SuperMidi, MIDI Player & Converter, and Sweet MIDI Converter: The Best Tools to Convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac
How to Convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac
If you are a music producer, composer, or enthusiast, you probably have encountered MIDI files at some point. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and it is a standard that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and exchange musical data.
Convert Type 1 Midi To Type 0 For Mac
MIDI files are not audio files, but rather sequences of instructions that tell a device how to play a piece of music. For example, a MIDI file can contain information such as which notes to play, when to play them, how loud to play them, and what instrument to use.
However, not all MIDI files are the same. There are different types of MIDI files that have different structures and features. In this article, we will focus on two common types of MIDI files: Type 1 and Type 0. We will explain what they are, why you might need to convert them, and how to do it on your Mac using three different software applications.
What is MIDI and why do you need to convert it?
MIDI basics
MIDI was developed in the early 1980s as a way to connect different electronic musical instruments and devices together. It was originally designed for synthesizers, but later expanded to include other instruments such as keyboards, drum machines, samplers, sequencers, and computers.
MIDI allows these devices to send and receive messages that control various aspects of musical performance, such as pitch, velocity, duration, timbre, modulation, expression, and synchronization.
MIDI does not transmit any sound or audio data, but rather codes that represent musical events. These codes are then interpreted by a device that has a sound generator or a synthesizer that produces the actual sounds.
MIDI can be transmitted through different channels or ports, each of which can carry up to 16 tracks or parts of music. Each track or part can have its own instrument or sound assigned to it. For example, you can have a piano track on channel 1, a bass track on channel 2, a drum track on channel 10, and so on.
MIDI file types
MIDI files are files that store MIDI data in a standardized format that can be read by different devices and software applications. There are three main types of MIDI files: SMF0 (Standard MIDI File type 0), SMF1 (Standard MIDI File type 1), and SMF2 (Standard MIDI File type 2).
The difference between these types lies in how they organize the tracks or parts of music within the file. Here is a brief overview of each type:
SMF0: All the tracks or parts are merged into one single track or part. This means that all the MIDI messages are mixed together and share the same time base. This type of file is simple and compact, but it does not allow for much flexibility or editing.
SMF1: Each track or part is stored separately within the file. This means that each track or part can have its own MIDI messages and time base. This type of file is more complex and larger, but it allows for more flexibility and editing.
SMF2: Each track or part can have multiple sub-tracks or sub-parts within the file. This means that each track or part can have different MIDI messages and time bases for different sections of music. This type of file is the most complex and largest, but it allows for the most flexibility and editing.
In this article, we will focus on the two most common types of MIDI files: SMF0 and SMF1, which are also known as Type 0 and Type 1 respectively.
Reasons to convert Type 1 to Type 0
Type 1 MIDI files are generally preferred over Type 0 MIDI files because they offer more advantages, such as:
They can store multiple tracks or parts of music, each with its own instrument or sound, which can create richer and more diverse musical arrangements.
They can preserve the original structure and organization of the music, which can make it easier to edit, modify, or rearrange later.
They can support more advanced features and functions, such as tempo changes, time signatures, lyrics, markers, meta-events, and system exclusive messages.
However, there are some situations where you might need to convert Type 1 MIDI files to Type 0 MIDI files, such as:
You want to play the MIDI file on a device or software application that only supports Type 0 MIDI files. For example, some older synthesizers, sequencers, or players may not be able to read Type 1 MIDI files.
You want to reduce the size of the MIDI file by merging all the tracks or parts into one. For example, some devices or software applications may have limited memory or storage capacity that cannot handle large Type 1 MIDI files.
You want to simplify the MIDI file by removing unnecessary or redundant tracks or parts. For example, some devices or software applications may not be able to handle complex Type 1 MIDI files with too many tracks or parts.
In any case, converting Type 1 MIDI files to Type 0 MIDI files is not a difficult task, especially if you have a Mac computer and some handy software applications. In the next sections, we will show you how to do it using three different software applications: SuperMidi, MIDI Player & Converter, and Sweet MIDI Converter.
How to convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using SuperMidi
What is SuperMidi and how does it work?
SuperMidi is a free and open-source software application that allows you to convert, edit, play, and record MIDI files on your Mac. It supports both Type 0 and Type 1 MIDI files, as well as other formats such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, OGG, FLAC, and M4A. It also has a built-in synthesizer that can generate sounds from various instruments and soundfonts.
SuperMidi works by reading the MIDI data from the input file and processing it according to your settings and preferences. You can choose which tracks or parts to include or exclude in the output file, as well as adjust the volume, pan, reverb, chorus, tempo, pitch bend range, and other parameters for each track or part. You can also add new tracks or parts by recording your own performance using a keyboard or a mouse. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can save the output file in your desired format and location.
Step-by-step guide to convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using SuperMidi
To convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using SuperMidi, follow these steps:
Download SuperMidi from its official website here. The latest version is SuperMidi v2.6.2 as of June 2023.
