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Author Topic: Playing .MID Files Through My New MT-32  (Read 563 times)
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crouton45
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« on: May 13, 2012, 11:57:20 PM »

Hi All! I just received my first MT-32 last week and have successfully used it with DOSBox. Obviously, my world is a changed place. Smiley

I know that Tom has posted several complete game MIDI recordings for the MT-32, and I would like to play them back in Windows 7 Professional through my device.

I'm brand new at this. Would someone please walk me through this process, or point me to a place that will do so? Thanks to all of you!

Clint
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jharris01
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« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2012, 09:53:42 PM »

Hi crouton45. Welcome to the forums.

Just download the compressed archive file, extract its contents somewhere in your computer then double click on the midi file. See if it plays on your media player of choice. If you are looking for midi player recommendations then try vanBasco. IIRC complete soundtracks can be found at the MIDI database section of this website.

The MT-32 uses custom instrument programs which are saved in a sysex (System Exclusive Messages). Some midis have the sysex embedded inside the file. Other midi files carry the sysex as a separate file in the compressed archive. In order to avoid loading the sysex repeatedly for each song, complete soundtracks have it embedded in the midi file. The sysex is loaded by the MT-32 at the beginning when you play the file. You should see a brief pause while the MT-32 receives this data (old tech, slow transfer rate). The "midi message" indicator lights up (along with text message on the LCD display).

Way back then there was a Windows 9x program someone wrote that allowed you to play and skip to specific songs inside the midi file. That program is now obsolete, but you can still skip manually. There should be a text file with each soundtrack with a song list.

Troubleshooting

Be sure to search these forums before asking. Your question may have already been answered! You'll find plenty of info in these pages.

You should know how to reset your MT-32. That's MASTER VOLUME + RHYTHM button combo on the MT-32 panel then followed by part button 1.  It also helps to turn off (then back on) the MT-32 before issuing a reset.

Depending on your MT-32 model, you may notice the music get a little abrasive if you set the volume too high. About 75% or lower master volume should do it.

Also keep in mind that only one application can access your MIDI ports at any time.

Good luck.
« Last Edit: May 15, 2012, 01:16:56 AM by jharris01 » Logged

crouton45
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« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2012, 03:18:47 PM »

Thank you very much! That was very helpful and everything is working great.
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