SD1plus and midi files. GM only?

When I load a midi file on the SD1plus, it seems to use General Midi sounds. I would like it to use the keyboards onboard sounds because they sound better.

Is this possible?

Many thanks,
Jarlath

not..only gm sounds can use in a midifile..

Thanks necdetdoni. I was hoping that it may be possible - because recording a Midi file does actually use the native instruments.... maybe if I look at the midi file created by recording on the ketron, I could find a hack to have the same with my own midifiles?

The right hands sounds are using up to 4 midi channels together, because they are just kind of layers.

Oh I see. Thanks Dan2000. Its probably the same for the drums too then.

In that case can anyone recommend an external sound module that sounds like a ketron? Or maybe not, just a very good external sound module?

I don´t know the SD1, but if is has got instrument-banks this should be possible via simple revoicing.

e.g.: ( from my Audya, but in principle it´s useable to all keyboards! )

MIDI-Original ( MSB,LSB,PrgChange ):

Grand_Piano = 0,0,1

GM2 Voice instead : Bright_Grand = 0,1,1

For those who have a Yamaha-keyboard : Use PSRUTI (freeware, scroll down for english version), it´s very easy to revoice standard MIDI-Voices by Tyros-Voices.

With the "Midifile Optimizer 7" from MIDILAND ( 150 € ) you can do it as well very easy, it has the soundbank of the sd1 and sd1 + ( and Audya ) built in.

I think Tyros preset sounds are using only ONE midi channel

Ketron preset sounds are using up to 4 midi channels, and canno't be used in midifiles

Dan

Snoopy, thank you. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to MIDI so I have to ask; Midifile Optimizer 7 allows me to create midi files that access the SD1 sound banks?

Jarlath

Hi Jarlath,

as far as I know : YES !

You can download a demoversion of it, so just try it.

You can use any features, but only save 3 songs in the demoversion.

After you open the midifile, press F1 (GM PART), you could use the page #s to scroll each channel, or F10 (16 PARTS). You can chose any onboard sounds except programs. You must do this after the midifile starts playing, because that's after the initial sysex kicks in.I usually start the file, hit pause, make the changes, unpause, and stop; but make sure before you stop the file, that you are still on the General Midi page. Hit "save/enter" and save the file. I have done many songs this way.
Hope this helps.

Jarlath, Do you know the Ketron SD2?

Snoopy, thank you. I've downloaded the demo and I'm trying to get it to do the job. So far, I can get it to address User voice bank or other GM sounds - pretty good but not the default Ketron instruments I'm looking for.

Funnily enough, if I play the midi file from the PC and connect the midi lead to input 2 keyboard (as opposed to input 1, midi) I get great sounds. I might connect midi output 1 to input two on the same keyboard and play from the ketron that way - as a sort of hack.

bzw, I tried what you suggested but only General Midi sounds are available according to the menu title. If I power on the Ketron and play a little piano and then press the 'Play' button while playing - I can hear the piano change from the nice Ketron one to the GM one. This is the same GM piano that is made available under the F1 (GM PART -> Parts) menu.

By "any onboard sounds except programs" do you mean the primary instrument sounds of the SD1, the ones that sound really good?

Many thanks,
Jarlath

did you try "user" sounds?

Dan.2000, I've looked into it and I'll definitely consider the SD2. The next thing I'm going to try tomorrow night is to connect the Midi out of the Ketron into the Keyboard (midi 2) input because when I played the midi file from the computer into the midi2 port, I got the good Ketron sounds.

bzw, I hadn't actually tried that - thank you. Unfortunately these are also general midi sounds on the SD1 (according to the menu and what I hear when I play the midi file).

Hi Jarlath,

just to make it clear : If you play a "standard" midi-file you ´ll always hear only the GM-sounds. Yamaha-keys have the possibility of "auto-revoicing", they can automatically change a few "standard instruments" to Mega- / SA-voices.

If you want to hear the "better" ( built in ) sounds you´ll have to know "only" the appropriate banks / midi-commands ( if keyboard permitts this )

Snoopy, thank you. Now I have a clear picture of my options

If I can revoice, I will. Otherwise I will use the next best option.

Thank you all for your help!

Jarlath