard. I can even configure what instruments the keyboard should use.
I could try to copy that onto my pc and use an Atari ST emulator, but I would like to know: might there be software available for Windows to do the same thing?

Dekkadeci

On Windows, Musescore can open MIDIs in a human-readable (well, sort of) format and play it back.

Finale can also import MIDIs in a similar fashion.

I once received a copy of Acid Music Studio, and it can also open MIDIs and play them back (but they're less human-readable now)...

...Actually, it seems like a lot of Windows software can open and play back MIDIs. Synthesia is infamous for doing so.

BlueStone

Almost any MIDI software for Windows can let you specify the device to which it should output MIDI. Even Windows Media Player, actually, which can be done by changing a single registry value. Simply open up regedit.exe and click Edit > Find in the menu and search for "Default MidiOut Device". It should be located in "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ActiveMovie\devenum\...\Default MidiOutDevice". Change the value of "MidiOutId" to 0 for default MIDI, or 1 for a plugged in external MIDI device, 2 for a second device, and so on.

Zunawe

You should really not be playing around in the registry just to tell Windows Media Player to output MIDIs to other devices.
You know you've been playing too much Dragon Quest when you're afraid your Hershey's Kisses are going to flee.

I program things

BlueStone

Yes, typically playing around in the registry is something that you shouldn't do, but in this case it's a valid solution. It's lesser known but is my favorite because it prevents you from having to to open resource heavy programs or juggle between multiple media players just to listen to higher quality MIDI sounds. If you're looking for a dedicated MIDI player or something with more control over the playback or file then this probably isn't the solution for you.