Install SuperMidi on your Mac by dragging the SuperMidi.app file to the Applications folder. You may need to grant permission to open the app by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General and clicking on Open Anyway.
Launch SuperMidi and click on File > Open to browse and select the Type 1 MIDI file that you want to convert. You can also drag and drop the file onto the SuperMidi window.
Once the file is loaded, you will see a list of tracks or parts on the left side of the window, and a piano roll view of the MIDI data on the right side of the window. You can click on each track or part to see its details, such as name, instrument, channel, volume, pan, reverb, chorus, and events. You can also play, pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward the file using the buttons at the bottom of the window.
To convert the Type 1 MIDI file to Type 0, you need to merge all the tracks or parts into one. To do this, click on Edit > Merge All Tracks. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm your action. Click on OK to proceed.
After merging all the tracks or parts, you will see only one track or part on the left side of the window, with the name "Merged". You can rename it if you want by double-clicking on it and typing a new name. You can also adjust its parameters as you wish by clicking on them and using the sliders or text boxes.
Now you are ready to save the converted Type 0 MIDI file. To do this, click on File > Save As and choose a location and a name for the output file. Make sure to select "MIDI File" as the format and "Type 0" as the type from the drop-down menus. Click on Save to finish.
Congratulations! You have successfully converted a Type 1 MIDI file to Type 0 for Mac using SuperMidi.
Tips and tricks for using SuperMidi
Here are some tips and tricks for using SuperMidi more effectively:
You can use keyboard shortcuts to perform common actions faster. For example, you can use Command+O to open a file, Command+S to save a file, Command+Z to undo an action, Command+Y to redo an action, Command+A to select all tracks or parts, Command+C to copy tracks or parts, Command+V to paste tracks or parts, Command+X to cut tracks or parts, Command+D to duplicate tracks or parts, Command+M to merge tracks or parts, Command+R to record a new track or part, Command+P to play or pause the file, Command+[ to rewind the file, and Command+] to fast-forward the file.
You can use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the piano roll view of the MIDI data. You can also drag and drop the piano roll view to move it horizontally or vertically.
You can edit individual MIDI events by double-clicking on them in the piano roll view. A dialog box will appear showing you the details of the event, such as type, channel, value, time, and length. You can change any of these parameters by using the sliders or text boxes. You can also delete an event by clicking on Delete Event at the bottom of the dialog box.
You can add new MIDI events by right-clicking on an empty space in the piano roll view and choosing Add Event from the context menu. A dialog box will appear asking you to select a type of event from a list of options, such as Note On, Note Off, Program Change, Control Change, Pitch Bend, System Exclusive, or Meta Event. You can then enter the parameters for the event using the sliders or text boxes. You can also drag and drop an event from one track or part to another.
You can change the instrument or sound of a track or part by clicking on the instrument name on the left side of the window and choosing a new one from a list of options. You can also load your own soundfonts by clicking on File > Load Soundfont and selecting a .sf2 file from your computer.
You can export the MIDI file as an audio file by clicking on File > Export Audio and choosing a format, such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, OGG, FLAC, or M4A. You can also adjust the quality, sample rate, bit rate, and channels of the audio file before saving it.
For more information and help on using SuperMidi, you can visit its official website here or its GitHub page here.
How to convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using MIDI Player & Converter
What is MIDI Player & Converter and how does it work?
MIDI Player & Converter is a paid software application that allows you to convert, edit, play, and record MIDI files on your Mac. It supports both Type 0 and Type 1 MIDI files, as well as other formats such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, OGG, FLAC, M4A, and M4R. It also has a built-in synthesizer that can generate sounds from various instruments and soundfonts.
MIDI Player & Converter works by reading the MIDI data from the input file and processing it according to your settings and preferences. You can choose which tracks or parts to include or exclude in the output file, as well as adjust the volume, pan, reverb, chorus, tempo, pitch bend range, and other parameters for each track or part. You can also add new tracks or parts by recording your own performance using a keyboard or a microphone. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can save the output file in your desired format and location.
Step-by-step guide to convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using MIDI Player & Converter
To convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using MIDI Player & Converter, follow these steps:
Download MIDI Player & Converter from its official website here. The latest version is MIDI Player & Converter v1.8.9 as of June 2023. The price of the software is $9.99 USD.
Install MIDI Player & Converter on your Mac by double-clicking on the MIDIPlayerConverter.dmg file and following the instructions. You may need to grant permission to open the app by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General and clicking on Open Anyway.
Launch MIDI Player & Converter and click on File > Open to browse and select the Type 1 MIDI file that you want to convert. You can also drag and drop the file onto the MIDI Player & Converter window.
Once the file is loaded, you will see a list of tracks or parts on the left side of the window, and a piano roll view of the MIDI data on the right side of the window. You can click on each track or part to see its details, such as name, instrument, channel, volume, pan, reverb, chorus, and events. You can also play, pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward the file using the buttons at the bottom of the window.
