MIDI Formats and Conversion Programs

Standard MIDI files come in different varieties, 0 and 1 being the most common. The PDS-128 and PDS-128 Plus units will only play type 0 files. This is the most compatible format, and is supported by the largest number of instruments. It is also the preferred format to use for final delivery of MIDI data because such files can be read from disk more quickly than multi-track (type 1) files.

However, many sources distribute MIDI files using format 1. In order to play such a file on your PianoDisc system, you will need to convert it to format 0. Converting between MIDI file types is usually done via a MIDI "sequencer". However, stand-alone utilities also exist. At the bottom of this page we provide you with a link to a page that has such utilities that you can download.

It is important to note that in order for your piano to play, one of the patches (sounds) needs to be either "Acoustic Piano" (0) or "Bright Acoustic Piano" (1). Some MIDI files may need to be edited with a sequencer in order to set the correct sound for a particular track (or part). If you have the symphony option on your PDS unit, you will also be able to hear the other instruments that are part of the MIDI file.

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide technical support for these third-party update utilities. The utilities are freeware and can be found at: www2.iicm.edu/cpub. You will be looking for the conversion called MIDI1to0.zip.

Go back to MIDI Files.