To convert the Type 1 MIDI file to Type 0, you need to merge all the tracks or parts into one. To do this, click on Edit > Merge All Tracks. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm your action. Click on OK to proceed.
After merging all the tracks or parts, you will see only one track or part on the left side of the window, with the name "Merged". You can rename it if you want by double-clicking on it and typing a new name. You can also adjust its parameters as you wish by clicking on them and using the sliders or text boxes.
Now you are ready to save the converted Type 0 MIDI file. To do this, click on File > Save As and choose a location and a name for the output file. Make sure to select "MIDI File" as the format and "Type 0" as the type from the drop-down menus. Click on Save to finish.
Congratulations! You have successfully converted a Type 1 MIDI file to Type 0 for Mac using MIDI Player & Converter.
Tips and tricks for using MIDI Player & Converter
Here are some tips and tricks for using MIDI Player & Converter more effectively:
You can use keyboard shortcuts to perform common actions faster. For example, you can use Command+O to open a file, Command+S to save a file, Command+Z to undo an action, Command+Y to redo an action, Command+A to select all tracks or parts, Command+C to copy tracks or parts, Command+V to paste tracks or parts, Command+X to cut tracks or parts, Command+D to duplicate tracks or parts, Command+M to merge tracks or parts, Command+R to record a new track or part, Command+P to play or pause the file, Command+[ to rewind the file, and Command+] to fast-forward the file.
You can use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the piano roll view of the MIDI data. You can also drag and drop the piano roll view to move it horizontally or vertically.
You can edit individual MIDI events by double-clicking on them in the piano roll view. A dialog box will appear showing you the details of the event, such as type, channel, value, time, and length. You can change any of these parameters by using the sliders or text boxes. You can also delete an event by clicking on Delete Event at the bottom of the dialog box.
You can add new MIDI events by right-clicking on an empty space in the piano roll view and choosing Add Event from the context menu. A dialog box will appear asking you to select a type of event from a list of options, such as Note On, Note Off, Program Change, Control Change, Pitch Bend, System Exclusive, or Meta Event. You can then enter the parameters for the event using the sliders or text boxes. You can also drag and drop an event from one track or part to another.
You can change the instrument or sound of a track or part by clicking on the instrument name on the left side of the window and choosing a new one from a list of options. You can also load your own soundfonts by clicking on File > Load Soundfont and selecting a .sf2 file from your computer.
You can export the MIDI file as an audio file by clicking on File > Export Audio and choosing a format, such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, OGG, FLAC, M4A, or M4R. You can also adjust the quality, sample rate, bit rate, and channels of the audio file before saving it.
For more information and help on using MIDI Player & Converter, you can visit its official website here or its App Store page here.
How to convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using Sweet MIDI Converter
What is Sweet MIDI Converter and how does it work?
Sweet MIDI Converter is a paid software application that allows you to convert, edit, play, and record MIDI files on your Mac. It supports both Type 0 and Type 1 MIDI files, as well as other formats such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, OGG, FLAC, M4A, and M4R. It also has a built-in synthesizer that can generate sounds from various instruments and soundfonts.
Sweet MIDI Converter works by reading the MIDI data from the input file and processing it according to your settings and preferences. You can choose which tracks or parts to include or exclude in the output file, as well as adjust the volume, pan, reverb, chorus, tempo, pitch bend range, and other parameters for each track or part. You can also add new tracks or parts by recording your own performance using a keyboard or a microphone. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can save the output file in your desired format and location.
Step-by-step guide to convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using Sweet MIDI Converter
To convert Type 1 MIDI to Type 0 for Mac using Sweet MIDI Converter, follow these steps:
Download Sweet MIDI Converter from its official website here. The latest version is Sweet MIDI Converter v1.7.6 as of June 2023. The price of the software is $24.95 USD.
Install Sweet MIDI Converter on your Mac by double-clicking on the SweetMIDIConverter.dmg file and following the instructions. You may need to grant permission to open the app by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General and clicking on Open Anyway.
Launch Sweet MIDI Converter and click on File > Open to browse and select the Type 1 MIDI file that you want to convert. You can also drag and drop the file onto the Sweet MIDI Converter window.
Once the file is loaded, you will see a list of tracks or parts on the left side of the window, and a piano roll view of the MIDI data on the right side of the window. You can click on each track or part to see its details, such as name, instrument, channel, volume, pan, reverb, chorus, and events. You can also play, pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward the file using the buttons at the bottom of the window.
To convert the Type 1 MIDI file to Type 0, you need to merge all the tracks or parts into one. To do this, click on Edit > Merge All Tracks. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm your action. Click on OK to proceed.
After merging all the tracks or parts, you will see only one track or part on the left side of the window, with the name "Merged". You can rename it if you want by double-clicking on it and typing a new name. You can also adjust its parameters as you wish by clicking on them and using the sliders or text boxes.
Now you are ready to save the converted Type 0 MIDI file. To do this, click on File > Save As and choose a location and a name for the output file. Make sure to select "MIDI File" as the format and "Type 0" as the type from the dro